We just got back from Aruba and all I have to say is beautiful!

We had the best time! The food, the people, the island freindly and gorgeous. We are definitly going back! Can't wait to book our next trip in a couple of years (just got married, we have to save!) We did the underwater sub, vegged out on the beach, swim, and lots more! Too many to explain. We rented a jeep for a couple of days and explored the whole island. That was interesting. Some of the beach houses were so pretty and well kept. We got lost a few times and asked for directions.. the people there were so kind to show us the right of way home and to some of the sights!

We ate at El Guacho. The best steaks we ever had. Well worth the wait! Iguana Joes (jerk chicken is a must), La Dolce Vita (food was good, service was hmmm lets say we have lots of patience), House of Cheng (ok, service was great given that we were the only people in the whole restaurant) food was ok. We did get a little home sick and had Wendy's for lunch. Sole Mare (best service, best italian food ever (shrimp scampi with garlic and linguini a must!) And the entertainment was great. Tuscanny's was nice.. portions could be better, but the flavor was mmm mmm good!

The weather was wonderful. Not one drop of rain. The beach in front of the Marriott was clean, not too crowded and the drinks were out of this world. Banana daquiri a must! Caribe too! Water was soo clear. we were in deep and still could see our feet touch bottom!

Aruba is definitly a must for a vacation or honeymoon.

Thanks a bunch Aruba. We'll see you soon!

Patty

Patty-

Thanks for the update! I am going to Aruba this Saturday! (and staying at the Marriott)

A couple of questions:

1) can I rent a "regular" economy car, or do I need a 4x4?
2) what are the best places for nightlife? I am considering the Tatoo night cruise, the party bus, the 'Don't Tell Mama' show and bars/dance clubs
3) did you have to wake up at 7am in order to get a hut on the beach?

thanks for the info!
-Kimberly

Hi Kimberly!

Your best bet is to rent a 4x4. On our way to the natural pool.. we took a side route and almost got stuck in a ravine. LOL! But we got out safe. The main roads are fine for a regular car, but if you want to go exploring.. get the 4X4 like we did. Nightlife- the tatoo cruise is a blast (we didn't do the party bus, but we will next time!) we got a hut in the afternoon with no problem. Have lots of fun!

Patty

Kimberly,
Which jeep company did you use and were you happy with them. Also, is the tatoo cruise the one where you can jump off the boat with a rope? Going in Oct and can't wait. I'm not being scared off by the few negative comment! Thanks in advance!

Hi Patti, I have 4 friends from work that are there until Sunday(jelous?)spelt wrong and they got to the Marriott every year for the last 15 years, when they get home I will be going with my husband of 35 years, (sorry congradulations, bad me.) and can't wait first time.


Nancy and Ron from Rhode Island

Woops! my message was for Patty, not Kimberly, sorry!

KC,

We used Hertz (they are in the lobby of the Marriott). They gave us a little discount because we were first time honeymooners. We had the truck for about 3 days and it cost us about $200.00. Not bad.. We didn't care about how much we spent on that. It was well worth it!
And the tatto cruise is the one you use the rope swing too.

Thanks.

Patty

We are planning a trip to the marriott in November and just want to know what the crowd is like there - mostly couples or lots of families? How about teenagers; were there lots of teens running around? Thanks for the info; your posts make it sound wonderful and the restaurant info is very helpful!

You can rent a compact (Toyota, Nissan) for $165-170/week. The only place it won't take you is the Natural pool.