Tropicana Casino & Resort/Aruba

[zelda0816]

Hello all!

This is my first post here. I honeymooned in Aruba in 2005, we stayed at the Wyndham (not sure what its called now.) We are FINALLY going back this
year, 73 days- March 24th for 7 days. We are bringing our two kids, who are 6 and 8. You guessed it by the posts name, were are staying at the Tropicana. We already booked it, and YES, I have read all the feedback, so I know its not a 5 star resort- Its what we could afford, and I am OK with it, for good or bad!!! My question is... its been so long since we have been, looking for someone who can list the restaurants that are closest to that hotel- I know we are across from the food mart, which is great... Is Eagle Beach set up like the high-rises and their is a path that passes all the closest hotels? Like we stayed at the Wyndham and walked by the Radisson and holiday inn.... Does anyone have a list of restaurants that are walkable from Tropicana?
Does anyone know if there is a breakfast buffet near and a regular dinner buffet near? My one child is special needs and the other has food concerns, so that is why I am very focused on restaurants and why we are staying at the Tropicana, it was the best place that had a full kitchen and we could afford it! Thank you, any feedback is welcome food or non-food related, thanks all so kindly! ALSO we are going the week of Easter, is there anything special they do for this holiday? Thanx!!

[Liz - Aruba Lover]

The Wyndham became a Westin and last year became the RIU Antillas, an adult only all-inclusive resort.

I'm an owner at the Tropicana (bought 6 weeks at unbelievable low prices). The Trop is not as bad as some say. Some rooms are outdated but are very clean. The housekeeping staff do a great job.

The only buffets are at Aquarius at the Renaissance downtown and La Vista at the Marriott in the high rise area. Next door to Tropicana is Amsterdam Manor. At their Mango's restaurant they have a Caribbean BBQ & Mexican buffet on Tuesdays. If you don't have a vehicle there isn't that many restaurants in walking distance in the low rise area. In front of Tropicana is La Cabana Resort. They have the Islander Grill that's open for breakfast, lunch, dinner & take out. They do have a Brunch on Sundays. Pizza Bob's is at the Trop and Double Down Sports Bar & Restaurant is at Tropicana Casino. Heard they had pretty good burgers. Not too far is Chalet Suisse which is upscale and a little further is Tulip Restaurant which has pretty good food and is child-friendly. About a 10-12 min walk there are places to eat at Alhambra Casino mall - Hollywood Smokehouse (BBQ), Twist of Flavors and Subway. Behind the mall are Matthew's Beachside at Casa del Mar Resort. Matthews is a great place for kids, right on the beach. On Tuesdays besides their regular ala carte menu is all-you-can eat rib night. Also, Ricardo's at Aruba Beach Club, Water's Edge 120o, Pizza Bob's and Ellioti's Italian Restaurant at Costa Linda Resort. All kid-friendly.

I suggest taking a taxi a night or two up to Palm Beach. Taxi cost is $8 plus tip each way. Not much more than taking the bus @ $2.30 a person. So much has changed in the 11 years since you were there. Loads of new restaurants and 2 malls. The kids will love to see the Dancing Waters Show outside on the plaza at Paseo Herencia mall. Times are 7:30, 8:30, 9:30.

[zelda0816]

Thanks for into! we are renting a car for the week, was just wondering what was "around us"... Thanx!!

[cpjones]

Welcome to the forum and good choice going back to Aruba.....

[cpjones]

Welcome to the forum and good choice going back to Aruba..... When you get up to the Palm Beach area, you'll be amazed at the changes in 10 years.

[Andrea J.]

welcome to the aruba.com community forum.

great advice from Liz

[AndyM]

Right next door to the Trop and La Cabana (just across a side street) is Paradise Beach Villas. On their grounds are two restaurants, Carambola and La Terraza Italiana. Both have gotten good reviews. On the other side of the Trop and LaC is Amsterdam Manor. They have a very nice restaurant, Passions, on the beach.

Eagle beach is different from Palm beach. A coastal road separates the buildings from the beach.

Have a great visit!

[Jacki]

Hi! Welcome to the Aruba.com Community Forum!

Great advice above There is also a Sbarro at LaCabana. The Islander Grill has been great for my kids - they love the Sunday breakfast buffet.

[WaltVB]

Welcome to the forum! Since you have a car, you may want to check out the limited, but pretty good breakfast buffet at Moomba's. There is an omelet station and they have both American and European type breakfast choices. It's right next door the Holiday Inn on Palm Beach with great views of the water.

[Mitchyd]

We stay in the same area as the Trop. Most of the "closer" places have been pointed out. I will add that while not a buffet, Ricardo's has a great, reasonable, flexible menu for breakfast. Not sure if your kiddos would like it, but our son (10) and friends always love going to Blossoms for Hibachi. They are great with the kids.

Easter is great in Aruba, we go every year. Eagle Beach (where you will be) will be full of families camping out, activities, music, lots of action. My first time I was worried it would take away from the relaxing beach, but there are still plenty of quiet spots to be found. It's a cool thing to see/experience.

One tip, go to the store right away and buy your supplies. The stores have limited hours on Good Friday, Holy Saturday and I believe are closed Easter Sunday.
We get there on the 25th of March, cannot wait!