I am planning a trip to Aruba and connot choose between the Radisson or Hyatt. Anyone have any input to help me make my decision? They both look really beautiful and I need help picking which one to stay at! Thanks!

Hi Leah:

I was in the same predicament as you are in now. But, I had to make a decision. I chose the Radisson. I just returned last week and I am glad with my decision. Both properties are beautiful. I chose the Radisson because the message boards mentioned that there were a lot of children at the Hyatt due to the pool slide, I was trying to escape children for a week! The beach chairs at the Radisson are better quality, the pool is much larger and more private. I found that the meals were better at the Hyatt. The Hyatt's lobby is magnificent, where the Radissons lobby is more tropical. We stayed in the main building at the Radisson. We were placed in an outer building, but I didn't like all the walking. They were very accomodating and moved us to the main building. The room was beautiful. I can't believe how friendly everyone at the Radisson and at the Hyatt were. I am planning another trip for next Feb. and I will be staying at the Radisson again.

The only thing that botthered me about the Radisson was how thin the walls were.

Have a great trip - you will be returning!
Snow

I agree Snowmobilgal, above, on all counts. The food is definately better at the Hyatt, but since the Radisson just underwent a $55 million renovation, everything is new! I'm going back on Thanksgiving weekend if that says anything.

Radisson NEW, I don’t think so. That renovation was completed 3 years ago and they used cheap material & purchased low-grade furniture. The furniture is already showing wear & tear. The rooms are also small as are the balconies. Just remember that a large portion of the $55 mil went out to people other than the contractors doing the work as bribes and such to the past government. Things like paying $1000.00 for a table lamp took place, kind of like the US military paying $600.00 for a hammer. This is currently being investigated be the new government, a lot of local business people made a lot of money off this project without every setting foot at the Rad during renovations. Also, the money spent was only on the cosmetics of the facility, NOTHING or very little was spent upgrading the plumbing, A/C, electrical or safety systems. Just thought you would like ALL the facts before you choose.

Hi Leah,
First of all, I too was very confused as I have been to the Hyatt four times and loved it (after finally getting into a room). The pools are definitely filled with lots of kids and there is a shortage of actual sitting space. Yes the restaurants are great, but you can go any Restaurant in any hotel for dinner (provided you make reservations). So, this year, after reading numerous bulletin boards - I have chosen the concierge floor of the Radisson since the rooms are nicer and they do have balconies (which have chairs to sit on - something that is not available at the Hyatt). Who knows...you will have try - just as I will in November. I certainly hope I am happy with my choice, but no one seems to have stayed on the concierge level.

Go to either one - they are both lovely properties!!!!!!

Good luck in your decision....
Beverlyt

I have been to Aruba twice and struggled with the very same question. It is a matter of personal preference. The Radisson is absolutely wonderful, and the staff is second to none. The rooms have much better views of the ocean if this matters to you. The Hyatt on the other hand is definitely the place to be if you have children. They have a childrens program and lots of children things to do. I liked the casino much better at the Radisson. The grounds are much larger at the Radisson, but the Hyatt has its own ambience as well. Hyatt is more expensive. Toss up between what you are looking for. I would choose Radisson unless I brought the kids.

Thanks for your input Sharon. We will definitely try the Radisson this time!
We shall report on the comparison after our return Nov. 25.

Well Beverly I think we'll be satying at the Radisson the same time you are in November. We have been to Aruba 7 times and this will be our 3rd time at the Radisson. I think the difference between the Hyatt and the Radisson is Hyatt is more expensive. The Radisson is less expensive and include full american breakfast. Trust me you'll love it there. I think the grounds are just as nice as the Hyatt and the rooms in the Radisson are really nice with a nice size balcony some overlooking the ocean. The pool is really nice and last year when we were there it wasn't really crowded that time of the year. High season starts the week of Christmas. The restaurants are good in the hotel, but there are many other places on the island that you'll want to visit.

Good Luck!

Both are overpriced especially for food. Nice and good though.