We were in Aruba 19 May- 27 May. Our first time there, first time to the Carribbean for that matter. We are from California and generally go to Hawaii, but decided to try something different.

We stayed at the Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino. The room was very clean, a decent size, great view of the ocean and pool. Staff was generally nice (except the towel lady by the pool, she was a bit scarey. Don't try to get towels twice in the same day, if you do send different people from your group so she won't remember you, ha ha ha).

The thing we enjoyed most about the island was the incredibly warm water and super soft sand. This was definitely better.

We rented a Suzuki Jimny with help from the hotel concierge. Thought it was a really good deal only $120 for 3 days from 2 plus rental car. Turns out the car was falling apart, very rusted, holes in the seats and the tires pretty bald. We felt it wasn't the safest car to take into the countryside and returned it the following day for a jeep. At first they tried to give us a really bad deal but Amigo Rental Car is across the street and as soon as they saw us walk across the street, they soon changed their minds and gave us a great deal. The jeep was much better. 2 plus I guess is also a part of Economy which is where the jeep came from.

We went horseback riding on to the natural pool with rancho diamari (don't know if spelled correctly). The tour guide and rest of staff was very nice. However, the horses were a bit on the wild side with minds of their own. One girl was thrown off her horse and another was kicked by a horse while riding her horse (both seemed to only have minor injuries, but still scarey). My husband's horse decided to roll in the sand while he was riding it, he felt like he could have easily had his leg crushed by the horse. You do, however, get some amazing views and a quick dip in the natural pool.

We visited Baby Beach, a nice spot. Very nice water and decent snorkeling. Our favorite beach was Eagle beach, not too many people and the water is gorgeous. The beach at the hotel was great as well, just more people.

We ate as several restaraunts. Our favorite was the Flying Fishbone, great sunset and good food. Service in Aruba is a bit lacking, at many restaraunts we were never offered any more drinks, our water glasses never refilled. Maybe we are just used to California, but even in Europe service wasn't that bad.

Overall, people are pretty friendly I guess. At first we thought maybe they are a bit rude when the service wasn't up to our norm, but then just figured it was just they way the island was and they aren't trying to be rude at all. I was slightly disappointed/saddened by all the garbage on the "highway" as well as at many of the more secluded beaches. The island is so beautiful it is sad to see so much garbage.

We really enjoyed the jolly pirate. The staff was the friendliest we had encountered, they always made sure your needs were met both while snorkeling and on the boat. The rope swing was a blast. Open bar from the time you walk on the boat til the time you step off. Food not too bad for boat trip.

We didn't find that food was any more expensive than at home. The ATM at the hotel did not charge to withdraw money.

It was a great trip. I don't know if we will go back to Aruba, we may try another island in the Carribbean, but I am definitely glad we went. Much different than Hawaii. The beaches and water are better in Aruba, but the people are more friendly and the islands much cleaner in Hawaii.

Hawaii as beautifull as is is a RIPP - off state!

That is state for fitlthy rich and dummies!

The State of Hawaii wants to assure that every tourist spends at least U$ 400 dollars per day.

The Phillipono, Chineese, Japanese, Korean mafia rules the state.

Hawaii has very high unreported crime rate and tourists are the prime targets.

The entire economy of Hawaii is based
on taking advantage of Tourists to pay for group of morons who control the islands (Including the Bishop Estate and Office of Hawaiian Affairs)!

Hawaii is the sole state where the LABOUR Unions were sucessfull to infiltrate the government and to milk all foul enough to visit the hell known as "PARADISE".

It is preferred state of crooks, shysters and prostitutes who defraud all.

Stay a way from Hawaii if you do not want to be the victim of corrupt syndicate controling the govermental morons looking always for bribes and freebees!

It is the only state were local mafia infiltrated government!

Crime in Hawaii starts at Governmental level.

Hawaii is the state with the highest crime rate in nation, despite that the crime rate is suppressed by authorities so will not scare tourists.

Braking to the cars of tourists, lost luggage, braking to luggage of tourists in the airport, snaching the purses on the streets, beating the tourists on the streets of Waikiki by locals, braking to rooms of turists, assaults in hotels, stealling from rooms in hotels, overcharging tourists, rapes, shootings, killings, drunk drivers,!

Police will ticket all for parking so they can steal your money.

No one is safe in Hawaii!

ALOHA mean come, leave all your money and go back where you came from, Hawaians don't need you anymore, they want your money ONLY!

Crooked politicians, crooked government, crooked police, criminals on police force, mafia and Labor Unions contoling the State!

Stay away from Hawaii, there are better places to visit!

Most corrupt the State in US!

Traci, thanks for sharing details of your trip.

I didn't see much trash on the roadways while I was there in December, but then again, I spent about 90% of my time at the Ren's private beach.

Hey Hawaii Report,

Lighten up already. Hawaii has the best natural beauty and AWESOME volcanoes, beaches, everything - no place even comes close.
Whats your problem w/ Hawaii? Did you loose you job there or something else personal went wrong and you're blaming Hawaii??