All Inclusive?? Which one?

aludwick · 07-08-2008, 04:50 PM

Hey guys,

My honeymoon is next May and we are going back to the little island we got engaged at, Aruba!! I cannot wait. Last time we stayed at the Marriott Stellaris and Casino. We absolutely loved it. This time we would like to go all inclusive. I have visited a few websites and found the Occidental, Renaissance, and Tamarijn are all, all inclusive. So, which one should we choose???

Any info on food, accomodations, and stuff to do would be most helpful!!

Thanks guys!

*Arubalisa* · 07-08-2008, 05:00 PM

I would decide whether you prefer Palm Beach or Druif Beach (where the Divi and Tamarijn are located).

You already are familiar with Palm Beach. If you have to have a glitzy resort and your pocketbook can afford it, the choices would be the Riu Palace and the Occiidental. 3 star would be the Holiday Inn. The Westin has an all inclusive option, but imho, too much fine print.

Below are from our stay at the Tamarijn in December. We were there again last month and enjoyed it just as well. Still working on photos and a review.

Our Tamarijn Aruba Trip Report Christmas & New Years 2007
Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Beach Resort Photos

Graham Flanagan · 07-09-2008, 04:36 PM

Personally, I prefer the Palm Beach location (there is more to do in the area in my opinion), hence, I would choose an AI in the high rise area. As for a specific AI, it really depends on what you want to spend. The Riu/Occidental/Holdiday Inn are all good hotels in the area, however they cater to people with different budgets. Indeed, the Holiday Inn is less expensive than the Riu, however, it is not as lavish as the Riu in terms of accomodations/dining options.

bishop · 07-10-2008, 12:54 PM

I would recommend the tamarijn. all rooms right on the water steps away from the sand. you get to use the divi aruba resort next door also. gives you 8 restaurants and 6 beach bars, free nightly entertainment, free non-motorized sports like snorkel, scuba lesson, kayaks, climbing wall, windsurfers, fitness center, free golf cart ride to and from divi, tamarijn and alhambra casino. can use 9 pools between all the divi complexes including on other side of road. see thweir website at www.megaresorts.com for pix, menus, prices etc. I would not book through them directly but get a vacation package from aavacations.com or www.expedia.com for a cheaper price. kids under 18 stay and eat for free.

JOANIE A · 07-10-2008, 01:02 PM

Since it is your honeymoon - i would recommend the high rise palm beach area. Much more to do and much nicer accomodations.

Joanie a

RoseG · 07-12-2008, 09:49 AM

Like others have posted, it depends upon what YOU are looking for and like as far as a resort. We stayed at the Occidental (then the Allegro) 3x. We loved it there. We haven't been there since it was renovated but have heard mixed reviews. The Riu to me is TOO over done if you really want an Island feel. We stayed at the Divi last year and we like it better because it has more of an island feel and does not ever seem to be as crowded as the hi-rise area.
Also you have to consider your budget. At night there is more available as far as casinos. The low rise only has the Alambro Casino. You can always take a taxi or bus no matter where you stay. Just go with what you like. Remember it's your honeymoon!
Good luck.
I'm ready to start packing

Rose

macalh · 07-17-2008, 09:21 AM

Hi,

I stayed at the RIU last February and although it is beautiful, it is much too big and seems more like Las Vegas than Aruba. Also, we had a problem communicating with many of the staff since they were from the DR and did not speak much English. That is very unusual for Aruba staff.

My choice would be Occidental. I own several timeshares there and love being there. It is big enough to have all the amenities of a hotel but still give you the tropical island feel.

If you would llike to save some money, I can help you get a suite instead of a hotel room(through my timeshare) and you can add the all inclusive at a members rate. Get your price from your travel agent and then get in touch with me. The sooner you do it, the better Suite I can get. macalh@aol.com

Whatever you do, enjoy!

topazz11 · 07-28-2008, 10:26 PM

How much is the AI member rate?

