Hello! New here and will be new to Aruba in February. Love all your posts, and have already learned quite a bit.

(most important seems to be LOTS of suntan lotion and LESS packing!)

I've been to other places in the Caribbean, but really can't wait for this trip. Aruba has my perfect combination: white sands, clear aqua waters, breezy days and fun nights!

Has anyone stayed at the Riu? Are the jacuzzi suites on the beach or just facing the ocean?

We love a good happy hour (New Yorkers) and would love to hear everyone's top pick.

Thanks in advance

twinkle

We will be there 2/13, have not stayed there before but from what I have read the jacuzzi suites have the jacuzzi on the balcony of your room which faces the ocean. I wanted to surprise my sisters and upgrade their room to one of those as they will both be celebrating birthdays but holy moly are they pricey! Have a great time and check out the reviews on tripadvisor.com they have been excellent!

I have heard people say that the Cool Casino is nothing but the old Centurion Casino from the old Aruba Grand, barely fixed up. Is this true? I thought the pictures I saw made it look nicer, from the outside. If anyone has been to both, is it the same?

New Casino Its Beautiful

New Casino OK not spectacular. Don't expect the slots to be friendly. I speak from experience.

I WON $1100.00 ON A $1.00 SLOT. KIND OF SMALL CASINO.
NENT NIGHT $750. ON BLACK JACK !!!!!!!!!!

Well done you !!!

Aruba Trip Reports

I would love that casino if I won$18500.00

THANK YOU, GOT LUCKY

The Marriott properties have some great happy hour deals---2 for one's, etc. Plus, they have over-lapping happy hours so you can catch 2 or more hours of happy hours! Also, next door at Moomba beach. You just can't beat being right on the beach!