Good morning..

Can anyone help me in deciding on a hotel in Aruba? Ocean front would be best, possibly a location where everything is quite walkable..

I am 27 years old and this will be my first time heading down there...

Thanks so much!

Daniela

hey daniela
since it is your first time to aruba i aam suggesting to you a high rise location.
i suggest that due to your young age
and your request that stuff is walkable

that being said:
if you are on a budget, i suggest holiday inn
if money is no concern then i recommend the radisson or the hyatt
if you are looking for all inclusive then i recommend the occidental
(the riu is too new for me to make a comment)

all of those mentioned are in the high rise end (palm beach)
which for all intents and purposes is more "hopping " than the low rise eagle and druiff beach area.

then again............how about the renaisssance in town?

many of us have different opinions.

how many are traveling in your party
do you want to eat out or stay at resort and be all inclusive
are you a party person

let us know more of a bio and we can advise appropriately

andrea

andrea,

thank you for the reply...

funny thing is, my uncle is going through a bit of a tough time and is taking me and my grandmother on vacation with him - he kinda just sprung it on us, and left me to make all the plans!! he's in his 40s, and my grandmother is a young 83.. needless to say, it's quite a diverse little group...

money is not an issue, and we would prefer not to do all inclusive - we like to venture out and try different cuisines and all the island has to offer...

my uncle stayed at one of the marriotts a while back and he enjoyed it very much, would you suggest we do that? also i am a starwoods member, how is the westin down there? or is one of the other hotels you mentioned just as nice...

i am picky when it comes to hotel rooms - i travel a lot for work and do want a clean place all around... that's why i would resort to one of the better known hotel names/chains...

also, would prefer something right on the beach rather than in town...

again, thank you very much for your assistance... it's a lot of pressure when someone just says, go ahead, you plan it, i'll pay for it...

daniela

I have been to Aruba several times and twice being in October. I recommend the Radisson. We stayed there four years in a row. This year we are going Oct. 10-19 and we are staying at the Westin because of an excellent deal we got.

I always like the High Rise area on Palm Beach. Something very special about it.
I would say from friends and family who went to Aruba Hyatt, Radisson and Westin would be my choice.

Have Fun.

My mom is 80 and loved the Radisson very easy to navigate.

JoanneR

My vote is for one of the Marriott properties. They are great!! If you wish to rent one, let me know the dates and I can get you a price. Kent Email:
kentgerber@adamswells.com

You might also check the timeshare rentals on this and other aruba boards. Also the timeshares themselves have owner rental bb's as well. Some the of units are beautiful and spacious, right on the beach. Last minute vacancies might give you a great deal on a very nice room and location.

daniela
on aruba i am not wild about the marriott properties
they ARE gorgeous
but there is congestion on the beach and the new surf club timeshare section is very congested.
the marriott stellaris hotel is having construction on their south wing and lobby and that may make for some noise and inconveninces.


so, in your situation i go back to my original suggestion , the radisson.

radisson is beachront.

will you need a car rental?
taxis are all over the place as are the public buses.

with the 3 of you and with an elderly grandparent, i suggest renting a car.

andrea

I could not agree more. The Radisson is much more centrally located. If you will all be walking, this will make it much much easier to acess the rest of Palm Beach.

As first time visitors you may not want a car, but with you group, it may be more convenient. If you do decide to stay at the Marriott definitely rent a car.

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18
Christmas & New Years Aboard the Queen Mary 2

Thank you all for your suggestions. Do any of you know if the Radisson is under construction?

This will be great. Thanks again for your suggestions...

Daniela

check out the renaissance in town..the hotel has been completely redone and they have the adults only marina hotel as well as the family ocean suites..it's very convenient to all shopping, restaurants, watering holes. etc.etc. they also have a private island off the coast of aruba that a speedboat takes you to that is gorgeous..plus the only 24 hour casino on the island..you can't go wrong..