Talk me into Aruba! - Page 2

jamieford · 07-28-2008, 03:59 PM

We have always stayed at the Marriott Stellaris at the end of Palm Beach. We love it there. This year we ended up having to stay at the Renaissance Hotel downtown. The hotel was nice, the people were great (as they all are in Aruba) but I'm not impressed with the "beach" there. It's more of a lagoon, you're not directly on the beach like down on Eagle Beach or Palm Beach. Granted, they have the private island which is nice but there was one day that we went over there and were attacked by mosquitos. They were horrible! (And we're from Texas, we're used to mosquitos - ha!) We immediately came back to the hotel. One of the waitresses told us that when there is an overcast day, the next day will be like that on the island. So, if we'd have known that we could have planned around it.

Also, when you're at the Renaissance you hear the airplanes landing and taking off all the time. (which you don't down at Marriott Stellaris) The Renaissance is also right next to the "port" so when ships come in and dock, they kind of block the view of the sunset. Other side of that is that it's really cool for the kids to see a ship that close! So, "six of one....half a dozen the other". Palm Beach on the other hand is awesome. Nothing to block your sunset....beach is calm and perfect for little ones. I do agree with what someone else said about the Marriott Surf Club (I think is what it's called) being more kid oriented because of the lazy river and slide, etc. Again, Renaissance wasn't bad by any means....just not our choice for the next time around.

arubaness · 07-29-2008, 03:37 PM

for 1st timers, i would recommend staying at the high rises in palm beach. and if you're traveling with kids, i'd recommend staying at the marriott stellaris or the surf club since both are known to be kid friendly places - i.e. many parents stay there with kids. while the other hotels have their fair share of kids, they are more of a young and honeymoon crowd.

just book the trip and go! you'll never regret it!

arubaness · 07-29-2008, 03:39 PM

also, the high rises have much more options for you to enjoy all that aruba has to offer. the other off-places are best suited for long timers that know what to do and where to go. besides, all of the organized tours/cruise/snorkeling company's leave from the palm beach area.

EHampite · 07-29-2008, 09:00 PM

Another option is La Cabana. While it's located in the low rise area, there are families there and they have kids activities. This is right across the road from Eagle Beach which is much less congested than the beaches in the high rise area.

The high rise area and the activities it has to offer is a short bus ride away - inexpensive and safe.

rob o · 07-29-2008, 09:07 PM

Talk me into Aruba? Are you kidding me?

OK....if you don't like good weather, don't like great food options, can't stand it when your hosts make you feel welcome, don't like the beach.....then don't go to Aruba....you'll hate it!

cpjones · 07-29-2008, 09:15 PM

So, Mr/Ms Brindles01, have we given you enough reason to visit Aruba..? We're all curious and hope to share our little paradise with you! cpjones..!

katherine · 07-31-2008, 11:10 PM

Just wanted to add my two cents.... We have stayed at the Hyatt for the past seven years with our children (ages have ranged from infancy thru 8 yrs old). We love the Hyatt and find it to be very kid friendly with a lot of families, great pool and wonderful employees. I would highly recommend the Hyatt for many reasons.

That being said I have to admit that the Hyatt is pricier than other options, and I have started to doubt whether the extra money we spend to stay there is well spent. We are now a family of 5 and require larger quarters which comes with a high cost. We have considered renting a 2 bedroom timeshare at the Surf Club, but feel that perhaps it would feel too crowded and overwhelming for us there. The rooms and pool area would be more along the lines of what we are used to, but perhaps we should make a more drastic change. So many people tout the benefits of the low rise section - less crowded beaches with easy access, more peace and quiet ( i have to admit the high rise section can be noisy especially at night - we go to bed early) etc. I know that ArubaLisa is a high rise crossover and loves it at the Tam - anybody else? Do the benefits outweigh what i perceive as the negatives ( not so "plush" rooms and less attractive pool area). I should tell you my two older children like the pool scene better than the beach so we tend to use the pool a lot. We feel that perhaps it would feel less commercial and americanized in the low rises, we would maybe get a more caribbean island feel- is this true?

Well i did not mean to ramble on and turn this thread into something else, but have been struggling with the decision of next years spring break. I guess the important thing to note is that Aruba is the only option no matter which resort we pick.

*Arubalisa* · 07-31-2008, 11:38 PM

Kat, Costa Linda has up to 3 bedroom units

and their swimming pool is much fancier than the Tam's or Divi's.

MissShannonBunita · 08-14-2008, 03:21 PM

A friend offered his week at Marriott's Surf Club last Labor Day week, and we've booked trips back THREE TIMES after that!

Why? Simple. We fell in love with the island within our first 15 minutes at Surf Club. True, I didn't want to see any American eateries on vacation, and decided to just ignore the ones we passed from the airport, since it's much easier to focus on the Divi Divi trees.

