We just got back yesterday and of course had a wonderful vacation. Had 2 days of nothing but clouds even with no sunset, very unusual. We did the dinner cruise by Red Sails and had a fantastic time, it was very tastefully done. Had dinner at Madame Jannette's (very good), The Buckaneer (bad service and the food wasn't too good), Tony Romas very good, Tomatoe Charlies for pizza fantastic. But the best was L.G. Smiths, the food was great with extremely good service. But what we couldn't get over was how beautiful the restaurant was, it looked like it belonged in Manhattan, NY

It was very noticable how tourism is down right now. Didn't need reservations at any of the restaurants, it actually was quite quiet. Hopefully all the bad publicity this wonderful island has had will be done away with soon. A taxi driver was telling us how all the businesses are hurting somewhat right
now. We had a wondefull time, met great folks and looking forward to next year!

Restaurant business was the same also when we were there which was Jan. 28th to Mar. 1st. Except Mad. Jennetts. The Casinos were booming and it was crowded in other areas as well.
I believe that restaurants are feeling their increased pricing and charging for almost everything with a dinner. Not all do this yet, but more and more are going that way. All Inclusives are gaining a lot of popularity.
L.G. Smiths is, like a Manhattan restaurant and charges the same as well.
I noticed this yr. they are starting to offer some types of specials. Business with restaurants except for a very few is down, not because of the past yr's publicity, its due to price fixing over and above the expected even for a Caribbean island.
Low Rises and high rises were booked solid and an extra room or two was not available at many locations.
Every yr. another restaurant usually closes for one reason or another, no popular high rise or low rise closes.

We were in Aruba in January and were told the same about the drop in tourism. Today I read an article in our local paper that said Aruba had an INCREASE in the number of tourists in 2005 (over 2004). It wasn't a big increase, but it was a plus.

It is interesting that you found tourism down - i was there two weeks ago and couldn't get a reservation at Mirandi or Madame Janette because they were all booked. My son is going next week and his plans for staying with a friend there fell through - most of the hotels are booked solid and the prices are outragious!

Normally Starting Mid March to October is what we they low season

The best way to support Aruba, is to Go To Aruba!!!!!

Glad you had a wonderful vacation!!! Thanks for the information.

Glad you had a good time!! It makes me sad to hear that "Tourism" is down (for the Arubians sake)...I have heard that the regular die-hards are still "traveling" to Aruba-but also not alot of "new" travelers. Nothing would stop us from going to Aruba..leaving in 32 days...and counting !!
We will try the Steak house this year on your advice..thanks!

Where is L.G. Smiths? Been to Aruba many time and going the end of this month...We always eat at LeDome, LEScale Madam Js but never there..where is it located?
thanks

I was there two weeks ago and was unable to get into madame janette's and Mirandi for the nights i wanted - they were booked solid - went to Flying Fishbones and they were packed. Went downtown several nights and the parking lots were full! My son is going next week and couldn't get the Holiday Inn - booked solid. To me, it doesn't look like tourism is down at all!

It is downtown, besides the Crystal Casino on the 2nd floor. It is absolutely beautiful, hope you go and have a nice time. Look it up on line okay.