Does anyone have any info (good or bad) on the Dutch Village. I just exchanged my timeshare and am going there in July of 2003. What is it like there? What should I beware of? How is the beach? Any info would be appreciated - I know nothing about it. Thanks, Pam

I own there in phase 3 and we love it. Going this weekend. I checked several timeshares in Aruba and we think it is one of the better one to own. Hope you like it. Very private feels like you are in your own backyard.

Thanks Donna - I feel better now! Do you have any info on how to get cheap airfare?

Pam - I stayed at the Dutch Village last year in a two bedroom time share. I'm sorry to inform you that I found it to be the worst accomodations on the Island. I suggest you see if you can't switch it to the Divi Village across the street - owned by the same company. Or switch to a completely different timeshare facility. The condo we had was very large and I'm sure that at one time, it was quite nice. They have let the property run down very badly - at least the section where we stayed. The room flooded twice and smelled very musty (so it had happened before). The walls were all flaking and the carpets in the bedrooms were constantly damp. The tub needed resurfacing or to be removed and replaced. The rooms were very dark and the bathroom fixtures were brown. The pool outside our room also needed resurfacing and we didn't use it because it looked dirty.
I have been to Aruba 35 times and I have stayed at many of the hotels and timeshares. This was the worst. See if you can't switch. If Linda had a positive experience, perhaps you can ask for a room in the section where she stays but I suggest that you try for another facility. You will love Aruba though!

Oh Boy... now what? Does anyone else have an opinion maybe to settle the tie??

Iwould like any info on the Dutch Village ,Iam going in jan.203

Hi Michele,
Since you are going in Jan 2003 and I am going in Jul 2003 could you please email me when you get back and give me the full details? I have heard good things but Cheryl has scared me now with her comments. I know I love Aruba - I have already been once so that is not the problem and I guess the accomodations are what you make of them and what you expect.

My email address is doughgirl@riconnect.com - I would love to hear from you after your trip. Thanks so much and have a GREAT time!!

IT WAS A BAD EXPERIENCE FOR CHERYL. WE ARE IN PHASE 3 GROUND LEVEL AND ME AN MY HUSBAND AND FAMILY ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. NO ONE IS EVER HAPPY. I PERSONALLY DO NOT LIKE HIGH RISES. I LIKE TO WALK RIGHT OUT MY ROOM AND BE BY THE POOL. WE MAKE OUR DRINKS AND RELAX. I HAVE A FRIEND COMING WITH US AND HE IS STAYING ACROSS THE STREET AT THE DIVI VILLAGE THATS HIS TIMESHARE BUT WE STILL LOVE OURS BETTER. GO AND ENJOY YOUR VACATION. YOU WILL LOVE IT. YOU MAKE YOUR OWN FUN ANYWAY.

Donna, not need to "shout"...every place is not for everyone, correct. I would never stay at the dutch village...Its not my cup of tea. The Divi Village accross the street is much nicer, and if I wanted to "be in my backyard" I would stay home. sorry

If you can, change it. I have owned a two bedroom since it opened and it used to be one of the best places to stay. It has gone down. They are supposed to do some maintenance on the place this year. I would suggest the Divi Village, Casa del Mar, or Coste Linda which are all time shares. The latter two are two- and three-bedroom units, respectively.