Wife and I got lots of useful info from this bb so I hope this helps many of you make the most of your vacation.
Arrived Sat. on Delta Song's inaugural flight - got lots of good unexpected perks out of this such as, t-shirt, sun visor, free booze, free booze cards for use on future flights and sat next to president of airline which was cool. On the way home the plane broke and we got a free extra night stay on Delta
Weather was perfect. It poured for 20 minutes one late afternoon coming off the beach. Otherwise, sunny and hot. Ladies, do not bring long-sleeved attire to keep warm in the evening. It does not get cold at night even with the breeze.
Ren Marina is really the best bet if you want to be in center of it all - casino's, bars, clubs, restaurants. The private island they have is a real unique and fun time. By the end of the week however, the thrill starts to wear off. Try to get 6th floor (highest) for high, vaulted ceilings. On our free, extra, Delta night we stayed here again and got a 5th floor room. The ceiling does make a difference believe it or not but not the biggest deal in the world if you can't get it.
Hotel Pro's: Very well maintained property (super clean) - stopped to look at high rise hotels and the Hyatt's bathroom was filthy. Bar service at BLUE martina bar is great. Front desk curteous, quick, and willing to please. Great sleep on comfy pillow-top bed. Lots of good picture taking opportunities at this property. Nadia at Concierge is knowledgable and helpful. L.G. Smith lounge is very chic/cool spot to hang and has 2 for 1 drink specials every night from 11 PM - 12 PM. It didn't mean much to us because we had the Booze cards. Breakfast & Booze cards saved us $$$$ and we loved laughing at huge bar bills that we didn't have to pay at the end of the week. Well worth the $55 per day each. As I mentioned earlier, the island is fun and we were impressed with cold towels to cool you off for boat ride back, airport radio tower and viewing, flamingos, iguanas, turtles, parrots, lizards, fish, etc... Snorkeling next to rock breakers on adult side (Flamingo Beach) is cool but not an abundance of stuff to see. Hey, it was a free perk though so... Also, very easy to get off/on island so do not worry. Airplanes do not fly directly over but behind you. Loud engine noise for takeoffs no real bother at all.
Hotel Con's: Heard they did away with the Booze cards
I guess we got it because we prepaid when we booked back in February. Getting bags to room was a ridiculous process. I tipped 3 different people who all said they were the guy who would drop them off in the room. The Ren makes you be in the room to get your bag... as if I didn't already tip 2 other guys. Bags and room not ready until 4 PM so do what we did and pack swim suit in carry-on. Swarms of flies at all outdoor, open-air restaurants/bars that were really annoying and gross especially at Papagayo's on the island. Do NOT try to eat lunch here unless you enjoy the signature fly-poop sandwich. Bar staff on island was indifferent and never smiled even with 30% tips - I purposefully added 15-20% on top of 15% already tacked on to the bill and prepaid with booze card (inc. in $55/day price). Blond-haired lady w/ eyeglasses at Concierge was clueless so don't ask her anything. I knew more from reading this bb and brochures. The oasis pools at the Ocean Suites were not as nice as pictures in brochures lead you to believe. Plus, crawling with kids and you guessed it....flys at the bar. We had happy hour there the 1st night and the swim-up bar was closed. Kids enjoyed using bar stools however, as a jungle gym. We never returned to the Ocean Suites tower. If you have kids you will be better here though. The pool at the marina is small, no kids, and water is very warm (not refreshing). No sign on the island declaring Flamingo Cove as the adult-side. Some parents couldn't take a hint by the evil stares and topless women or they were just too rude to care about childless guests looking for quiet beach. Most days however very peaceful and quiet with lots of empty chairs. Lastly, common areas could be better air-conditioned.
Overall, we would visit this hotel again if they brought back the Booze cards - PLEASE! Do not let the negatives dissuade you from having fun here. We had a blast! Would give hotel 7/10.
Tours - We did none so can't help here. Being from NYC, we enjoyed the beach every single day.
