Just got back on Monday, what a great trip. Went two years ago for a week wasn't enough. This time for 10 days, hopefully next time 2 weeks.
Stayed at the Holiday Inn, Aruba Tower. Clean, resently done over, simple but nice.
The pool area was kept very clean and was also resently done over. Did not do the all inclusive and never ate there so no comment.
Favorite resturant was the Flying Fishbone. The service was excellent, sunset was beautiful, very romantic and the food was the best we had on the island. I had a filet and my husband the grouper. Can't say enough about it. Our next favorite resturant was Madame Jeanettes. (for the same reasons) No sunset, but the atmostphere was very nice. El Gauchos was noisy, crowded and the food was not very good, tough steak but the service was fine.

You and I are in the minority with ElGaucho. I agree that it is noisy - and seems crowded even when it it not. The food is not wonderful either.

cheryl, we visit the Hol Inn and surrounding area several times during our vacation. From the Hol. In up to and including the Marriott there was a bunch of smelly seaweed on the beach in varying amounts. I noticed most people were not on the beach but at the pools. Also if you go in the ocean, it gathers around your legs and feet a lot. Dont bother me but the wife hates it.
We stay near the Divi area and the Divi has the best beach on the island. Plenty of room for everyone, chairs etc.

You may not be aware of it but Marriott guests have pay for a hut esp. if they want one up front near the ocean. You can walk up their beach and see most huts with a reserved sign on them.
Forget the word "right" its about $'s!

I'm in the same club - I never cared for El Gaucho - noisy, tabled crowded too close, and I haven't had a steak there that I thought was outstanding. I much prefer the Rio Steakhouse - nice atmosphere, good service, and I enjoy my steaks there.

I think we must have been on the same plane! (AA 6.30 p.m.?) We just got back on Mon 21st also. I have a timeshare at the Marriott and this was our 5th visit - we never tire of Aruba. You're right, that was quite a downpour on Wednesday, never seen anything like that before. Still it gave us an opportunity to go downtown and shop the market. And other than that what a great week! One couple in our group ate at the Flying Fishbone and said it was one of the best meals they ever had. We also loved Gasparito's and Mme Janette's - second time at both of them. Que Pasa is fun also. El Gaucho was a big disappointment - went there two years ago and in fact our rental car was broken into while we were at dinner! Didn't do any snorkelling this year, since we have been to Baby Beach and DePalm Island a couple of times previously. What a shock to learn that the Natural Bridge had collapsed - thank goodness we have some wonderful photos from past visits!

Hi Cheryl,
Glad you had a great time. We are heading to the HI 7/25-8/1. Can't wait! Which tower is tower 1? Is it the nicer one of the 3? How about the beach, how are the waves, or aren't there any? Is there much seaweed in the bottom of the ocean? How early did you notice the umbrellas on the beach gone by? Read horror stories of having to be up at 6 or 7 to save one for yourself. What water sports are available at n/c at the HI. We are priority club members, do you know if the hotel will upgrade you to oceanfront? The room we reserved was a superior ocean view. Wonder if it will be mostly ocean or not. Let me know if you don't mind. Thanks in advance for answering my 101 ?'s!
Take care!

Hi Cheryl,
Glad you had a great time. We are heading to the HI 7/25-8/1. Can't wait! Which tower is tower 1? Is it the nicer one of the 3? How about the beach, how are the waves, or aren't there any? Is there much seaweed in the bottom of the ocean? How early did you notice the umbrellas on the beach gone by? Read horror stories of having to be up at 6 or 7 to save one for yourself. What water sports are available at n/c at the HI. We are priority club members, do you know if the hotel will upgrade you to oceanfront? The room we reserved was a superior ocean view. Wonder if it will be mostly ocean or not. Let me know if you don't mind. Thanks in advance for answering my 101 ?'s!
Take care!

Ditto here too.....I think it's for someone that appreciates"quantity" not "quality"....think it was alot better prior to their renovations, years ago!! It has become a "tourist trap" restaurant...too many other wonderful places to eat!! Bona Petite

Did-O on ElGoucho's. I didn't really care for it either.My steak was tough too, and I think it was Australian beef which I do not like.