shopping for a needed vacation

roscoe · 07-26-2009, 12:18 PM

Hello people,
I am presently looking into a vacation at either the Holiday Inn Aruba or the Westin hotel.

Any feedback?

Thanks immensely.

*Arubalisa* · 07-26-2009, 12:35 PM

The Westin is a better quality resort, the only exception being the pool area.

The pool area at the HI was renovated a few years back and is very nice. IMO, the Westin pool area is a bit outdated. The rest of the Westin property was renovated a few years back.

We have used MCM Tours http://www.aruba4u.com/ for our travel to Aruba. Just looked at their website and they have what looks to be a pretty nice special for the Westin which inludes their daily breakfast buffet. This alone is a great value, probably worth at least $40/couple per day.

roscoe · 07-26-2009, 01:00 PM

Thanks. much appreciated. But anything specifically about the Holiday Inn that I should know of.

*Arubalisa* · 07-26-2009, 01:13 PM

Two of the three towers had their rooms renovated a few years back and there are few complaints. The older NON-renovated tower though receive many complaints.

When booking I would make sure that you find out the difference between the towers and if necessary what category accommodations you would need to book to avoid them. MCM can answer your specific questions on that.

If you require shade there are usually line ups early a.m. for shade palapas at the Holiday Inn. You will find this at most resorts though so not necessarily just a HI issue.

hpep · 07-26-2009, 05:06 PM

I have stayed at the Holiday Inn with my husband and 2 kids. I will say honestly that it is a 3 star and nothing more. I would stay there again but it would not be my first choice. The best thing about the HI is the location. It is clean but definately does not have a resort feel to it. But you are in Aruba and the beach is beautiful there. The pool is also nice. I can't say much about the food b/c we didn't eat there often. I ordered a burger one day and it was aweful. With all that said we paid like $130/night so I kept my complaints to myself b/c we couldn't beat the location. The hotel was clean and that was enough for me. We stayed in the Aruba tower and it would recommend only staying in the Aruba or Bonaire tower. The Curaco tower is set back and has not been renovated. I can't speak for the westin.

Shnyda · 07-27-2009, 07:51 AM

I'd reccomend Westin over Holiday Inn. The Westin just has a nicer look than the HI. HI is in a nice central spot though.

*Arubalisa* · 07-27-2009, 08:39 AM

Yes I would say the Westin as well. It may be "low" 4 star, but not in the same category as the HI which is definitely a 3 star.

CandyC55 · 07-27-2009, 10:11 AM

I've stayed at the Westin the past two years. I found it absolutely wonderful. We used the all inclusive plan. Every year had a wonderful stay it's a beautiful resort...

sunworshipperII · 07-27-2009, 08:37 PM

Why not try renting a timeshare frfom someone, either at marriott or playa linda. Gives you more room than a hotel room and sometimes not that much more.

07-26-2009, 12:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
roscoe Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3	shopping for a needed vacation Hello people, I am presently looking into a vacation at either the Holiday Inn Aruba or the Westin hotel. Any feedback? Thanks immensely.

07-26-2009, 12:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,685 Images: 80	The Westin is a better quality resort, the only exception being the pool area. The pool area at the HI was renovated a few years back and is very nice. IMO, the Westin pool area is a bit outdated. The rest of the Westin property was renovated a few years back. We have used MCM Tours http://www.aruba4u.com/ for our travel to Aruba. Just looked at their website and they have what looks to be a pretty nice special for the Westin which inludes their daily breakfast buffet. This alone is a great value, probably worth at least $40/couple per day. __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba

07-26-2009, 01:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,685 Images: 80	Two of the three towers had their rooms renovated a few years back and there are few complaints. The older NON-renovated tower though receive many complaints. When booking I would make sure that you find out the difference between the towers and if necessary what category accommodations you would need to book to avoid them. MCM can answer your specific questions on that. If you require shade there are usually line ups early a.m. for shade palapas at the Holiday Inn. You will find this at most resorts though so not necessarily just a HI issue. __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba

07-27-2009, 07:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
Shnyda Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Gold Coast Villas Age: 31 Posts: 362	I'd reccomend Westin over Holiday Inn. The Westin just has a nicer look than the HI. HI is in a nice central spot though. __________________ -E&K- Las Vegas 2010 Aruba SummerTrip 2010 is Paris/Munich Oktoberfest New Year's Celebration 2011 in Aruba is

07-27-2009, 08:39 AM	#7 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,685 Images: 80	Yes I would say the Westin as well. It may be "low" 4 star, but not in the same category as the HI which is definitely a 3 star. __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba

07-26-2009, 01:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
roscoe Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3	Thanks. much appreciated. But anything specifically about the Holiday Inn that I should know of.

07-26-2009, 05:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
hpep Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 19	I have stayed at the Holiday Inn with my husband and 2 kids. I will say honestly that it is a 3 star and nothing more. I would stay there again but it would not be my first choice. The best thing about the HI is the location. It is clean but definately does not have a resort feel to it. But you are in Aruba and the beach is beautiful there. The pool is also nice. I can't say much about the food b/c we didn't eat there often. I ordered a burger one day and it was aweful. With all that said we paid like $130/night so I kept my complaints to myself b/c we couldn't beat the location. The hotel was clean and that was enough for me. We stayed in the Aruba tower and it would recommend only staying in the Aruba or Bonaire tower. The Curaco tower is set back and has not been renovated. I can't speak for the westin.

07-27-2009, 10:11 AM	#8 (permalink)
CandyC55 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: natural pool Posts: 119	I've stayed at the Westin the past two years. I found it absolutely wonderful. We used the all inclusive plan. Every year had a wonderful stay it's a beautiful resort...

07-27-2009, 08:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
sunworshipperII Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Palm Beach, The Marriotts lazy river Posts: 600	Why not try renting a timeshare frfom someone, either at marriott or playa linda. Gives you more room than a hotel room and sometimes not that much more. __________________ [img] http://www.caribbeanmag.com/cd/Aruba...301300_101.gif[/img]