somenone has got to know something. My travel agent just called and told me they are not opening till May 1st? I really need to book a trip for my daughter's april vacation. i so wish someone could tell me what is the true date of opening? has anyone been there recently that could give me some info? i keep hearing different dates from people. this is not good for business.

Paula,why dont you just book another hotel?

30the of may

There is ONE official opening date, according to the CEO of the Occidental Group of hotels -- March 1st. Anything else anyone "heard" is pure speculation.

Whether or not the hotel actually opens on March 1st remains to be seen, but all these dates people are pulling out of the air are ridiculous.

just home yesterday.They are still banging away. Landscaping looks almost done. They were painting rooms but dont waste your time . Go to Radison or Wyndham. WE also were booked there for last week and cancelled it and rented at Playa Linda.

Paula, I just walked by yesterday and thay have a long way to go. I would book some where else or I think you are going to be very dissappointed.

Paula,

I have just received an answer from an e-mail i sent to the occidental, there grand openeing is now going to be March 27th. I do not think they have a clue on when they are opening, i have reservations for march 12th, i am in the process of trying to cancel them, and stya some where else.

email we just got from Occidental... This totally screws us up as we had reservations there for March 12th

From: "Vanessa Brito" <vbrito@us.occidentalhotels.com>
Subject: RE: Contact Occidental
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 09:35:04 -0500
To: <>



Good Morning:


Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have been forced to delay the Grand
Opening of the Occidental Grand Aruba to March 27, 2006.


As part of our ongoing efforts to provide the best vacation experiences
at Occidental Hotels and Resorts, we would like to remind you of some of
the wonderful features that your clients will experience with the
transformation of this Grand Resort. They include the following:

* Re-branding the resort as an Occidental Grand product,
including our VIP services at

the Royal Club with Luxury, Junior Suites and Master
Suites room categories and

ALL with ocean view and a Royal Club lounge.

* Complete renovation of all 391 rooms from floor to ceiling,
including all new room

amenities and new bathrooms.

* Carefully selected color and design schemes for all rooms,
projecting a

warm, distinctive, sophisticated style.

* Physical upgrades to common areas and renovated restaurants,
including

L'Olio (Italian cuisine), Zen (Asian cuisine), El Olvido
(Tex Mex cuisine).

* All restaurants, food and beverage areas will be upgraded,
including a Lobby Bar

and Piano Lounge.

* Wi-Fi internet access in all rooms.

* Meeting facilities.


We thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to
your continued support in promoting this magnificent new Occidental
Grand resort.


Best regards,



Andres Pan De Soraluce

EVP, Sales and Marketing

Occidental Hotels and Resorts

there is no other hotel that compares to the allegro (occidental). i tried the wyndham last year due to the allegro renovations and i was so disappointed. i go all inclusive, so it doesn't give me a lot of options.

Alan,
To be honest with you, I wouldn't stay at the Wyndham if you paid for it. I stayed there last year only because of the Allegro renovations and wouldn't do it again. My reservations are on hold for April 15 - 22nd for Allegro. I am hoping and praying all goes well. I was informed that the worst case scenario would be that the newer restaurants wouldn't be open, but that is fine with me. I never understood why they renovated to begin with. It was always perfect to me.