07-08-2008, 04:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
aludwick Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: The Beaches, The lighthouse, El Gaucho, Cigar Bar, Shopping area Posts: 1	All Inclusive?? Which one? Hey guys, My honeymoon is next May and we are going back to the little island we got engaged at, Aruba!! I cannot wait. Last time we stayed at the Marriott Stellaris and Casino. We absolutely loved it. This time we would like to go all inclusive. I have visited a few websites and found the Occidental, Renaissance, and Tamarijn are all, all inclusive. So, which one should we choose??? Any info on food, accomodations, and stuff to do would be most helpful!! Thanks guys!

07-08-2008, 05:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 6,602 Images: 68	I would decide whether you prefer Palm Beach or Druif Beach (where the Divi and Tamarijn are located). You already are familiar with Palm Beach. If you have to have a glitzy resort and your pocketbook can afford it, the choices would be the Riu Palace and the Occiidental. 3 star would be the Holiday Inn. The Westin has an all inclusive option, but imho, too much fine print. Below are from our stay at the Tamarijn in December. We were there again last month and enjoyed it just as well. Still working on photos and a review. Our Tamarijn Aruba Trip Report Christmas & New Years 2007 Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Beach Resort Photos __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba Back to paradise Trip #19

07-09-2008, 04:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
Graham Flanagan Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Age: 39 Posts: 115	I would prefer an AI hotel in the High Rise Area Personally, I prefer the Palm Beach location (there is more to do in the area in my opinion), hence, I would choose an AI in the high rise area. As for a specific AI, it really depends on what you want to spend. The Riu/Occidental/Holdiday Inn are all good hotels in the area, however they cater to people with different budgets. Indeed, the Holiday Inn is less expensive than the Riu, however, it is not as lavish as the Riu in terms of accomodations/dining options.

07-12-2008, 09:49 AM	#6 (permalink)
RoseG Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 34	Like others have posted, it depends upon what YOU are looking for and like as far as a resort. We stayed at the Occidental (then the Allegro) 3x. We loved it there. We haven't been there since it was renovated but have heard mixed reviews. The Riu to me is TOO over done if you really want an Island feel. We stayed at the Divi last year and we like it better because it has more of an island feel and does not ever seem to be as crowded as the hi-rise area. Also you have to consider your budget. At night there is more available as far as casinos. The low rise only has the Alambro Casino. You can always take a taxi or bus no matter where you stay. Just go with what you like. Remember it's your honeymoon! Good luck. I'm ready to start packing Rose __________________ Rose G [url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]

07-17-2008, 09:21 AM	#7 (permalink)
macalh Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 81	Honeymoom Hi, I stayed at the RIU last February and although it is beautiful, it is much too big and seems more like Las Vegas than Aruba. Also, we had a problem communicating with many of the staff since they were from the DR and did not speak much English. That is very unusual for Aruba staff. My choice would be Occidental. I own several timeshares there and love being there. It is big enough to have all the amenities of a hotel but still give you the tropical island feel. If you would llike to save some money, I can help you get a suite instead of a hotel room(through my timeshare) and you can add the all inclusive at a members rate. Get your price from your travel agent and then get in touch with me. The sooner you do it, the better Suite I can get. macalh@aol.com Whatever you do, enjoy!

07-10-2008, 12:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
bishop Banned Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 40	I would recommend the tamarijn. all rooms right on the water steps away from the sand. you get to use the divi aruba resort next door also. gives you 8 restaurants and 6 beach bars, free nightly entertainment, free non-motorized sports like snorkel, scuba lesson, kayaks, climbing wall, windsurfers, fitness center, free golf cart ride to and from divi, tamarijn and alhambra casino. can use 9 pools between all the divi complexes including on other side of road. see thweir website at www.megaresorts.com for pix, menus, prices etc. I would not book through them directly but get a vacation package from aavacations.com or www.expedia.com for a cheaper price. kids under 18 stay and eat for free.

07-10-2008, 01:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
JOANIE A Member Join Date: May 2007 Age: 52 Posts: 78	Since it is your honeymoon - i would recommend the high rise palm beach area. Much more to do and much nicer accomodations. Joanie a

07-28-2008, 10:26 PM	#8 (permalink)
topazz11 Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3	How much is the AI member rate?