Hello!
We will be in Aruba in April of 2008. We are looking for a 'new' condo/resort type place to stay. We don't like typical hotels because they are too small for us. We like 2-3 bedrooms and at least 2 bathrooms. We would like to have housekeeping daily or every other day. It would be great if there were lots of activities for all of us to do together, our children are 9, 11 & 13. We also need to be on a beach/waterfront. I have been doing some research on my own, but it is a bit overwhelming. I would love some input from the experts on this site! I have looked into renting an 'Eagle Beach' condo, does anyone know anything about that place? It seems nice. Thank you for your help!

Mariott surf club or beach club would be the right size for you with your "needs".

Cindyo
View of Rennaissance Island
Daughters dining at El Gaucho

Next Aruba trip in

With three young children i would say LaCabanna,there are more familys with kids there.The only thing with LaCabanna is you have to cross the road to get to the beach.(not a big deal).No matter where you stay you will have a great time.ENJOY.

We are a family of five (three boys who are now a little older than yours) and we used to stay at La Cabana but now stay at the Marriott Surf Club. There are a lot of issues going on at La Cabana right now (too many to go into on this message) but suffice it to say that I am not personally recommending that place. I would recommend the Marriott Surf Club or the Ocean Club or the Playa Linda. Both are right on the water/ocean and have lots of kids in your children's age bracket. We find the 2 bedrooms plenty big enough. Our experience in the Surf Club is that the 2nd bedroom has a queen size bed and pullout couch as does the living room. Each room has its own tv and not to mention the kitchen and in room washer and dryer (great for keeping the packing light with three kids).

When you rent a condo, you tend not to be able to use the beach chairs only the beach if you are not right on the water. Also, if they meet kids on the beach they won't be able to join them in the pool and/or participate in any of the resort activities. Most families do tend to rent timeshare units as they are a more affordable option and you get the best of both worlds...hotel and condo size.

Don't be afraid to load up on groceries for the kids and buy all the snacks and drinks to help defray some of your costs. By staying at the timeshare resorts the kids can go up on their own (well the 13 year old can) and get some snacks/drinks rather than buying at the outrageous price.

Enjoy Aruba, its the best place for a vacation!

Since you are asking about being ON the beach, i won't recommend lacabana brc. (i own there and it IS NOT on the beach, but across the street from the beach....................I personally love lacabana brc )

That leaves......Costa Linda for a 2 bedroom unit ON Eagle Beach .................or Marriott Surf or Ocean Clubs ON Palm Beach, but the beach is not as wide/spacious as Eagle Beach.

or Playa Linda on Palm Beach. ( i have never been inside any of the playa linda units)

So, that brings me back toEagle Beach and Costa Linda. Nice resort. Large living room/dining area, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, nice porch, galley kitchen. Large pool, hot tubs and right on there on the beach

Kids are there too.

LaQuinta and Paradise Beach Villas...............both across the street from the Eagle beach.

Anyone know if the Phoenix has 2 or 3 bdrm units?

andrea

you are thinking about Oceania Condos right?

Lovely lovely lovely
Very high end.
I am guessing not lots of kids or kid's activities.


Not on the beach.......across the street just like lacabana brc.

I 'd be willing to wager an ABC or an AB or BC unit at Lacabana brc is way less costly than Oceania for a vacation week.
andrea

Thank you to all of you that have replied so far. I appreciate your opinions very much. i will look into the places you have mentioned as they all sound like good options.

Some links to assist you in your research:

Divi Aruba Phoenix has 2 bedroom units


Costa Linda Beach Resort has 2 & 3 bedroom suites
http://www.costalinda-aruba.com/bb/rentals/

http://www.arubaoceanclub.com/pages/rentals.html
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/auaao-marriotts-aruba-ocean-club/

http://www.vacationclub.com/resorts/ac/default.jsp
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/auaac-marriotts-aruba-surf-club/

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

If you pick the Surf Club, you will not be sorry. They have the biggest rooms on the Island. 2 balconies, 3 tv's full kitchen and washer and dryer in the rooms. Playa Linda's rooms are only 1/3 of the size.

I own timeshares at Marriott, Costa Linda, Phoenix and Occidental. All of them are two bedroom units. I don't agree with the person who said that Marriott rooms are more than twice the size of Playa Linda. They are bigger, but who's in the room. You're on the beach!

Costa Linda has the largest beach and lots of things to do for all of you. Occidental has the newest units and the views from the condos are fabulous. They are much closer to the water than Costa Linda and the Marriott, although they are all on the beach. Divi Phoenix units are nice and have a nice beach. The Marriott is VERY crowded and a little far away from the hub of activity.

Listening to what you said, it sounds like your family would like Occidental for all of your needs. If you would like any additional info feel free to email me directly at macalh@aol.com.

Mary Alice