Restaurants:
Madame Janette's - loved this place - a must visit. Ate outside with lights and informed them we were there for anniversary celebration. They gave us each a free glasses of champagne to help us celebrate. Very nice touch. Had beef tournedos and wife had mahi-mahi. Food and service good and bill w/ tip = $75.
Driftwood - also a must. Francine the owner is very nice. Food very good as well as service. Charming seafood ambiance. Had scallops and wife had fish soup for app.'s. I had lobster tail and wife had grilled swordfish. Got a pitcher of red sangria that was just ok. Bill = $110 w/ tip.
Chalet Suisse - Pass on it. Took bb tip and requested table by bay window for romantic dinner w/ sunset view. We got it...w/ a family of like 15 people w/ crying baby and loud little kids 2 feet away. The restaurant was half-empty and they had a private room for large parties that sat empty. They moved us, at our request, but only 5 feet away. Big empty restaurant but did not want to argue on my vacation. Food was very good except my rack of lamb was rare not medium like I ordered. It came out well-done after sending back. We filled our own champagne glasses most of the time ourselves. To top it off they tried to pad the bill by adding in a bottle of house wine we never ordered. Bill = $142 w/ tip. Never again.
Que Pasa - DO NOT MISS. Great food and great value w/ exceptional service. Small place and ambiance just ok but they get a 10/10 in our book. Bottle of wine, filet mignon tips, chicken parm, tomatoe soup for app, chocolate cream brulee, coffees and bill = $80 w/ tip. We stopped back 2 other nights just for the choc cream brulee. One time I was tipsy and confused AFL w/ $US and they brought it to my attention when they could have taken advantage! Terrific place all around and will be back every stay in Aruba.
Marandi - Skip it. hard to believe same owners as Que Pasa. Got the great table I requested for sunset dinner but surprised there is a public beach with chairs and shade huts right in your view complete with kids yelling and running around and all. later there was very loud club music coming from behind the restaurant. It wasn't the one night when the party boat comes in close; I made sure not to dine here that night. No need for reservations this particular night - place was mostly empty. Portions small, service not so hot. Again, we filled our own glasses of champagne most of the time. They were out of half the menu. Marlin honeymoon for app. was different and good, however. I paid extra to have lobster with surf & turf instead of shrimp and probably one of the worst orders of it I have ever had. Wife had grouper and wasn't thrilled at all. Bill = $115 w/ tip.
L.G. Smith Steak & Chophouse - "Do it! Do it!" (Quote from Starsky & Hutch). Now this place has it down. Very cool ambiance and excellent food and service all around. Get the $20 off bill of $100 or more coupon in Little Switzerland bags coming out of airport and keep this one. You are supposed to dine after 9 PM but if you show up a little early (8:30) they should accomodate. Ate here 2x due to that extra free night compliments of Delta - food vouchers. Surf & turf is real deal, filet mignon superb, rack of lamb mouthwatering, calamari just right, mango crumb cake not bad. Expect to pay around $100 w/ coupon.
Iguana Joes - nothing much to say. large portions of good chain restaurant food with slow, bad service. Spend a few extra bucks and go to Que Pasa again.
Conclusion - We had a great time in Aruba and will def. be back. As for friendliest people in the world, I would have to say....in the Caribbean, yes. We find the people of Hawaii to be the most friendly and genuine. Felt very safe. Only had 1 bad experience with a local. A female cab driver taking us back to the hotel after dinner kept pestering us to take her personal tours after many "No Thank You's!" She also made some abrupt and appalling Natalie H. comments out of left field, totally unprovoked. She basically was saying how it was all her fault and she deserved it using vulgar language. I gave her my quick 2-cents and she finally shut-up. One thing we thought was real cool was how the cars stopped immediately for anyone crossing the road - not here in NYC!!
Hope this report helps some of you make the most of your limited vacation days and $'s. I apologize if you felt it was too wordy.