As for the Marriott, we never found the crowded weeks "too crowded" as it's not as if you can't find a palapa or lounge chair back from the water or go after three and sit by the water. With Surf Club, it's the PEOPLE, their WARMTH and the SAFE SECURE feeling I had brining a two year old. This is definitely a baby-friendly place. The "Guppies Lagoon" is all of 12" deep, and the Marriott staff made it a point to bring my daughter water toys each day. Francisco went so far as to let me know how often to reapply sun block, as well as suggest that I put it between the rows of her hair after I had it braided (she sits for a full head now - see picture).

As for my Mom, while she is poolside, the waitstaff periodically brings her ice water "just because". She never has to ask and ALWAYS appreciates it. The same with the sippy cup for Shannon, especially if Francisco is working. He's also suggested substituting fresh fruit for french fries with her daily "hot dog" by the pool (getting her OUT of Guppies Lagoon is not that easy). When my Mom has done a light laundry, the housekeeping staff has put it into the dryer and come to her at the pool to let her know they've done this. I could go on and on (literally) but think you've got the idea.

There are MANY reasons why this Mom would never dream of staying anywhere else than Marriott Surf Club in Aruba. I've been all over the Caribbean and the USA and who needs Florida ? I'm retiring in Palm Beach ARUBA!

brindles01 · 09-07-2008, 01:19 PM

well, we haven't 100 percent decided but we're leaning towards Aruba. Some friends love it -- they usually do the Radisson but are trying the Hyatt this year.

I'm deciding between Radisson and Marriott Surf Club. Question: we like to be on the ground level so we can go in/out of our room rather easily (especially for using our own restroom). We also want to be as close as possible to the beach. Would this be possible at either place? The Radisson pool looks gorgeous, but so does the Marriott, and it looks like maybe it offers more for the toddler/preschool age group.

THANKS ALL FOR YOUR INPUT!

07-28-2008, 03:59 PM	#11 (permalink)
jamieford Junior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 18	Marriott Renaissance Hotel (downtown) We have always stayed at the Marriott Stellaris at the end of Palm Beach. We love it there. This year we ended up having to stay at the Renaissance Hotel downtown. The hotel was nice, the people were great (as they all are in Aruba) but I'm not impressed with the "beach" there. It's more of a lagoon, you're not directly on the beach like down on Eagle Beach or Palm Beach. Granted, they have the private island which is nice but there was one day that we went over there and were attacked by mosquitos. They were horrible! (And we're from Texas, we're used to mosquitos - ha!) We immediately came back to the hotel. One of the waitresses told us that when there is an overcast day, the next day will be like that on the island. So, if we'd have known that we could have planned around it. Also, when you're at the Renaissance you hear the airplanes landing and taking off all the time. (which you don't down at Marriott Stellaris) The Renaissance is also right next to the "port" so when ships come in and dock, they kind of block the view of the sunset. Other side of that is that it's really cool for the kids to see a ship that close! So, "six of one....half a dozen the other". Palm Beach on the other hand is awesome. Nothing to block your sunset....beach is calm and perfect for little ones. I do agree with what someone else said about the Marriott Surf Club (I think is what it's called) being more kid oriented because of the lazy river and slide, etc. Again, Renaissance wasn't bad by any means....just not our choice for the next time around.

07-29-2008, 03:37 PM	#12 (permalink)
arubaness Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 92	for 1st timers, i would recommend staying at the high rises in palm beach. and if you're traveling with kids, i'd recommend staying at the marriott stellaris or the surf club since both are known to be kid friendly places - i.e. many parents stay there with kids. while the other hotels have their fair share of kids, they are more of a young and honeymoon crowd. just book the trip and go! you'll never regret it! __________________

07-29-2008, 03:39 PM	#13 (permalink)
arubaness Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 92	also, the high rises have much more options for you to enjoy all that aruba has to offer. the other off-places are best suited for long timers that know what to do and where to go. besides, all of the organized tours/cruise/snorkeling company's leave from the palm beach area. __________________

07-29-2008, 09:00 PM	#14 (permalink)
EHampite Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Eagle Beach, Malmok, Arashi Posts: 180	Another option is La Cabana. While it's located in the low rise area, there are families there and they have kids activities. This is right across the road from Eagle Beach which is much less congested than the beaches in the high rise area. The high rise area and the activities it has to offer is a short bus ride away - inexpensive and safe. __________________ Touchdown in paradise sometime in January 2010!

