Marriott Surf Club in October 1st timers

[kengolf 18]

We will be bringing our 21 year old daughter to Aruba, it will be our first trip. Thanks for all the good forum info- a couple of questions.

1- We like to be a short walk to the pool, what building is the best to request?
2-We are arriving late in the afternoon on Sunday Ling and Sons will be closed. Is there anyplace else we can get some groceries
3- We are renting a car from Royal Aruba Car Rental, and getting a free phone. We are just worried about a
car rental company we do not know.
4-Any favorite casino?
5- Any good jewelry shopping?
6- We are picky eaters, no seafood, any suggestions.

Thanks hope this post is in the right place, we are new to the forum
Thanks

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by kengolf 18

3- We are renting a car from Royal Aruba Car Rental, and getting a free phone. We are just worried about a car rental company we do not know.

Royal is reputable and has been in business a number of years. We ourselves have used them at least 4 times now.

5- Any good jewelry shopping?

My parents have been very happy with Gold Palace Jewelers http://www.arubaonline.com/goldpalace.htm. They are in downtown Oranjestad near the bus station on the main drag.

6- We are picky eaters, no seafood, any suggestions.

Poke around Culinary & Culture. There are any number of NON seafood restaurants in every price range. Ruth's Chris at the Marriot Resort for starters.
A great resource which has a breakdown by cuisine http://www.restaurantsaruba.com/ I also think many here would agree upon their Top 10 lists http://www.restaurantsaruba.com/topten.html

Thanks hope this post is in the right place, we are new to the forum
Thanks

Welcome to the forum.

[rosepointe]

Many of the hotels have little markets as well as places along the hotel strip. You will be fine until Lings or the other grocery opens. Gas station might have drinks as well. Might want to bring some things along. Food expensive. We bring cereal, sweet and low and other things that are easy to carry.

Surf Club buildings are usually assigned by what you own unless this is a rental. The pool is very large and runs by the A and B building and might reach as far back as the Garden.

A is closest to the beach but all is wakable.

I used to like the Casino at the Radisson but now favor Stellars at the Marriott. They did it over a few years ago.

Holiday Inn is okay for machines (next to Surf) and have spent time at Hyatt. I play machines only these days.

Aruba is an easy place to get around. El Gaucho's best restaurant. Make reservations. Always busy. Restaurant in Radisson also good and pricy. Hyatt has a few nice restaurants. Might need a taxi to El Gaucho's hard to find downtown. Great reputation. Good chinese in what used to be the Wyndym???

SUe

[jesuis1837]

Originally Posted by kengolf 18

We will be bringing our 21 year old daughter to Aruba, it will be our first trip. Thanks for all the good forum info- a couple of questions.

1- We like to be a short walk to the pool, what building is the best to request?


5- Any good jewelry shopping?

Thanks

1-
building 6 or 7 but building 6 is the most popular one as it is the closest to the ocean!

5- As Arubalisa wrote, Gold Palace is nice but they have a closer shop than Oranjestad, they have a small one next to Texas De Brazil and Sbirros restaurants. It is very small but it is in that area. My wife bought her ring and the bracelet there. You can deal 70% of the retail price and even a bit more!

[kent]

Also if you walk in and look very tired like Patrick did, they may offer you a Balashi Beer. They even brought us the 2nd one.

[jesuis1837]

Originally Posted by kent

Also if you walk in and look very tired like Patrick did, they may offer you a Balashi Beer. They even brought us the 2nd one.

LOL I dont recall that one...

[Gutzy]

not sure what kind of jewelry you are looking for but when we went in February there was a kiosk on the street near Salt 'n Pepper and she sells the glass jewelry that her husband makes. Beautiful stuff and not expensive at all.

[maryann]

I use Shiva's jewelry store. I use them both in Aruba and in St. Maartin. They stand behind everything they sell. Ask for Kelly who is the owner

[camdor]

Hey there!!! We are Aruba bound together! We will be in Aruba on the 21st of October!! It is our first time too, however we are going with friends that have been there once before for 2 weeks on their honeymoon.
Hopefully that will help some.
Isnt this site awsome for information? I can spend hours reading and looking at pics...... I cant seem to get my picture to show up in my profile though...very weird. Much to learn.