We will be going to the Holiday Inn for our Honeymoon at the end of October. Has anyone been there recently who can tell me what to expect and what not to expect?
How is the nightlife there? We're in our mid 20's and like to have a good time at night.
How is the beach? Thanks in advance for your help!

I stayed at the Holiday Inn during the first week of August. This is my opinion:

1) The staff was cordial but not overly friendly. The waiters/waitresses were very accomodating. I barely got smiles from the bartenders.

2) The food was pretty good. We were all inclusive so we didn't go outside of the resort to eat (3 adults and 1 toddler). The Boardwalk Cafe was the only place to get breakfast - they had the exact same breakfast buffet every morning. I was somewhat tired of it by the end of the week. The lunch buffet (also served at the Boardwalk Cafe) seemed to consist of the left-overs of the night before's theme night buffet. We usually ate lunches at the outside grill (Seabreeze Bar and Grille). I really enjoyed the theme night buffets (therefore, I didn't really mind that the left-overs were served in the lunch buffet the next day). We made reservations and ate at the nice resteraunt (Miramar) one night. It was excellent. I was glad that we were all inclusive - as lunch at the Seabreeze Grille for the 4 of us usually ran approx. $70. The dinner at the Miramar for the 4 of us was close to $200. I never saw a price for the breakfast buffet so I assumed that it was free for all guests, whether they were AI or not.

3) The shows that they had at night were just okay. We left during the middle of one of them and another one was cancelled because it was supposed to take place in the pool and maintenance accidently treated and closed the pool so the dancers weren't allowed in.

4) The pool is smaller and usually filled with kids. That didn't bother me though because I was there with a kid. The water was always very warm. They put the chemicals in the pool and close it at approx. 7 p.m. every night.

4) I thought the beach was very nice outside of the HI. The only thing that I was really disappointed in was the number of cig. butts that were in the sand. The water was also very warm and clear. You never had a problem getting chairs but need to be out on the beach by 7ish if you expect to get a hut.

5) Our room was fine. We were reserved for a standard room and was upgraded to an Ocean View. The view was spectacular. The rooms were clean and comfortable. Our room had a small refrigerator in it at no extra charge.

6) The grounds were nice and clean. Although, obviously not as elaborate as the more expensive hotels.

7) The HI has a casino. It looked nice but I can't really say anything about it because I didn't go in.

8) There is really no night life at the Holiday Inn. There is a lounge inside that has a pool table and a small dance floor with a DJ. It was mostly occupied by 16-17 year old that were playing pool. I heard good things about a bar that is next door to the HI (something like the Moomba). We walked past it one night and it seemed like a fun place. The HI seems to be more of a "family" hotel and became pretty quiet at night.

I guess you get what you pay for but we were not disappointed. Overall, we had a wonderful time. I doubt that I would go back to Aruba, but if I did, I would stay at the Holiday Inn again.

I hope you have a great trip. I hope this information helps a little bit. Enjoy!

I stayed in January I went all inclusive if this is what you did you might be alittle disappointed if you like to drink topshelf liquor they surcharge 2.50 on it and the beers are the little bud bottles. the food was okay alot of buffet.

the beach there was beautiful. you said you were in your 20's make sure you do the Tattoo cruise and the Kukunoo bus, take the jeep tour this was soo much fun we toured the whole island and we were able to do some 4 wheeling. all in all the HI wasn't bad but you are near all the high rises so there are so many places for you to visit.
make a reservation before 10 a.m. if you want to eat at the Mirimar restaurant the food there was Excellent.

have a great time! Party and enjoy!!!!

We have been to Aruba for 10 years in a row now and have stayed at the Holiday Inn each time. It is a wonderful island and would recommend it to anyone. There is night life more of it downtown . Just take the local bus (round trip 2 dollars U.S.) Just ask the bus driver to help you stop back to the hotel for your stop. It is a clean, helpful island. Our stays there have been very over accomidating and we have even learned the local language of papiamento. The hotel staff at Holiday Inn are very nice and always willing to help whatever you need. Rooms were clean and the beach is just awesome. Make sure to see the sunset every night. It is a sight to remember. Go to El Gaucho for an excellent meal, but sit downstairs. Reservations needed. Have a wonderful time. We are going for 2 weeks in November. Enjoy the Island. You will want to go back.

I am going to Aruba early Oct. and had some questions also. Go to search at the end of the list and type in holiday inn first timer, and you can read what people wrote to me and see some pictures. However, I am going to form my opinions when I get there because everyone has different standards they are used to when they go on vacation. But it was a nice heads up. hope this info can help you out. Congrats and good luck!

We have been going to the Holiday Inn for the past 8 years. It is a wonderful and very nice hotel. The beach is huge and the sunset is different everyday. Don't miss it. We do not do the all inclusive . From past experiences we have found it is better to go to the local restaurants and enjoy the island. Weather is 85 to 90 everyday. Sunny and warm. The tradewinds are great ! Hope you have a super time and from an Arubian you will enjoy it!

Missy,
We have stayed at the Holiday Inn for many years until we bought a time share in Nov., but now that we can't use it we go to the Holiday Inn in January . We usually go out to dinner as there are so many wonderful restaurants..to name a few....Tony Roma's ( great ribs & next to the HI) Le Petete Cafe at Playa Linda( food cooked on a stone), Driftwood(downtown great seafood), Old Cunuca House( great local food & a nice pleasant walk from the HI), Twinkletones & the Bucanneer are over rated for what you get. Hope this helps you out. By the way check out www.arubadining.com we found this site and have been getting the meal plans for my father and it really is a great deal and the people who run it are reliable.
Judy

I am thinking of staying at the HI in Jan 03 all inclusive. Has anyone been there within the last 2 months? I have heard good remarks and bad remarks.