Newbies need advice

[degmo]

We are traveling to Aruba from Texas for 1st trip in July (6-13) for our 10th anniversary. We are staying at the Marriot Ocean Club. Any suggestions are welcome. Have done lots of research and have a few questions:

1. Which is best - Mi Dushi, Octopus, or Jolly Pirates
2. Good anniversary restaurant?? Madame J's or another one?
3. Best cell phone rental agency?
4. Rent a car or take bus and taxis??
5. Is ABC Jeep tour worth the day?
6. Best place to buy a few groceries?

I will welcome any advice! I am a teacher and like to have some ideas when I go on big trips. Thanks in advance!!

[uncle dave]

Welcome Aboard
1- no opinion
2-flying fisbone
3-I love being w/o a phone for a week so I have never even thought about renting one.
4-rent a car! and
5-skip tour and explore on your own at your own pace
6- lings- web address listed on this site somewhere

have fun, relax & enjoy

[cindyo]

Uncle Dave, your responses are exactly what I would have put....DITTO to all.
I will say my boat of choice is Palm Pleasure with depalm tours.
Jeep to dusty for me, rent a car.

[c_sue]

There are a few cell phone rental companies that offer a good service, but the one I´d recommend is phonerentalusa.
I hope you have a great trip.
Sue.

[SanNic44]

Uncle Dave,

You are the oracle, my friend. Your answers are spot on. I would think about the restaurant, maybe Matilde?

[FFgoo]

1) My wife and I enjoyed Jolly Pirates....we will be going with them in Januarary when we return to the island-is a GREAT time.

2) We had a very nice dinner at the La Trattoria resteraunt located at the California Lighthouse. Good food and eating outside with the beautiful sunset happening around you was a great setting.

3) Didn't rent or use cell phone...I agree as well with Uncle Dave..no contact with real world is nice for a week

4) Rent a Jeep...if you really need too....they are beat up but good to have. Especially if you venture out on your own...which I recommend.

5) Did not go on organized tour...wife and I rented jeep and journeyed the island ourselves....was interesting and fun-just wear a lot of sunscreen

6) I think it is Ling and sons..not sure but it was just down the road from the Ocean club a 1/2 mile or so

I know things have actually changed there since we were there in Sept. '07-new stores and such-we loved the Ocean Club...great little shops in the lobby and ice cream/snack stand outside the elevators. Make a friend with an iguana too...they run rampant there...

[uncle dave]

SanNic, the main reason I would go with FF over Matilde is the location on the beach. btw, loved your piece about the last resting spot. Being dog lovers, we go by there every trip. Thanks for mentioning this little known spot.

[danadog56]

I agree also, although I like Cindyo would suggest a Jeep. You can explore the whole island that way. Just get a map from the concierge at the hotel or you can pick one up almost anywhere....Also I liked Jolly Pirates, they have great rum-runners on board.....perfect for building up the confidence to swing on the rope !!!!

[SanNic44]

Uncle Dave,

Glad you liked that post. In July, I'll be ramping up a literal SHIP LOAD of photos, stories and such. Just picking through right now on various subjects. Stay tuned.

44

[ralphf]

What a great forum. We have travelled often to the island of Maui in Hawaii but we've heard so much about Aruba we thought we would give it a try. Shorter flights, right. We are staying at Manchebo Beach in an ocean view room. Flights have already been reserved on Jet Blue which flies direct from Boston. We plan to spend time on the beach and try restaurants in the hotel, outside the hotel and do some gift shopping. We do not like inclusive plans because we like to explore and eat at different restaurants. We usually rent a car in Maui but it is a much larger island than Aruba. Several questions:

1. Should we rent a car? If so, is there a best place to rent?
2. If you pay in dollars and get change in Florins is the exchange rate taken into account. Should we get some Florins before we leave or upon arrival.
3. What is best way to get from airport to hotel and what is approximate cost.
4. Are cabs OK and how late do they run?
5. Is bus sytem reliable and how often and late does it run.
6. How does one pay for cab or bus. Dollars or Florins?
7. Is El Gaucho restaurant as good as they say it is? Is there a must do restaurant?
8. Best place for gift shopping?
9. What are tipping practices in Aruba?
10. Is there anything that is a must see or do?

Sorry for all the questions but as this our first trip we don't want to miss a thing. Thank you for your help.

Ralph