how crowded is the island?

[teresa]

During the time of high fuel prices for flying and high gas prices along with other things on the rise at home, has anyone that has visited Aruba lately noticed a decrease in travelers to the island?
My husband visits another board and has read that it appears that the resorts seem to be not very booked. So any readers out there that has visited lately what is your propective on the travel situation to the beautiful island of Aruba. thanks

[Arubalisa]

I am not on the island presently.

However, having said that, we have been to Aruba during the months of September, March, June, July, August, December and January.

Our two visits during the month of September were BY FAR was the SLOWEST we had ever seen the island. As a matter of fact our last stay during the month of September we stayed at the Radisson. We were there for 8 nights. There were 3 children total at the entire resort. One infant and toddler from one family and our then 10 yo. I vividly remember going on the Tranquilo and there were only 9 people total (dh, dd & I were 3 of those people). Our dd took a discover scuba course and she was the only participant.

The September stay previous to that one, there were a good number of Venezuelan families on the island of Aruba. From what I understand there is a holiday period in Venezuela and Venezuelans take advantage of that time for family vacations. Our September experience mentioned above, there were no Venezuelan guests at the resort. Was it a reflection on the Venezuelan economy or holiday I do not know.

In the US, it is a busy time of year for back to school for many families. There are many good bargains on cruises during September as well because of the "supply and demand".

[mattnewhampshire]

We left last Saturday and we stayed at the Divi Golf Resort for 2 weeks. The first week was pretty busy, lot's of families. The second week, as Arubalisa just said, was a lot of Venezuelan families, but pretty deserted. I counted 12 people at the Infinity pool one afternoon. The beach was pretty deserted both weeks though, which was wonderful because we spend most of our trip there.

[Andrea J.]

i haven't been to aruba since may and even then we thought it seemed slower than previous MAY visits.

were there christmas 2007 and although busy, it was NOT as busy as other christmas visits.

many factors, all probably related to economy/oil/unemployment

and...........there have been some real good deals to all inclusive dominican republic and mexico destinations. we all know and love aruba, but if it is cheaper to go to dominican republic...........unfortunately the wallet/checking account dictates. personally i would chose aruba any day over the domincan republic!

i know the economy and stock portfolios are hurting and all spending has to be considered extra carefully.

paul and i are hoping that our planned aruba visit in january does happen.

we, like many others are really feeling the effects of economy, fuel, retirement, cost over runs on this money pit of a house etc....

andrea

[arubaOCD]

In the past 10 years we have been to Aruba 6 times, this month will be our 7th. All have been in the month of September except for last year, we came in August, as we brought my stepdaughter with us before school started up.
September is their slow season, which is partly why we like it. September is our anniversary which is the main reason we go then, good time to relax before the hustle of the holidays.
I am unable to compare to really any other time of the year in Aruba, although I will say there were more people there in August when we came than we usually see in September.

[cpjones]

We're always in July and, yes, this year did seem to be less populated... at the Radisson, the beach, the restaurants and the casinos.

[SailAway]

DH and I are on Island right now staying at the Radisson. The beach and resort are VERY quiet! Of course, this is the first time we've been in Sept. A welcome change from all the crowds. We even decided to extend our time here two more nights. Palapas are always available right in front without paying. We signed up the day before at 4pm and no line even! The spa was pretty empty but one of the best I've experienced in the world. (thanks to Julio). Weather is wonderful! Good time to visit Aruba.

SailAway

[Karen in NYC]

While I'm sure the hotels would like to see more customers, I personally would be glad if Riu is NOT crowded Sept 20-28.

(small story NOT ARUBA: Years ago, I mean YEARS, Club Med, somewhere in Caribbean - dont remember which one - Oct. - club was capable of 450+ guests. There were 85 guests the week I was there)

Back to Riu: I tried to go on line with Riu so I could check my rates and see if I got a good deal. Neither the RIU site, Funjet or almost ANY OTHER tour operator site shows ANY availability. Funjet tells me (they actually answered email!) that sometimes a hotel can just pull inventory, or the tour operator has used up their allotment of rooms. Now if Sept can be a low season, Why would a hotel pull inventory instead of trying to sell it?

[Zippy]

Glad to hear September is slower
September 20 - Oct 3 and coming pretty quick!!!
Remember that September is school season AND hurricane season!!! Yes, yes.... I know it's outside the hurricane belt, but people still fear the issue.... and to be truthful, flights can be a little bumpier. With the economy doing it's thing, I would expect a slow for all "luxury" stuffs , and that means vacations, gambling, cars etc.

For hotel occupancy:
I realized thatit's slower, BUT.... hotels can only offer so much special pricing. If they go too low they loose even more money than having empty rooms. They also use the time for maintenence for the upcoming holiday season!!

See Ya in Arubs the 20th!!! Cha, cha, cha

[SailAway]

The Rui is right next to us. I've visited and it seems at least 60% plus full. The restaurants are busy and at night, that seems like a good guesstimate of rooms with lights on. You will love it. BTW, the RUI is HUGE here.

When dh and I decided to extend our vacation two nights, we made friends with the manager (before we decided this) and when we went to talk to him, he gave us a room discount. YA YA. It always helps to have friends in high places!

Went to see the Marriott today since that is where we used to stay. I am so disappointed in their renovations! The lobby has lost all its character with the removal of the koi pond and bridge/walkway. It's kind of dull looking in mho, however, it's suppose to be "upscale chic" ...looks like a NYC hotel lobby.

SailAway