Ann,

I'm sorry to hear such disappointing news on your trip. My husband & I were at the Renissance in June for the first time. It was very nice. The people were so nice and helpful. We also went all inclusive because we didn't want to worry about carrying money or being on a budget. The food was wonderful any where we ate and always clean. We got upgrade from our Marina Suite to an Ocean Suite at no extra charge. Plus we changed Ocean suites because the first suite was the first room next to the vending & ice machine. A little noisey plus there was a family next door. I didn't want to seem ungrateful or rude but it was our honeymoon. The young lady at the desk was very nice and moved us right away down the hall at the end. The staff was very polite and always speaking to us. We can't wait to go back and hope to take my two sons the next visit. Without a doubt I would recommend it!!

Dina

If you want a high rise location, great people, great food, no crowds, beautiful beach, reasonably priced foods, stay the the Aruba Grand for your whole trip. Don't forget to request the 7th or 8th floor.

Hi:

We've stayed there many times and from my experiences all I can add is that customer service is not their number one priority. It's not terribly over-priced so you get what you get. I NEVER eat there either because the food is flat out awful. My suggestion? If you do stay there eat at Tony Romas which is right out the front door of the HI. Great food, great service and very reasonable. Have fun, that's what Aruba is really all about.

Anne,
sorry to hear about your experience with HI but my wife and I have stayed there for the past 3 years and the only complaint we've had is that they dont allow you to check in until 3pm. I always request an earlier check in time but I always have to wait. We have never eaten in the HI so I cant comment on your dining experience but I do agree with the other writer so stated never do All Inclusive...there are too many great restaraunts in Aruba to be locked in to eating at the same hotel day in and day out. dining experiences in aruba are NOT expensive 2 people can eat reasonably for 40.00. My wife and I alternate between the moderately prices establishments and we go to nicers palces 2 or 3 times out of the week that we stay and at least one night we get a pizza. So food is really what you make of it. I understand the people who go for 7 to 10 weeks but in the same respects if you can afford to go to Aruba for 7 to 10 weeks I wouldnt think that you have any money worries...cmon 7 to 10 weeks in paradise and too cheap to go out to eat!!!

A few thoughts:
1. You got upgraded to a suite so why are complaining? If they wanted you out of it they would have tried.
2. Too bad it was crowded but its that way sometimes. You can't have everything. And don't forget the locals live there and have a right to eat there as well.
3. No excuse for dirty dishes and poor service. Complain to the manager and don't tip that waiter. He'll get the idea.
4. We stayed there actually and my only complaint had to do with the supposed 10% discount when drinks were charged to the room instead of paying cash. That is several times I signed the check before the discount was taken into acct. WITh the assurance that it would be figured later. When I reviewed the final bill every time the 10% was to have been deducted later it wasn't. They did make the adjustment AFTER I noted the errors.

You certainly did experience a bad one. (this is definitely out of character, but at least you and yours came back safetly!). After reading all the other posting, I've been visiting the island for a few years, and never had a bad experience, after this past situation, I need to make to a stance and vow not to go back until justice is serve (unfortunately I was there early May = it was great. As far as the Holiday Inn since its was there Hotel in the middle of it all, you would think that they would be on top 125% of everything. after reading everyone posting, it doesn't matter, you get what you pay for, we work hard for our money, and the island wants our business and would to see us come back and wants referrals. Regardless of where whey put you and your family, it wasn't enough. You didn't leave happy. A letter to the arubian tourist and your dissatisfaction is in order. Remember even if you paid a $1.00, you earn that dollar. forget the rest the other posting... the divi, we went we looked at it, nice grounds. I remember when they were building it, FOR THE REST OF YOU..... If you want to trash me...go ahead... your mind set is just as small a the island itself. regina wrote:
>
> Anne,
> I'm so sorry to hear how horrible things went. If it makes
> you feel any better I just cancelled my reservation at the
> Holiday Inn. I'm booking elsewhere after I read your post.
> Very scarey! I cant imagine how frustrated you must have
> been! I really don't want to deal with that kind of service
> after all the money being spent. Thank you again for the
> "heads-up".

We stayed at the Holiday Inn for a week in June. This was our first time to the island. We needed a cheap get away in a good location. That is what we got. The price is cheaper that the Marriot and others and the food and service go along with the price. We did not choose an AI but did try the Carribean night buffet. It was 20.00 per person and horrible. The an example of dessert was a thin choc cake that Sara Lee probably provide. You know it stinks when you kids bring that back and say it is the best thing. We also booked a room with two double beds and were given a king and pull out couch. We checked out the night before we left to avoid hugh line ups. If you are on a tour take a taxi (split it with someone else) 20.00 airport to hotel and you arrive long before the bus load.

Stayed at the Holiday Inn 2 years ago on New Years week! We had no trouble with our rooms or the food. Yes, it isn't a fine resturant but if you had the expectations that it was then you don't travel much. I think you must also keep in mind the Natalee Holloway case. I am sure there are many unexpected people staying in the hotel becuase of the case. Her parents are still in her room which I am sure the Holiday Inn had planned on using which throws a whole hotel off.

Excuse Me, BUT I don't care what the cost. When you go away on vacation you expect certain things. NOT EVERYONE CAN AFFORD the 5***** HOTELS so does that mean that the 2** should abuse and misuse. I don't think so. What happend to common sense, what is this thinking you get what you pay for? YOU ARE NUTSO

Were there more bodies of americans pilled then to your liking?