[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by mandms

Thanks very much for all the advice.
Arubalisa, the fact that you are going to the same hotel for your fourth visit is enough recommendation in itself. I am very jealous that you will be in Aruba for Christmas. We are in Maya Riviera from 5/12 to 20/12 so will be back in raining, cold, dark, miserable UK for Christmas. Yuck.

Funny we considered MR for Christmas but went with Aruba instead. We would have been arriving as you were leaving.

Some review sites have people complaining about the fact that you have to be up early to book a particular restaurant each day.

This is true. For the best selection of restaurant and dining time, you want to be on line early. If you want to take your chances or don't mind eating at the buffet, then this is not a problem. Others here have said you could just call the concierge from your room to make the reservation, but we have not had any luck with that and were flat out told not to bother. It may depend on "who you know" not "what you know". Some of us are just luckier than others.

Looking at the web (not just this site), I don't think I have ever seen such positive reviews of any place to those that Aruba attracts. I have not seen one bad review of the island itself.

Imo, those who do not like Aruba are those who are: 1. not "beach lovers" and do not find Aruba interesting or exciting enough and 2. those who are expecting Aruba to be a lush tropical paradise only to find a semi-arid desert like island with beautiful white sand beaches.

Anyone who sees a white haired fortysomething guy with a British accent on the island from 27/8 to 10/09 please say hello. Can't be that many of us on the Island. I get the impression that the vast majority of visitors to the island are American. No bad thing, good not to have to worry about British lagerlouts ruining our holidays and embarrassing us.

I think you will be surprised at the number of Brits. The past two times we have been to the Tamarijn there have been a fair number. This past June we had a lovely retired couple from Liverpool as our neighbors. Lots of nice chats.

Will post pics when we return.

Will surely look forward to seeing them. Especially the beach and it's condition.