I'm trying to make plans for a honeymoon and need some advice on where the best place to stay would be. I'd like to find somewhere to stay that has an all inclusive package, is peaceful/romantic, nice beach area.

As of now I'm looking at the Renaissance or Bucuti - does anyone have feedback on these places or suggestions on a better place to stay?

Bucuti is beautiful, private, a good choice. Renaissance is on the busier Palm Beach but many people enjoy the action on Palm Beach, lots of restaurants in walking distance.

All inclusive is a mistake in my opinion - Aruba is home to literally dozens of AMAZING restaurants - you would be doing yourself a big favour to eat off property no matter where you stay and experience some of the best and most romantic restaurants you'll find anywhere.

The nicest place we visited was the renaissace, I hope to stay there in the future.

Our favorite bar was blue, located atop the renaissance, near the crystal theater and LG smith’s, Blue is an ultracool, open-layout bar (which also serves food), with couches in one section, tall bar tables and stools in another, and a few stairs leading to an infinity edge pool surrounded by very comfy chaise lounges overlooking the harbor and under the stars. We LOVED this place. Inside, there is a projector showing videos (not too loudly) on a side wall. The drinks are fantastic!


we stayed at the westin.

First and foremost, Aruba is wonderful! If you are looking for beautiful beaches, perfect weather, incredible food, and opportunities for many activities (or just becoming one with a gorgeous stretch of soft sand), Aruba is your island! We visited in early April 2007.

The Westin is nice, but not among the nicest places on the Island from what I saw. The important things such as the pool and beach, food and drinks, the heavenly shower and bed, and overall service were generally very good. The concierges, doormen, activities staff, waiters and even the folks at the desk were helpful (once you got to them). The room was well laid out, spacious, clean, nicely appointed and everything worked; nifty TV, too. We asked for a fridge, which came quickly and worked fine. We definitely enjoyed the free activites, such as beach and pool volleyball, 2 lit tennis courts, bocce, and the manager’s (free) cocktail reception was a very nice touch. Little things were annoying, such as the wait time to get to a room when we arrived (25 minutes -- there were three desk employees checking more then 30 couples and groups in), the swarm of baggage handlers all competing for the bags, the wait time to get to the front desk to ask questions, the fact that we were given a different bed setup than requested, missing drawer pulls on the bureau, the AC which worked but never seemed to get cool enough. I felt like I got a good deal for what I paid and would stay there again (basically, they just need more desk staff). Note: there is construction at a hotel next door, but there was surprisingly NOT a noise issue – the sliders to the balconies are airtight. This construction is very substantial and looks as if it will be going on for many months.

hope this helps!