Just returned from another wonderful trip-#10 for our 15th anniversary!
Flew American Tampa via Miami round trip. Fortunately no problems either way and even arrived a few minutes early.

Stayed at the Marriott Resort/Casino for the 7 nights as we have the past 8 trips. They did not have the type of room we requested, but went out of their way to make us happy-thank you front desk for all your help.
Upon check-in we were told about a problem with jellyfish and that several people on the island had been taken to the hopital. Needless to say we spent the next day at the pool just to be safe. Apparently the wind had been very strong the few days prior and blew them toward the shore. Has anyone else ever experienced anything like that before?
The only complaint about the hotel that week was 1 of the 3 conventions that disrupted most everyone else staying there with 2 parties with live music that lasted until ~10:45pm. Not very nice for families and those wanting to sleep. Just a few changes at the hotel- the towel hut/hut reservations have been moved to the beach entrance and opens at 7am. To get a hut at no charge close to the beach get there close to 6am. It was a great way to meet people and I actually enjoyed that time of morning.Loved the cushions on the chaise lounges by the pool and some had individual canapies. Didn't know why they chose red?
The weather was absolutely perfect and did not see any rain. Don't pay attention to the weather forcasts you read about. Just bring plenty of suncreen.
Did everything I wanted-shopped,read and relaxed while my husband windsurfed.
Okay now for the important things-restraunt reviews.
Mon-We always go to Driftwood our 1st night after going into town and visiting my friends at Sean/Paul Jewelers. We both had the escargot and fish of the day-Wahoo done ala meniure.(one of the 4 choices)Also had to have a glass of the yummy white sangria.Food is always consistant,service is ok, ambiance nothing fancy, just good fresh seafood. Total bill <$70
Tue-Our anniversary dinner at Le Dome. Again we both had the escargot, I had rack of lamb, hubby had tenderloin with goose liver pate. Had to have the tasty potato croquettes. We did splurge on a nice bottle of Bordeaux. No dessert-just wine. The staff/service, and food quality have always been excellent. Very romantic atmosphere.We always look forward to this. Price w/o wine $90.
Wed-LG Smith @ Marriott Renaissance Downtown
Ok must admit this is one of my 3 favorite restraunts now. Much different than the previous L'Escale. Still upscale dining, but very contemporary styling. Started with a very nice ceaser salad then I tried the rack of lamb and hubby the rib eye. This was probably the best rack of lamb I've had anywhere in a long time. Cooked perfectly, generous size of meat and best value. With the steaks you have choice of several diffent sauces. Their chimichurri was creamier and had a nice little kick. Had a nice bottle of Grand Cru Bordeaux for $65. Total before wine $80.
Thur-Night to kick back and relax someplace casual since we dressed up the previous 2 nights. We tried Bingo!. I made reservations thru Mike at mikearuba@hotmail.com. It's very close to the hi-rise hotels. Go past the Wendy's and it's on the same side just past the Valero gas station. Very cool place to hang with the locals. Inside more like a pub atmosphere and table outside as well. Diana was our server and she was great and it was a pleasure to meet Mike. Thanks for a wonderful night. We both had specials from the board-escargot w/cheese and surf n turf(Fillet and shrimp). I'm now hooked on their escargot with melted gouda. Please have that again when we come back! If they don't, they do have it with shrimp on the regular menu. Dinner came with salad, veggies and potato-a great dinner for $24pp plus the escargot. Menu can be found on this BB under dining: Bingo!menu on 3/29/06.
Fri- Chalet Suisse. After reading some reports I was very curious how the experience would be. I was pleased that it was as good as last year. We had our favorite table and saw a lovely sunset. We started with a Kir Royal and the Seafood Chalet Suisse, then rack of lamb and fillet madegascar(a cream peppercorn sauce).They still have a very large wine list and still had one of my favorite wines(different vintage but lovely just like before).Food quality and service was very good,but the prices were the highest. Total with food & alcohol ~$210.
Sat-El Gaucho. Had to have the Gaucho steak and it didn't dissappoint. I was trilled to see that you select your 3 sides from a large variety of veggies and starches. I love their chimichurri sauce and always bring home a set of the sauces. Typical steakhouse feel and service was very attentive. We had 6:30 reservations and it was still quiet. It does get crowded later.Total bill <$60. Went across to Garufa's after dinner for cocktails.
Sun-Last night back to Le Dome. Had their tossed green salad/escargot and we had the chateaubriand for 2. The meat was so tender we could cut it with our butter knives. Again everything was perfect and had an even better bottle of wine. I can't wait to go back in 6 mos.Total before wine $100.

There are so many wonderful restraunts in Aruba that you can't go to all in a week. There's something for everyone and all budgets. I hope everyone enjoys their trip as much as we did.

LG Smith Steak House....the food, the wine, the desert, excellent!

Sounds like a great time. I leave this Wed - also flying from TPA through Miami on American - did they show any movies on the 2nd leg of the flight? Thanks!

we are staying at the Marriott May 13-20th...do you know when the other 2 conventions were being held?? What kind of room had you requested that they didnt have? After a few days were the jellyfish gone?

thanks for the info on the Marriott! This will be our first time there.

JC

Hi Kerri,
I dont recall the movie going down since I slept most of the way, but coming home they showed Fun with Dick & Jane. The flights were all on time and I hope they are for you also.Have fun.

Hi JC,
We've never had a problem with any of the conventions before. We didn't even know the other 2 were going on until talking with the staff. Most last maybe 4-5 days and aren't noticeable. It was just that 1 was so large and took up 200 rooms-which is probably why they didn't have our DOV(ocean view) with a king bed.(All rooms have an empty mini fridge and nice balconies) They offered us a double, but it was our 15th anniversary and I didn't want to push beds together.(There were other circumstances leading to the room confusion)The staff was wonderful as always. Say hello to Roy for me, we'll be back in 6 mos-he's a sweetheart! (he's the one out front opening doors and getting taxi's for people)
The jellyfish problem lasted maybe 3-4 days. We arrived Mon and went in the ocean Wed thru Mon without seeing or hearing of other problems around the hotel. Again this is the first time we've ever heard about this problem. Should be fine. Hope you have a wonderful time. Let me know if you have any other questions.