Quote:
Originally Posted by Arubalisa
Since you just completed a stay at the Radisson, you may be interested in a comparison I wrote between the Radisson and the Tamarijn. The two are entirely different types of resorts, but this will give you some food for thought. After staying at the Radisson four times, and Palm Beach many others, moving to the Tamarijn was like night and day. Truthfully at the beginning we were in shock and were not really sure how we would enjoy it.
I have written pretty extensively about our experiences with the Tamarijn in the following threads.
Tamarijn All Inclusive 12/22 - 1/3/08 Overview
Tamarijn All Inclusive 12/22 - 1/3/08 Getting There
Tamarijn All Inclusive 12/22 - 1/3/08 Food, Beverage & Service
Tamarijn All Inclusive 12/22 - 1/3/08 The Activities
Tamarijn All Inclusive 12/22 - 1/3/08 The Rooms
Tamarijn All Inclusive 12/22 - 1/3/08 The Rest of Our Vacation
Tamarijn Aruba June 12 - 24 (Long) our experience last year at the Tamarijn
Tamarijn June 17 - 29, 2009 (Long) our experience this year at the Tamarijn
Hopefully these would give you a feel for the place. The Tamarijn is definitely not even a four star resort, but there are many tradeoffs.
Our dd, though now growing out of it, enjoyed the kids club at the Tamarijn. It is included in the price of your stay. Children under the age of 5 are invited to particpate with the assistance of a parent. Sample activities http://www.arubabound.com/accommo/tamarijn_kidsclub.jpg
Kids 17 and under stay free at the Tamarijn, this enables us to extend our vacation.
Food at the Tamarijn in not gourment by any means. HOWEVER, there are a wide variety of choices and imo, very good ala carte choices. You are able to use all of the facilites and amenities of both the Tamarijn and her nearby (within walking distance or use the shuttle provided) sister resort the Divi. Between the two resorts, for dinner, there are choice of 4 ala carte restaurants and 2 buffets.
Palm Beach is the only beach on Aruba with resorts where you can find "guaranteed" calm water, storms not considered, then all bets everywhere are off.
Our recent stay at the Tamarijn we had some days with 3 foot swells and others the waves were non-existant. Somedays the water is crystal clear and other days it is not.
With kids staying free, obviously the Tamarijn is a family resort. No problems there whatsoever.
Not exactly sure what you mean. The Tamarijn has a self serve soft ice cream machine and self service soda. 
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Each post you write, you give more and more information. You are a wealth of info!!!
With my last bullet you hit it on the head. I knew what I was writing, and you guessed it. And also meaning that if they walk up to the bar and ask for something will they get it with somewhat ease. I saw in one of your reviews that your daughter had a problem at the bar.
I will not allow my small children to be alone, but if I'm standing there will they be able to ask for what they want. I guess more to the tune of "kid friendly"
The Tam kinda does not fit the bill with your review, because of the beach. I would like to have calm waters (not talking storms). a 3 foot swell would swallow my daughter
. And I also read that you spoke about the beach erosion there, and the rocks by the beach.
I will keep reading and looking into things.
Any info on the Renaissance (Marriot)? I was just looking at their site and the price does not seem that bad.
I was also looking at the Occidental and the Riu. I guess I will have to stick with something on Palm Beach, since the water is very important. I wish the Radisson did an All-Inclusive, my decision would be made!