We have narrowed it down to the Bucuti or the Mariott. We also can't decide if the Mariott's all-inclusive package is better for us. We like to drink, but also want to check out the bars in town. We don't want to end up paying for an AI that we didn't need, but we are on a budget.
If we don't do AI, then is the Mariott still better than the Bucuti? Any advice would help!!! Thanks.

Never been to Bucuti, but spent our honeymoon at the Marriott and wouldn't have done it any other way!!! I don't believe the Marriott has all-inclusive though?? At least it didn't back then. Definitely would've done it if they did though! Our honeymoon cost about $5500 or so including everything. We went back to Aruba in October and stayed at the Divi all-inclusive, even paid for going out to dinner two nights on top of our package price... and it was still much cheaper than our honeymoon.

We're going back in April and staying at the Wyndham all-inclusive, and will probably still spend the money to go to one of our favorite restaurants. We like to be able to go to the bar and get a drink whenever we feel like it and not have to worry about how much money we're spending. Drinks were $6.50 each at the Marriott - so go figure!

I'd definitely recommend the Marriott, but also recommend all-inclusive. However, if it is your first time you may want to pass on the all-inclusive because there are so many great restaurants on the island. I guess it is all a matter of preference!

Are you speaking of the Divi Beach (not sure of its name) on Eagle Beach? I think it has a sister property. Please let me know as I am taking my family to Aruba this summer and have never been. Teenage daughters as well -- ages 17 and 19.

We've stayed at the Bucuti 3 years in a row. It works very well for us. We go during Jan. and Feb.
There are acres of white sand out in front of you and very few people. Bucuti has huts and Palm trees for shelter fom the sun. At the Marriott there is a narrow beach and wall to wall people.
Bucuti doesn't offer AI. I saved $30 per night on the Bucuti's room rate by using Hotels.com and Hotelwiz.com. Bucuti's rooms are nothing special but they are clean and the housekeeping staff is very attentive. All of their staff is very good except for Alfons at the Activities desk, he's lost whenever we asked him for any info.
If you want quiet, go to the Bucuti. There are very few children at the Bucuti and little for them to do except swim and lay on the beach. If you want noise and people with water activities (jet skis, parasailing etc) go to the Marriott.
The Alhambra casino is right in front of the Bucuti.
Good Luck!