I will be heading to Aruba for the 1st time towards the end of May with my family. We will be staying at the Aruba Grand, however I have read some mixed reviews regarding this hotel. It sounds like it is somewhat of a boring place that is very quiet. Am I overreacting or should I consider possibly switching to a place like the Hyatt or Marriott? Any advice would be appreciated.

The way I look at it is you basically only sleep and change in your hotel. The beaches are heaven and no hotel is awful on the island. Sometimes a quiet hotel is appreciated!!!

the aruba grand has the best beach on palm beach, has a hugh pool and very nice restaurant but you can walk to any hotel in the highrise area from there, great location,ENJOY.

Been to Aruba 7 times
4at the hyatt
1at the allergo
1at the grand
1 at the radisson
The Grand is nice but Very Quiet
Really nothing going on
If price is not the issue
Go to the Hyatt

It all depends on what you like, what your expectations are and how much you want to spend. You will not be disappointed at the Hyatt or Mariott. You might be disappointed at the Aruba Grand. You cannot compare them. You also cannot compare the prices. The Radisson or the Wyndham might be a good compromise. I, personally, would only go to the Hyatt and tomorrow at this time I will be there.

Scott,
I have been traveling to Aruba for many years, and I have always stayed at the Hyatt since its opening. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you stay at the Hyatt. It is by far the most beautiful and most accomodating hotel on the island. If I were you, I would look in to switching, but it is up to you. Any further questions, email me.

Regardless of where you stay, I hope you enjoy your first trip to the beautiful island of Aruba.
Mike

I can't speak to the Aruba Grand....but as for the Marriott Stelaris Hotel...we always stay there and we love it. We've never run into one problem, no rude people, no bad service etc. And in my opinion, the view of the sunset is unbeatable. The Marriott Stelaris is the last hotel on the beach (end of the low rise and high rise hotels) and so there's nothing to block your view. AWESOME!! Just an opinion though! Have a great time!

Just got back last week. Don't recognize where you were staying, but we stayed at the Radisson. We like to be in the middle of everything, and if you're the same, I'd go with the Radisson or the Hyatt. They're the best for multiple reasons. We walked to the Marriott one night and it seemed completely dead. Nice though. If you want more info, feel free to e-mail me. We stayed 6 days, did alot of the excursions, and I can tell you what to do and what to avoid.

Parker in Louisiana

Scott,
We love the Aruba Grand. It is quiet, but that is what we like. The Aruba Grand has the best beach, nice and wide and not as windy as at the Wyndam. As you will see when you get there, hotels like the Radisson and Hyatt have much narrower beaches, takes forever to get to them and you have to get up early to get a hut.
The AG is conveniently located to anything you want to do. The pool is Olympic size and used by Red Sail Sports for scuba training. It is great for swimming....maybe not as "kid friendly" as some of the other hotels. They do bingo, games, manger's cocktail night just like all the others.
The food is good too....I would not recommend all inclusive as there are SOOOO many good places to eat along the beach.
We have been staying at the Aruba Grand for 5 yrs now and wouldn't go anyplace else. We love the staff and the atmosphere.
Check out other hotels while you are there, so if (when) you return to Aruba you will have other options that may fit your family better.
I say you made a good choice, have fun and it will be what you make it.
GHunt

If you click on "Where to Stay" on this website there is a great picture of the Aruba Grand and clearly shows the pool and location.
GHunt