First Timers Choosing Hotel

[Dean Martin]

Any advice for first timers re; hotel/casino? We "think" we have it narrowed down to Hyatt, Marriott or Raddison. They all seem to have very nice rooms, pools and beaches so that leaves the restaurants and casino's that might make the difference. We love the beach but the casino is important too as we'll both most likely play about 4 hours each night (we're VP players)

Also... is it best to book directly w/ the hotel or use a travel agent? I know when we go to Vegas it's always better to deal directly w/ the hotel but everywhere is different. I see a lot of the hotel websites have specials currently going but they are mostly for now thru Dec. We're looking at March since it's our 20th anniversary but if there's a big difference in the time of year, we're not at all against moiving our dates.

I gusss what I'm asking is, is there a busy (high) season and a low season or is it about the same all year roond?

Thanks in adnace! Dino

[qlaval]

The Hyatt is probably the best choice of the three.
Try to find yourself the best deal/price and then contact a travel agent to see if he can beat that...

The island is nice all year around, it's more a matter of when you would like to go.
During high season the main difference is the amount of tourists on the island and the higher accomodation cost.

[Andrea J.]

high season is christmas thru about early april.
end of january thru most of feb is very high season.

spring and summer is busy but not over the top busy or crowded

fall is less busy except during thanksgivng week where it picks up a bit and then it falls offto pretty slow til about a week before christmas when the masses arrive.

my choice on your hotels would be the radisson

marriotts beach is crowded and sometimes mucky/murky then again sometimes is perfect
hyatt is nice but one cannot sit out on the balconies as they are just a step out baclony
radisson is great.

ever thought of renting a timeshare unit?
very good values out there and there are some excellent places!!!

Originally Posted by Dean Martin

I gusss what I'm asking is, is there a busy (high) season and a low season or is it about the same all year roond?

Thanks in adnace! Dino

[Arubalisa]

For best rates at the Radisson (our favorite), better beach than the Hyatt, check out MCM Tours. http://www.aruba4u.com/ They include the breakfast buffet with their packages which is worth about $40 per couple.

[Dean Martin]

Thanks for all the great advice

Excuse my ignorrance but are any of the time-shares located at resorts that are right on the beach and have a casino right there where you're staying?

Also, are all of the casino's closed until noon each day? I know when we go out to Vegas, (I am an early riser so) I like to go to the casino for an hour while enjoying my morning coffee.

[cindyo]

Originally Posted by Dean Martin

Thanks for all the great advice

Excuse my ignorrance but are any of the time-shares located at resorts that are right on the beach and have a casino right there where you're staying?

Also, are all of the casino's closed until noon each day? I know when we go out to Vegas, (I am an early riser so) I like to go to the casino for an hour while enjoying my morning coffee.

Rennaissance Suites/Rennaissance Marina towers...

[Dean Martin]

The more we read and check prices, we're starting to lean more towards the Radisson.

Although, now it looks like I owe it to myself to look at the Rennaissance Suites/Rennaissance Marina towers too...

I see the Marriott Rennaissance Suites/Rennaissance Marina towers also offers a rate that includes meals... is there any downside to this pkg? Didn't I read somewhere here that you have to make reservations for those meals the day before and stand i nline in the AM to do so? Or am I mixing them up w/ another property?

Thanks all for the advice and guidance!

[cindyo]

Originally Posted by Dean Martin

The more we read and check prices, we're starting to lean more towards the Radisson.

Although, now it looks like I owe it to myself to look at the Rennaissance Suites/Rennaissance Marina towers too...

I see the Marriott Rennaissance Suites/Rennaissance Marina towers also offers a rate that includes meals... is there any downside to this pkg? I don't know what they offer for restaurants/deals, etc...Throw some at me and I will give you mhp. Didn't I read somewhere here that you have to make reservations for those meals the day before and stand i nline in the AM to do so? Or am I mixing them up w/ another property? You mixed it up, there is no line anywhere at the Renn.

Thanks all for the advice and guidance!

Cindy

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by Dean Martin

see the Marriott Rennaissance Suites/Rennaissance Marina towers also offers a rate that includes meals... is there any downside to this pkg? Didn't I read somewhere here that you have to make reservations for those meals the day before and stand i nline in the AM to do so? Or am I mixing them up w/ another property?

Thanks all for the advice and guidance!

I looked at what the all inclusive included-

"- Unlimited standard brand beverages including frozen drinks in Renaissance operated outlets*
- Daily breakfast buffet in Renaissance operated outlets*
- Daily a la carte or buffet lunch in Renaissance operated outlets*
- Daily a la carte or buffet dinner in Renaissance operated outlets. Dinner is defined as one Appetizer or Salad, one entree, and one dessert
* Renaissance operated outlets are BLUE (L/D), Aquarius (B/L/D), Captain's Corner (B/D), L.G. Smith's (D), Papagayo (L), The Lounge (D), Sole (L/D), and Rice, Noodles 'n More (L)"

A question to ask would be if there were any surcharges for menu items. For $449 - $499 per room per night (+tax???) at the Ocean Suites, there are better values for All Inclusive on the island.

For a 4 star all inclusive I would check out the Riu, for a 3 star check out the Div/Tamarijn. I have yet to hear of an all inclusive where you did not have to make a reservation in the morning for best selection of restaurant and your preferred time. If you do not wish to worry about either of these issues you can take your chances on availability for dinners or eat at the buffet. Cindy can speak to whether or not the Renaissance offers a dinner buffet option.

As an added note, the Riu requires men wear long pants in ala carte restaurants for dinner.

[DANNYO]

If I read your post right,you are a VIP player.If so I would call the Hotels first and maybe they will do something for you.I know they give out comps,but what else I'm not sure .Give it a try it can't hurt.