1st visitor w/8 and 13 yr old boys. Where to stay??

[Dee Gee]

We just got lucky and got some time off and a little money for the trip. We've been directed to package deals....Holiday Inn, Marriot Surf Club, Tamajan Divi and a few others. Tamajan is expensive.........how does that area/beach/neighborhood compar to the Holldiay in or Marriot Surf? We just want to stay in one place, take mellow day walks, have the boys run on the beach, and be SAFE (got robbed once, w/o the boys). PLEASE...suggestion?
thanks

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by Dee Gee

Tamajan is expensive

When are you going? Kids 17 and under stay free at the Tamarijn so for families, it generally works out as being more affordable. Being all inclusive, may make it more expensive if you are comparing it to room only pricing at say the Holiday Inn or Marriott.

When we were originally looking at all inclusives and traveling with 3 children below the age of 18, the Tamarijn was not only much less expensive than the all inclusive at the Holiday Inn, but our travel agent at MCM Tours advised us that the food was much much better at the Tamarijn than the Holiday Inn.

The only reason why I can think of that the Tamairjn would be more expensive is that the resort itself is sold out and they are putting you up in their timeshare "suites" at the Divi Dutch Village or Divi Village.

If you do not wish going all inclusive and want a timeshare in an area with lots of "action", either of the Marriott timeshare properties are a great choice.

[cindyo]

Originally Posted by Dee Gee

We just got lucky and got some time off and a little money for the trip. We've been directed to package deals....Holiday Inn, Marriot Surf Club, Tamajan Divi and a few others. Tamajan is expensive.........how does that area/beach/neighborhood compar to the Holldiay in or Marriot Surf? We just want to stay in one place, take mellow day walks, have the boys run on the beach, and be SAFE (got robbed once, w/o the boys). PLEASE...suggestion?
thanks

The Rennaissance Ocean suites might be worth looking at. There are many families on this site that go there. We have been 13 yrs in a row.

[rob o]

Originally Posted by Dee Gee

(got robbed once, w/o the boys).

Was the incident in Aruba?

Agree with CindyO.....Renaissance is private and very safe.

[Sunny Beaches]

WE have not stayed here yet, but took a look this year and will be staying next year. Coral Reef Beach Resort. Owners on site, sleeps up to 8, studio, 1 bd. 2 bd. or depending on time of year can rent whole resort for under 1500 per week.