07-29-2008, 09:07 PM	#15 (permalink)
rob o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Renaissance Island Age: 56 Posts: 1,381	Talk me into Aruba? Are you kidding me? OK....if you don't like good weather, don't like great food options, can't stand it when your hosts make you feel welcome, don't like the beach.....then don't go to Aruba....you'll hate it! __________________ with CindyO at Renaissance Ocean Suites Next Aruba trip in Then, following Aruba trip in

07-29-2008, 09:15 PM	#16 (permalink)
cpjones Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Palm Beach Posts: 114	Brindles01..what'cha gonna do? So, Mr/Ms Brindles01, have we given you enough reason to visit Aruba..? We're all curious and hope to share our little paradise with you! cpjones..!

07-31-2008, 11:10 PM	#17 (permalink)
katherine Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 78 Images: 1	Just wanted to add my two cents.... We have stayed at the Hyatt for the past seven years with our children (ages have ranged from infancy thru 8 yrs old). We love the Hyatt and find it to be very kid friendly with a lot of families, great pool and wonderful employees. I would highly recommend the Hyatt for many reasons. That being said I have to admit that the Hyatt is pricier than other options, and I have started to doubt whether the extra money we spend to stay there is well spent. We are now a family of 5 and require larger quarters which comes with a high cost. We have considered renting a 2 bedroom timeshare at the Surf Club, but feel that perhaps it would feel too crowded and overwhelming for us there. The rooms and pool area would be more along the lines of what we are used to, but perhaps we should make a more drastic change. So many people tout the benefits of the low rise section - less crowded beaches with easy access, more peace and quiet ( i have to admit the high rise section can be noisy especially at night - we go to bed early) etc. I know that ArubaLisa is a high rise crossover and loves it at the Tam - anybody else? Do the benefits outweigh what i perceive as the negatives ( not so "plush" rooms and less attractive pool area). I should tell you my two older children like the pool scene better than the beach so we tend to use the pool a lot. We feel that perhaps it would feel less commercial and americanized in the low rises, we would maybe get a more caribbean island feel- is this true? Well i did not mean to ramble on and turn this thread into something else, but have been struggling with the decision of next years spring break. I guess the important thing to note is that Aruba is the only option no matter which resort we pick. __________________ katherine Next Aruba Trip in

07-31-2008, 11:38 PM	#18 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 6,602 Images: 68	Kat, Costa Linda has up to 3 bedroom units and their swimming pool is much fancier than the Tam's or Divi's. __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba Back to paradise Trip #19

08-14-2008, 03:21 PM	#19 (permalink)
MissShannonBunita Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Marriott Surf Club Hadicurari Posts: 39 Images: 1	I Never Thought I'd Go Either Until..... A friend offered his week at Marriott's Surf Club last Labor Day week, and we've booked trips back THREE TIMES after that! Why? Simple. We fell in love with the island within our first 15 minutes at Surf Club. True, I didn't want to see any American eateries on vacation, and decided to just ignore the ones we passed from the airport, since it's much easier to focus on the Divi Divi trees. As for the Marriott, we never found the crowded weeks "too crowded" as it's not as if you can't find a palapa or lounge chair back from the water or go after three and sit by the water. With Surf Club, it's the PEOPLE, their WARMTH and the SAFE SECURE feeling I had brining a two year old. This is definitely a baby-friendly place. The "Guppies Lagoon" is all of 12" deep, and the Marriott staff made it a point to bring my daughter water toys each day. Francisco went so far as to let me know how often to reapply sun block, as well as suggest that I put it between the rows of her hair after I had it braided (she sits for a full head now - see picture). As for my Mom, while she is poolside, the waitstaff periodically brings her ice water "just because". She never has to ask and ALWAYS appreciates it. The same with the sippy cup for Shannon, especially if Francisco is working. He's also suggested substituting fresh fruit for french fries with her daily "hot dog" by the pool (getting her OUT of Guppies Lagoon is not that easy). When my Mom has done a light laundry, the housekeeping staff has put it into the dryer and come to her at the pool to let her know they've done this. I could go on and on (literally) but think you've got the idea. There are MANY reasons why this Mom would never dream of staying anywhere else than Marriott Surf Club in Aruba. I've been all over the Caribbean and the USA and who needs Florida ? I'm retiring in Palm Beach ARUBA!

09-07-2008, 01:19 PM	#20 (permalink)
brindles01 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2	well, we haven't 100 percent decided but we're leaning towards Aruba. Some friends love it -- they usually do the Radisson but are trying the Hyatt this year. I'm deciding between Radisson and Marriott Surf Club. Question: we like to be on the ground level so we can go in/out of our room rather easily (especially for using our own restroom). We also want to be as close as possible to the beach. Would this be possible at either place? The Radisson pool looks gorgeous, but so does the Marriott, and it looks like maybe it offers more for the toddler/preschool age group. THANKS ALL FOR YOUR INPUT!