We were in Aruba 19 May- 27 May. Our first time there, first time to the Carribbean for that matter. We are from California and generally go to Hawaii, but decided to try something different.

We stayed at the Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino. The room was very clean, a decent size, great view of the ocean and pool. Staff was generally nice (except the towel lady by the pool, she was a bit scarey. Don't try to get towels twice in the same day, if you do send different people from your group so she won't remember you, ha ha ha).

The thing we enjoyed most about the island was the incredibly warm water and super soft sand. This was definitely better.

We rented a Suzuki Jimny with help from the hotel concierge. Thought it was a really good deal only $120 for 3 days from 2 plus rental car. Turns out the car was falling apart, very rusted, holes in the seats and the tires pretty bald. We felt it wasn't the safest car to take into the countryside and returned it the following day for a jeep. At first they tried to give us a really bad deal but Amigo Rental Car is across the street and as soon as they saw us walk across the street, they soon changed their minds and gave us a great deal. The jeep was much better. 2 plus I guess is also a part of Economy which is where the jeep came from.

We went horseback riding on to the natural pool with rancho diamari (don't know if spelled correctly). The tour guide and rest of staff was very nice. However, the horses were a bit on the wild side with minds of their own. One girl was thrown off her horse and another was kicked by a horse while riding her horse (both seemed to only have minor injuries, but still scarey). My husband's horse decided to roll in the sand while he was riding it, he felt like he could have easily had his leg crushed by the horse. You do, however, get some amazing views and a quick dip in the natural pool.

We visited Baby Beach, a nice spot. Very nice water and decent snorkeling. Our favorite beach was Eagle beach, not too many people and the water is gorgeous. The beach at the hotel was great as well, just more people.

We ate as several restaraunts. Our favorite was the Flying Fishbone, great sunset and good food. Service in Aruba is a bit lacking, at many restaraunts we were never offered any more drinks, our water glasses never refilled. Maybe we are just used to California, but even in Europe service wasn't that bad.

Overall, people are pretty friendly I guess. At first we thought maybe they are a bit rude when the service wasn't up to our norm, but then just figured it was just they way the island was and they aren't trying to be rude at all. I was slightly disappointed/saddened by all the garbage on the "highway" as well as at many of the more secluded beaches. The island is so beautiful it is sad to see so much garbage.

We really enjoyed the jolly pirate. The staff was the friendliest we had encountered, they always made sure your needs were met both while snorkeling and on the boat. The rope swing was a blast. Open bar from the time you walk on the boat til the time you step off. Food not too bad for boat trip.

We didn't find that food was any more expensive than at home. The ATM at the hotel did not charge to withdraw money.

It was a great trip. I don't know if we will go back to Aruba, we may try another island in the Carribbean, but I am definitely glad we went. Much different than Hawaii. The beaches and water are better in Aruba, but the people are more friendly and the islands much cleaner in Hawaii.