Anne,
sorry to hear about your experience with HI but my wife and I have stayed there for the past 3 years and the only complaint we've had is that they dont allow you to check in until 3pm. I always request an earlier check in time but I always have to wait. We have never eaten in the HI so I cant comment on your dining experience but I do agree with the other writer so stated never do All Inclusive...there are too many great restaraunts in Aruba to be locked in to eating at the same hotel day in and day out. dining experiences in aruba are NOT expensive 2 people can eat reasonably for 40.00. My wife and I alternate between the moderately prices establishments and we go to nicers palces 2 or 3 times out of the week that we stay and at least one night we get a pizza. So food is really what you make of it. I understand the people who go for 7 to 10 weeks but in the same respects if you can afford to go to Aruba for 7 to 10 weeks I wouldnt think that you have any money worries...cmon 7 to 10 weeks in paradise and too cheap to go out to eat!!!