Just got back from 2 weeks AI at HI on Feb 24/06.It will be a great trip.The Aruba tower is renovated. We were in Bonaire (middle tower) which was not; but was still o.k. It was worn, but very serviceable. The Curacao tower is a bit removed and there is construction outside/behind. The food is not fabulous, but O.K. The steaks are usually very good; quesadillas were a fave too. The SeaBreeze outside patio/grille a few steps up from the beach gives a great view. The weekly beach barbecue is excellent. There is usually a nice little 'show' every night.The new pool and large deck is excellent, and gives enough room for the shows. The newly renamed Boardwalk Cafe, now Corals, is the large cafeteria with incredible noise levels It gets wearing very quickly,as there is absolutely no sound absorption. One Saturday night, they shut it for no apparent reason; so the lineups were ridiculous elsewhere. The 'fine dining' Miramar is now DaVinci; and they've stopped taking reservations: so it's yet another place to line up.Management seems to be taking weirdness lessons. There are LOTS of restaurants in walking distance. Bus service to Arashi Beach (for snorkeling) is easy; as is town. HI is an old hotel, built in 67, so architecture is out of date, but their open lobby (no doors,just semi shutter windows) with breeze is still nicer than the 'superlux'hotels,because it is airy;and has a friendly lobby bar with inside/outside seating by the garden with ocean view! The beach is also the BEST. Just don't ever think that you'll get a 'chickee' (palapa hut)in the morning unless you 'tip' the beach guy the day before. There were lots of complaints about this; but we just went later, when others had left, as we don't 'broil' for fun. You can walk for miles on the beaches, also along the oceanside walkway along the hotels,even at night, since there is a lot of lighting. It is interesting to see a lot of late middle aged people out for 'power walks' very early on the beach and along the roadways. Also remember this about any destination,(or home for that matter): it is unwise for young women to go out with men they do not know. Enough said. Natalee stayed at the HI; although it had nothing to do with her story.
There is a pier (Pelican Pier) next to the hotel where you can get various snorkeling/sailing/tours etc.
The best snorkeling is on the Tranquilo, which is a monohull sailboat which takes you to a reef where you can see down about 20 feet, and drift along with the current behind the captain's dinghy . It's amazing. Look in yellow pages in room;or on the net.
Have a great trip!