Hello,

I am thinking about traveling next year with my 2yo and 4yo.

I am looking for a nice resort that has a full kitchen and a great pool. I have a couple of questions/concerns. I was originally thinking about the RIU AI, but the recent reviews are not too good.

1. What is the best resort that has an awesopme pool with a full kitchen? We would probably eat breakfast and lunch in the room and go out for dinner.
2. Are there enough resonable priced good restaurants that have a kids menu for dinner?
3. How are the prices at the grocery stores...similiar to the states or a little more.
4. Are the grocery stores near the resorts and/grocery stores near the resorts or is renting a car a good idea?

Any help would be appreciated.

I would recommend the Renaissance Aruba suites. THe location is ideal ... Dunkin's donuts, subway, sabarro's...pick up groceries within a 5 minute walk at Hong King. Prices are very similiar to home. The private island is great for little kids. Its a fun boat ride over, no one else can get on the island unless they are staying there, the island is really kid friendly and so is their kids menu at the restuarant there. We feel very safe on the island..no chair wars... Also, there is a small lagoon at the hotel, a play area, and 2 great pools. VERY family friendly ! Many good resturants within walking distance, that way you are avoiding the cab fares....You also have places to walk to if the kids get a bit to much sun....We've been going for 10 years there, and the place is perfect for families.....

You can always check out the resorts that offer timeshare rental. If you'd like some help with links, I can post them. Let me know.

I agree with Cindyo that the Renaissance Ocean suites would be ideal for families. Go to their website and look at the pool at the Ocean suites - it's fantastic. There is lots to do around that area, all within walking distance. We stay at the Marina Towers across the street as that is adult only and we never have rented a car, not necessary. The family side at the private island is perfect for children. There is plenty of sun or shade, no waiting in line or paying for a palapas. The Ocean suites also has a kids club.

Thanks for the info.

Does the suites at the Renaisance have full kitchens (stoves, refrigs, microwaves)?

Yep, stove top, micro, 2 apt size frigs, no stove though. Kitchen table, plates, etc.....No dishwasher though.............Its heaven !!

Thanks Cindyo. I appreciate the insight!

I also recommend the Ren. I love it there. I would also suggest La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club. Great pools & kid friendly.

3 weeks in Aruba Dec. 16, '08 - Jan. 9, '09
Aruba since 1985

I have stayed at LaCabana BRC twice and it's very kid friendly. They have a dunkin donuts too!
They have a full kitchen, the grocery store is nearby - a short bus ride /cab.
They also have some kids programs. We will be returning next year w/ our daughter who will be 3 soon. There are restuarants up and down the strip that offer kids menu. best wishes and enjoy ARUBA

We rented a timeshare at the Mariott OCean club, it was large and spacious and kid friendly. I suggest renting a car, the big grocery store is about a 10 min drive. It is a bit more expensive than the US. There are many kid friendly restaurants reasonbly priced with kids menus.