Any info on the Grand? Have the air for 2/03. After doing our nhomework on the hotels, decided that the Grand looks like the best bet for us. Seems smaller, quiet, and nice beach!Near all the big hotels, just hope it is clean and not too many children! Any info will help!

The Grand is a very quiet hotel and yes you are amidst all the other high-rise hotels. We have friends that will only stay at the Grand. We ususally stay next door at the Wyndham. But, in either case contact Travel Unlimited as they have the best rates and their service has been outstanding. Great agency to work with. Their website is http://www.travelunlimited.com and their phone #1-800-228-1502.

Thanks for your reply about the Grand. I will surely try the website you told me about. First time to Aruba, hope it is OK that we are not going all inclusive. Dinner not too expensive hopefully, we only have a glass of wine. Breakfast deals? Thanks! How much does breakfast run? Any good places to eat? Thanks again!

The packages that we get at the Wyndham through Travel Unlimited come with a full buffet breakfast daily..something like $18 a person if your package doesn't come with it. So not sure where to direct you for breakfast. But, as for eating out restaurants are really not any more expensive than eating out nicely at home. If you don't go hog wild and order appie, main course, dessert, etc the bill should be reasonable. There are so many restaurants in all different price ranges. They even have fast food chains like here. For instance the servings of steak are so HUGE at El Gaucho that you don't need all the other courses. French Steakhouse by the Manchebo in the low-rise has a 5 course special with I think a bottle of wine for a VERY reasonable price.

Lisa,

I've stayed at the Marriott and would like to try the Wyndham. How does it compare to the Marriott. Tell me what you like about it?

Well, first off it is less expensive than the Marriott so we use that extra money to have fun or stay in a higher category room for the difference. Service is excellent at the Wyndham. The pool concierge service comes around with cool face cloths, frozen fruit kabobs, personal CD players, cool water spritzes. Friendly staff; could always find something at breakfast buffet even when dieting and they have a few good restaurants for dinner. Pool very large and plenty of shade available. Very good bang for the buck!

Lisa,

Saving bucks is fine by me. Thanks for the quick response. How about location. The only thing I didn't like about the Marriott was it's location.

Lisa,
Do you think we would like the hotel you stay at better? I think the Grand is better for us because it is smaller. Pool too?? It is clean and neat?? Good views? Thanks for all you help. Do you go every year? Also checked out the travel site you posted. Hoping to get the hotel for $2000, am I dreaming? Seems like The Grand is less than where you stay? Heard about that Steak dinner at the Manchebo, need reservations? Was thinking of staying there but heard it was relaxed, we liked that but a bit run down! Bill

I know what you mean the Marriott seems a bit isolated and you can't use the sidewalk as it stops by the Holiday Inn. If you were standing on the beach facing the hotels the Wyndham is all the way to the right (well not all the way as the last hotel you'll see to the right is the Phoenix). Left of the Wyndham is Aruba Grand, Radisson, Allegro, Hyatt, Playa Linda and then Holiday Inn. Easy walk to all the hotels either by the sidewalk or along the water's edge.

Bill, choosing a hotel is such a personal choice. I prefer the Wyndham because there is more activity and like all the amenities. But, it is also larger and not as quiet as the Aruba Grand. I've never gone into the Grand just walked by and it was extremely quiet. It would be unfair of me to comment on a place that I haven't stayed. If you already have your air and only need hotel you should be able to meet your budget. But, I'm not an agent so that is just speculation. Reservations for popular restaurants are always a good thing. You can make them when you get to Aruba. The concierge will be happy to help you. Manchebo Beach Resort is more motel like and older but extremely well kept and it is on a very large beach. It is in the low-rise area much quieter than Palm Beach. We try to visit Aruba once a year.