This is our first time in Aruba and I would like to know about the prices. Food Drink etc. We are also looking at renting a car. I'm not sure if there is a big difference in car rental companies and fees. If anyone has suggestions I would be interested in hearing back from you. We will be staying at Costa Linda Resort. Is this within walking distance of town?

Thank You, Chris

Well first your staying at a great resort!
If you like to walk you could walk into town, its a good hike for me but for walkers its no problem.
Renting a car do shop around prices varry, the national brands are usually higher. I rent from Aruba Royal rent a car, great deal and FREE cell phone rental, just buy the minutes.
Prices, well it depends what part of the country you are from, being from New England area I say that they are 20% higher, beer very exepensive, hard liquor resonable and wine also if you buy at local stores.

Enjoy and bring plenty of Sun Tan/block from home!

Rentals practically-charge the same for a week rental,but the difference is-service.Past 3-4 years we have rented from-Tropical, and when ,once we had a problem with the car,they gave us another car-no questions asked,and we even got an upgrade(for the same rate),.........but you have to do your homework too, see what kind of car you will need.

Your staying at a great resort...there is a bus stop outside the resort...for downtown..I've walked it once..that was enough..it's too hot. We like Budget and alays get a good price....have fun...in the sun!!

Thank You for the information. It's exactly what I needed to know. How do the prices compare to the states? It looks like food and drink are about the same?

California Chris:
I like your handle!
My wife and I have 2 weeks at the Costa Linda and this will be our 8th year. For us it's a little too far to walk to the middle of Oranjestad (I would estimate over 3 miles and most of the way there is no sidewalk so you are walking the main drag street side which is a little un-nerving). Taxi is not bad on short runs and the're at the Costa within minutes after you call.
Bus depot in front of Costa Linda and it cost about 2 bucks per person each way to town.
There are at least 5 or so great restaurants
within walking distance of Costa L.
Prices are a little higher than where we live in the Houston burbs area but, not much different than any nice place. I would venture to say that good to fine dining in Houston downtown is more expensive than Aruba.
We eat out every night in Aruba and usually drink our "Cocktails" in the room before we dine. Like any eatery state side they will hit you a little hard on the drinks and desserts.
Sunday champagne brunch at the Hyatt is unbelievable. Reservations required and will run about $35 a head but you will only eat one meal for the whole day and you are eating for about 2 to 2.5 hours so go hungry and go mid morning.

No need to book auto rental ahead. Wait until you arrive and shop by phone. Rentals are always running specials. There are 3-4 rentals within a 5 minute walk from the Costa including the Costa lobby.
As stated in another response, beer is expensive but liquor and wine are very reasonable at the grocery stores (Again within 5 minute taxi or 15 minute walk from Costa). We walk to buy groceries then taxi home.

Good luck and have a great time.

Thanks for the information. It is most helpful. I really didn't think the prices in Aruba would be any higher then they are in California, but you never know. Thanks again,