First time to Aruba

[jimmyv]

I am using my priority club points and airline miles to travel to Aruba this year. My girlfriend and I will be staying at the Holiday Inn from August 6, 2011 to August 13, 2011. I have read some bad reviews on the Holiday Inn, and I am wondering should I stay somewhere else during my first visit? I only have a few days left to try and find another place.

[Arubalisa]

Welcome to the forum.

As long as you know what to expect you should be fine.

The Holiday Inn is a 3 star resort. It has a very long stretch of beach and a very nice pool area.

It is within walking distance of a good number of restaurants and activities in the Palm beach area.

[Andrea J.]

welcome to the forum!!!

NO, stay put and use your priority perks!
the holiday inn sun spree resort is fine.
the hotel rooms are basic, with a king bed or 2 queens.
NICE pool.
lovely stretch of beach with shade huts.
tons of watersports.........tubing, parasailing .

the restaurants are good to mediocre.
will you be doing the all inclusive ?(meals and beverages)

holiday inn is in the midst of palm beach/hi rise area and there is plenty to do there.........restaurants, bars, casinos, evening activities.

go, enjoy, and you will be back!!

Originally Posted by jimmyv

I am using my priority club points and airline miles to travel to Aruba this year. My girlfriend and I will be staying at the Holiday Inn from August 6, 2011 to August 13, 2011. I have read some bad reviews on the Holiday Inn, and I am wondering should I stay somewhere else during my first visit? I only have a few days left to try and find another place.

[Windy]

We stayed at the HI last year, and I too was a little hesitant, but we had a great time! Our room was clean, housekeeping was very friendly! Take a small rope to tie inside the balcony to dry suits, etc on! (and clothespins!) Otherwise your things will blow away!
There are sample menus at the concierge desk, and they'll make your reservations for you.
The beach was crowded, so was the swimming, but the water was nice. The pool wasn't to crowded. We opted to NOT get up early to reserve a palapa, going off exploring in the morning. When we got back there was always a place in the shade (maybe under a palm tree until a palapa opened up!). The location was very handy to shops and some of the restaurants, and fun to walk among the kiosks in the evening. There's a Dunkin Donuts across the street (faster than the one down the beach)
Have fun! It's Aruba!

[minky1225]

Stay! I am not going to lie... I am a huge Marriott fan. So, with that being said, I feel it's okay to give you my honest opinion about the Holiday Inn.

Is it a 4 star hotel? No. However, it shares the same beach as the other 4 star hotels. Does it have marble in the bathrooms? No. But any person who goes to Aruba for their hotel bathroom needs a swift kick in the... Is it clean? Yes. Does it have fruity drinks from a blender? Yes. Does it have a casino? Yes. What more do you really need!

(I hope nobody from the Marriott is reading this right now) I happen to like the location of the Holiday Inn better than the Marriott because it is easier to walk to some of the local restaurants.

Have a wonderful trip, eat plenty, pack sunscreen, and I can't wait to hear about your trip when you get back!