Where to Stay in Aruba?

[KerryAnn]

Hello ~
I am new to this Community Forum. My husband and two children (ages 19 & 18) and myself are going to Aruba on June 13th. We are trying to decide between The Westin, RIU or The Marriott. Honestly, I am sick to my stomach trying to decide. I think I am reading too many reviews. Would you wonderful people in this forum help me.

Here are the some of my concerns/needs:
Non-Smoking (if at all possible)
Hotel with the most shade (skin cancer) *Will pay to rent umbrellas/huts/etc
Clean, updated facility
Good Food

The Westin is offering a special that if you pay all up front, it is 30% off, which is a great deal. That being said, some of the reviews I have read haven't been very complimentary.

I hear great things about the Marriott, but heard the beach is better at the Westin. But I heard the Marriott hotel/rooms are nicer than the Westin.

Don't know anything about the RIU, just saw photos and it looks amazing. That being said, I did read that there is a ton of smoking at that resort.

So, as you can see, I am totally confused. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Best,
Kerry Ann

[Arubalisa]

Welcome to the forum.

In that you are having a difficult time making a decision, you more than likely already know that with the exception of some specifics reviews, all three resorts are comparable 4 star hotels.

You need to pinpoint what is the most important feature of the resort for you.

The Riu though a beautiful property is all inclusive only. It is the only 4 star all inclusive on the island. The Marriott and Westin are not solely all inclusive. The Westin offers an optional all inclusive package. Some feel the variety of wonderful restaurants on the island make an all inclusive package much less attractive. It is truly personal preference.

Both the Marriott and Westin offer the ability to reserve palapas in advance for a fee. I am sorry I do not know the current fees.

Both the Westin and Marriott have been renovated, including rooms, in the past few years.

The Marriott is a smoke free resort and the Westin offers non-smoking guest rooms.

If choosing non all inclusive at the Marriott or Westin I would not put as much emphasis on food in your decision. There are numerous restaurants within easy walking distance of both the Marriott and Westin, so perhaps a very minor consideration.

[cindyo]

Westin is nice as well as the Mariott stellaris. Stayed at both. I personally like the beach at the Marriott better, but the westin is also nice. At the westin there is plenty of umbrella's around the pool, and shade as well. The stellaris is shade "poor". There are the nut cases that mark their chairs first thing in the am. Stellaris doesn't do to much aboaut it. Westin umbrellas can be reserved, but be prepared to be at the hut early to reserve... Its a win win both places. Location is at eirther end of the beach. Forget the Rui, no shade...not imop family friendly. Your kids would find more to do walking the beach of the stellaris.

[KerryAnn]

Thank you so much! I will let you know what we decide.
Best,
Kerry

[DANNYO]

The only thing I would add is that when you walk into the Marriotts lobby you will smell smoke from the casino.That being said the rooms were renovated in 2008 and are very nice.

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by DANNYO

The only thing I would add is that when you walk into the Marriotts lobby you will smell smoke from the casino.That being said the rooms were renovated in 2008 and are very nice.

The rest of the resort is entirely smoke free though no?

[DANNYO]

Originally Posted by Arubalisa

The rest of the resort is entirely smoke free though no?

Yes it is but when you enter the lobby you can smell the smoke from the casino....UGGG..From an x smoker.....