Talk me into Aruba!

[jamieford]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Kat, Costa Linda has up to 3 bedroom units and their swimming pool is much fancier than the Tam's or Divi's.

[brindles01]

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!

[Andrea J.]

the radisson is a magnificent resort!
that being said
it is hard to compare the surf club and the radisson

radisson is a full service hotel/resort
marriott surf is a timeshare

radisson has the nicest beach and more space to spread out on the beach..head over heels over marriott.

but marriott surf will give you more space in the unit and is very very nice. marriott surf will probably have more kids and more activities for your young 'uns.

if you make the decision based on your kids' needs, i think the surf wins.

have u thought about the tamarijn or renting a timeshare at costa linda or lacabana or cdm or abc? those places have ground floor units, easy walk to the beach.

andrea

Originally Posted by brindles01

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!