Hello

We're planning our second trip to Aruba. We went 2 years ago and stayed at the Radisson, and loved it! But this time around we want to go on a budget. We're debating between the Holiday Inn and the Aruba Grand.

Any feedback on which has a better beach area, rooms, pool area? Not really concerned with the food, as we plan to visit other hotels and restaurants for our meals.

Thanks!

I believe that they are both 3 star hotels. The HI is between the Hyatt and the Marriott and is therefore in a slightly better location. I would also consider the Playa Linda. It is an upscale time property that is very desirable. It adjoins the HI and the Hyatt. The rates are probably better and you get a larger room and a mini-kitchen. Try www.playalinda.com

Aruba Grand-- better beach and larger rooms. The 7th&8th floors have just been renovated and all rooms have a mini frig.

The Aruba Grand has a far better beach than the Holiday Inn. It's centrally located on Palm Beach and within steps from the Kokoa Bar/DePalm Pier where most of the snorkel and sunset cruises leave from.

Aruba Grand gives you a mini-frig for free - at the Holiday Inn they charge you $5/day for it.

Holiday Inn's pool is small - the Grand has an olympic size pool with plenty of room and chairs. The Grand is a smaller hotel (less rooms) so it'll never seem crowded.

And yes, the 7th and 8th floors were just renovated in Dec. and are fabulous (Tommy Bahama furniture, double sinks in the vanity area, etc.)

ditto...aruba grand...go for it

Aruba Grand. I have stayed there and had a great time. It is not one of the nicer resorts, but you will have a great time. I have friends who have stayed at the HI and were very disappointed. They stated that they would never go back to the HI.

Aruba Grand by Far!!! More accommodations then the HI. People are more friendly and like everyone says, they redecorated the 7th and 8th floors. I stayed on the 8th floor June of 2003 and it was fine at that time. When I go back I will stay at the Aruba Grand for sure.