Aruba for first time - Hotel recommendations?

[Boston_Aruba]

Hi,
New to this forum.We are 2 adults traveling for first time just booked for mid May! Still trying to pick a nice hotel, lively and nice pools, fun happy hour but relaxing too. I hope for suggestions. We would like to be able to walk ourselves to town as well. THANK YOU!

[Divibound]

It all depends on what you are looking for in a hotel. 3 stars close to town in my opinion are Divi and Tam, they are AI and we are happy using there services while visiting. If you want the newer 4 and 5 stars you need to go down to the high rises. Buses are readily available from the Divi/Tam area.

[cindyo]

Try the Mariott Rennaissance suites if you want to be downtown. They have an adult hotel ( Marina towers) and suites. They are 2 seperate places that both have privilidges to. There is also the private island that a boat takes you out to every 15 minutes. On the private island is a restaurant, tennis courts, 2 beaches....we are on our 14th year at the Renn suites and wouldn't change a thing...

[Andrea J.]

RENAISSANCE marina tower or seaport suites downtown

Any hotel on Eagle Beach

Radisson Westin Hyatt on Palm Beach

[kgarv]

The Renaissance is good if you want to be downtown - they have a lively happy hour and atmosphere, plus a private beach for relaxing (haven't personally been there). The High Rise area is probably considered "in town" almost as much as downtown. We stay at the Marriott Stellaris and have loved it. The have a good happy hour and it's also relaxing. They usually play good music (except the one CD they play with 90's dance music - which they will change if nobody is enjoying it). The Hyatt is really nice too, but I don't know that it's worth the difference in price. We just walk down there to hang out sometimes. Enjoy your trip!