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Moderator
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 3,764
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 Great question for sure. One my husband asks me each and every day 
Comparisons- Radisson is non- all inclusive & Tamarijn is all inclusive
- If you are big drinkers-- Radisson drinks are $$$ & drinks at the Tam "free" (or at least incl. in what you already paid)
- If you are big eaters-- Radisson make sure the breakfast buffet is part of your package and be prepared for $50/couple lunches on site at Gilligan's (figure 2 sandwiches & 2 beverages) & Tamarijn all food and snacks are included at a choice of 8 dining options and 7 bars at either the Tam or neighboring sister resort the Divi (all amenities are shared between the 2 resorts)
- Radisson considered a 4 star resort & Tamarin considered a 3 star resort
- Radisson located on Palm Beach in busy active high-rise area & Tamarijn located on Druif Beach (Eagle Beach) in laid back, low key low rise area
- Radisson located on 14 acres including 3 towers of guest rooms spread out over the property on a long stretch of beach & Tamarijn guestrooms are all directly oceanfront, right on the beach, some buildings at the Tam have rocks in front of them to prevent erosion and the resort does take requests to try to honor room/building preferences. Good map of the Tamarijn at http://www.divigolf.com/resortMap_Tamarijn.html Little circles such as those in front of buildings 15 - 18 represent rocks
- Radisson 2 zero entry free form swimming pools & Tamarijn one plain swimming pool and use of two similar pools at the Divi
IMHO, if you cannot decide between the positives of staying at either resort, then let your budget be your guide.  There are no bad oceanfront resorts in which to stay in Aruba. We have chosen the Tamarijn for our vacation in June over the Radisson and in doing so will be able to stay a few extra nights because overall it will be less expensive.
For some help with budgeting for meals if staying at a NON all-inclusive see these threads:
http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/price-dinners-28157/ Price of Dinners http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/how-much-money-take-27777/ How Much Money To Take
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