Planning another trip to Aruba for either March or April. Last time we stayed at the Wyndham, but we haven't heard good things since it became the Westin. We are seriously condidering the Radisson and we're looking for the inside scoop. How to get a decent hut, what the breakfast buffet is like and is it worth it, etc. Thanks !!

Dh and I have stayed at the Radisson 4 times and absolutely love it. I have trip reviews here http://www.aruba-travelguide.com/bulletinboard/ and also http://www.arubabound.com/trip_reports/tripreports.htm

Line up for palapas is at the towel hut next to the north swimming pool at 4 pm. When my Mom and Dad stayed at the Radisson in August the line was not bad and if they did not get there until 5 pm or when the line was gone, they were always still able to reserve a palapa for the next day. A lot of the people who want to be first in line are those who insist on having a palapa in the front row. Ultimately all of this line up stuff will be dependent upon how full the resort is, either way, once it is reserved, no need to stand in line in the a.m.

The breakfast buffet at Laguna is fabulous. Everything under the sun, including a made to order while you wait, omelette station. See my trip reports for more details, but you can eat inside or out. During our last stay they were serving the breakfast buffet until 12 noon. Definitely could make brunch out of your meal and skip lunch. We book the Radisson through http://www.aruba4u.com/ and they include the breakfast buffet as part of their package. Certains of the year they also offer a food and beverage credit. Depending upon the time of year, it can be quite warm outside in the a.m. You are between the Bonaire and Curacao Towers and there is not as much of a breeze as you would have elsewhere on the island. It is quite nice overall though.

If pictures can tell a thousand stories, I have a ton of Radisson photos at http://www.arubabound.com/photos/htl/rad/rad.htm Please feel free to ask or email me if you have any other specific questions.

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18

Arubalisa, thanks for the helpful comments. We booked yesterday for a trip toward the end of March and we can't wait. Especially with snow in the forecast for us tonight and tomorrow!! Do you happen to recall the price on the breakfast buffet? We have an option of purchasing a 7 day plan and aren't sure if it's worth it. We're also told we'll receive a food and beverage credit, like you mentioned. Keep the tips coming !!

Sorry I do not know the price of the buffet since it has always been included in our package. If memory serves me correctly it was in the range of $20 -23 per person.

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18

We just returned from our week at the Radisson and it was great. We stayed in one of the towers and it was very convienent. The room was a little damp, like most of the other hotels. We were able to request a mini fridge and it was promptly delivered. The staff was very friendly and helpful. I did not experience any rudeness from them. Great pools and beaches, easy to get palapas. We also received a $150.00 food and beverage credit which we used mostly on coffee in the morning and lunches and drinks. I would definately stay there again, although I did think the rooms were a little dark because of the colors they selected for them (dark wood stain). My only comparison is to the Westin, we stayed when it was the Wyndham, but I would pick the Radisson.

For breakfast we walked to Aromi's Italia Deli or Dushi bagels and found the food to be a better deal and great tasting. Aromi's was our favorite, but it didn't open 8:00am which made it tough if you were going on an outing. We ate at Salt n' Pepper once and thought the food was bland and greasy.

Dinner at the Aqua Grill and Madame Jeanette's was excellent. Also ate at the Radisson BBQ buffet which was what you'd expect for $19.99. The new Gianni's Italian Restaurant across from the Radisson had great food, but the some of the servers were new, a little slow and not familiar with the menu. Casa Tau had a good pizza and we loved the ribs at Iguana Joe's.