Since everyone has been very helpful with some of my questions - here's another one: Any input on the Occidental Grand? We stayed at the Holiday Inn last year and enjoyed it - but wanted to try something new. They had a pretty decent deal so we thought why not.....Did we make a mistake?

I've read quite a bit about he Occidental here:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ach_Aruba.html

There are SO many varying reviews, that it really is hard to tell what is going on. I often wonder if sometimes nothing will make certain people happy and that they just like to complain, or if things are really that bad.

I'm gonna go with they had to put some bad reviews and it really is an amazing place to stay.....plus it will make me feel better if I think that way hahahaha

The way I feel is this: a bad day in Aruba beats a good day at work! I often wonder that when people say in a review that every person they dealt with on the staff there was rude, how did this person approach them? Were they rude as well? That's not to say that it's ok for any hotel staff member to be rude.

If I can have a week in Aruba with beautiful weather, making wonderful memories, believe me - any small issues are NOT going to ruin my vacation. Every hotel, restaurant, etc., has a bad day on occasion - it's bound the happen. The world is not perfect.

I think my main concern at the Occidental would be the AI. We are not AI type of people, because there are so many wonderful restaurants. Hopefully it's not nearly as bad as some people have claimed.

Have fun!!!

I will have to agree with you 110%.....as far as the AI - it's perfect for us, well him - loves to eat (and I'm still trying to find where he puts it all)! But we are going to make reservations at a few other places to get away from the hotel.
Thanks again.

Please post a trip report upon your return if you can! We contemplated renting a timeshare unit at the Occidental next year, but opted for the Bucuti instead. I wouldn't be against thinking about it for the following year, however, we would rent from someone who was grandfathered in before the AI was mandatory.

Have a great trip - when are you going?

November 5th - 10th.....and it can't come fast enough. And as soon as we get back I'm sure I'll be ready to book next years
I will make sure I post info on the trip so you will know what is the real story about the Occidental!

Looking forward to the report! Have a wonderful time!!!!