Westin VS Radisson

[JONLE181]

Hello all. Going to Aruba for my first time [this is also my first time in a foreign country besides Canada]. I am very excited. So Excited that I cannot decide between two hotels in Aruba and might need some help.

First: If this has already been posted, my apologies for the duplicate.

We are going to September for our three year anniversary.


We doing a Delta Vacation as I like the fact that you can make payments and I have bunch of skymiles that I want to accrue. But I cannot decide between the Westin and the Radisson.

First for the Westin: It is a Westin and the name itself is what is attracting me. Also it is slightly cheaper than the Radisson as well. My concern is some of the reviews on TripAdvisor, and how it states the beach is small, and dirty and there seems to be a lack of security. But it appears that it is a clean hotel with many things to do. Oh and you have to pay for the internet. And the pool looks amazing per the pictures.

The Radisson, which is about a 100 more total than the Westin has better reviews according to TripAdvisor, and is 88 percent recommended where as the Westin is 78 percent. The internet is free, the beach, per the reviews, is larger and there is a better chance in getting a hut. Plus it has a casino as well. However, it is under construction and there are some reviews that make me a little iffy as well.

Since the two are close in price, close to each other, and somewhat close in ratings [10 basis points off or so according to TripAdvisor] I would like to know which would is “better”.

Two quick things: internet is important as it would be the only way to communicate back to the states while we are gone to see how our children [dog and cat] are. And also Delta Vacations gave a better star rating to the Westin.

Sorry that I went on, but I am so excited to be going. Thanks a lot!!!

[Arubalisa]

Welcome to the forum.

You cannot go wrong with either resort. I have stayed at both multiple times-- Radisson 4 X and Westin 3 X and both are in the same category. Frankly don't care how Delta rates them, it is what it is.

We use MCM Tours http://www.aruba4u.com and they include complimentary breakfast buffet for two (last I checked it was a value of approximately $40 per day) at either resort along sometimes with food and beverage credits and/or other goodies. Their pricing has always been competitive between the two resorts and from what we have found, the least expensive.

Originally Posted by JONLE181

The internet is free,

Internet is free at the Radisson, but not wireless. This sometimes seems to be an issue with folks.

For free...
Radisson Internet Connection

Last visit, we stayed in the Aruba Tower and the outlet for the network was atop the table across from the bed.

You will need an Ethernet adapter or Ethernet port on your laptop.

The network cable does not extend very far. If you prefer working at the table, then the network cable supplied will be sufficient.

Don't want to work at the desk? We travel with a 25 foot long cable. Simply unplugged their cable and hooked up our own to the laptop. The rooms have nice lounge chairs with ottoman. If your cable were long enough and there was no glare, you could also work out on the balcony.

Once you hook in, go to IE. A log in screen will appear as soon as you launch IE. You simply register with your room number and name. This only has to be done once in a one week period.

You are then on the Internet. It is that easy! Again, there no wireless in the room. BUT free is free and the connectio works fantastic.

the beach, per the reviews, is larger and there is a better chance in getting a hut.

Beach at the Radisson is slightly longer. Radisson allows you to slgn up for a palapa the afternoon before for the next day. Others can comment, but I believe, for a charge, you many reserve a palapa in advance at the Westin for a fee.

Both resorts clean their beaches and both resorts have security.

Plus it has a casino as well.

Both resorts have casinos. There are also within walking distance casinos at the Occidental, Hyatt, Holiday Inn and Marriott.

AND...as to the "review websites"...you can allow them to make or break your vacation only if you choose to allow them to do so. My very wise 97 year old young grandmother has read many of the reviews and even she in her wisdom would tell you to throw out the very worst reviews and the very best and the truth lays somewhere in between.

Imo, don't fret so much about

10 basis points off or so

and choose a resort based upon what YOU feel would be the best fit for your annivesary celebration.
Either way you cannot go wrong.

[cooliecanpro]

Hi Newbie, from a Newbie.
My first trip was in April, and I used the Westin Beach area.It's big enough, with plenty of Aruba sun. Clean, and a nice large swim area. For a first timer, take the best deal, and use the opportunity to look and learn. You won't go wrong. Being in the hi-rise district, you can walk around and see all. First hand is way better than travel photos. You'll be smiling all the way, and better at making future decisions. Have a good trip.

[Andrea J.]

either resort is PERFECT.
if the free internet connection is what matters a lot, then it is RADISSON.
both have lovely beaches, lovely pools, nice amenities.

stay at the radisson this time and then at the westin NEXT trip.
and yes, there will be a NEXT trip.

welcome to the forum

[truzcarla]

My husband and I have stayed at the Westin many times. The beach is beautiful. Lots of space.We thought the hotel was nice and the casino not too busy at times which can be good and bad. The location was great because we loved to walk to Eagle Beach and then to the opposite end (Mariott)You are in the middle of Palm and Eagle beach. The hotel was very nice and breakfast buffet is convenient and good. I would choose this one if you want some privacy and love to walk to Eagle Beach.. The Rad is a more conjested area...We love Eagle Beach so much that we are staying at the Costa Linda on our next visit in August.Can't wait...Hope this helps...I just love this forum....

[rob o]

Westin pool is better.....spots on the beach are easier to get too.

[CandyC55]

I've stayed at the Westin 2 years in a row and it was great. The staff out standing, food wonderful, beach and pool great. Can't say enough good about the Westin....

[JONLE181]

wow, thanks everyone for your response!!! I am so excited about being there in September...

[CandyC55]

So Jonle181 what have you decided on .... You know it won't matter once your in Aruba it gets under your skin and it won't matter where you are you're gonne be hooked..

[Katie K]

I think I have narrowed my hotel choices down to the Radisson and the Westin. Can anyone give me their opinions on each and their experiences with all-inclusive at these resorts?