From what I've read, it seems there's a big rush in the early morning (7 AM) to reserve a spot on the beaches at the larger resorts. I've heard and read stories that lines start forming at 7 in the morning to get a shaded area or lounge chair.

While I enjoy the beach very much, and that's pretty much all I plan on doing on my trip in November, I surely wouldn't want to party all night and have to wake-up before 7 just to get a decent spot on the beach.

Are these stories true; and are there some resorts better than others -- where I can avoid having to be an early riser?

Also, what about hotels not directly on the beach? Do these hotels share beach area with the mega-resorts; and do guests at "off-the-beach-hotels" get any perference (i.e., can they line-up at 7 as well)?

Sorry.... I'm a first timer... and don't want to screw things up by selecting the wrong hotel/resort. I'm sure my girl friend will end up hating me if she has to get up at 6-7 in the morning -- lol :>) .

Good question. I'm sure others will weigh in re the hotels. At Costa Linda you don't have to get up that early for the beach but you won't find any shade by the pool after 8 a.m.

Glad I have a timeshare at the Dutch Village and do not have to deal with that. Very private and love it immensely.

Donna

What's your response have to do with my question?

"I got a timeshare at Dutch Village".... BFD!!!

Unfortunetly, I've used my timeshare in the Bahamas this year (week 30). It's a 10 townhouse complex on what might as well be it's own private beach. I love it immensely and don't have to deal with the crowds either. But, I've never been to Aruba and was hoping for opinions as to what I could expect at the mega-resorts and not some smug answer about someone having a timeshare.

Thanks anyhow ;-)

all I said was I did not have to deal with lines. I never heard of such a thing getting up early. Talking nasty is not going to get you anywhere. Would not want to have you for a boyfriend. I can only imagine how you treat her.

Donna

My apologies .... rough day at work.

I've been reading other message boards other than here at Arubu.com and there are stories about needing to get to the beach and pools early to get the best spots. If you'd like I'll copy a few links for you.

ok I accept your apology. Enjoy your trip in Aruba. I will be there next week. Have a drink on me

Hey You Bum, great observation. It sounds like you know the Timeshare mindset. For those who may not let me state most of them. To set the tone, make your mind blank (the needed state to see the value in a timeshare) and say the following in a dull monitone voice with no expressions. "Timeshares are great. We bought ours for $1.00 and we have a ten room suite on the beach. We love timeshares so much we bought 51 more weeks of timeshares. We bring our children, their children and everyone we know with us and still have room. It is great to leave home and spend our vacation shopping for food, cooking food and then cleaning up afterwards"........
Bum, in November you should be okay at most of the resorts getting a hut (slow time). We were there in August and up until 11:00 AM you could get a hut. You may not be right on the beach but will have the benefits of being on the beach. Mega Resorts? I think the largest hotel has about 400 rooms. Hardly qualifies for Las Vegas "Mega" status.

Donna... here's an example of what I'm talking about... this was a reply to me left on another bulletin board:


yes, at some resorts guests do rise early to secure a chickee in
a prime spot. Some people are out there as early as 5:00am. I've been able to find a decent chickee as late as 8:00am however. Some resorts (Radisson is one I think) have a signup sheet. AT Playa Linda they don't unlock their beach chairs until 7:00am. And if you leave your chickee unattended for more than 2 hours they'll remove your belongs to the towel hut and open it for someone else to use. The problem at some places (Playa Linda is one) is that members secure a choice chickee early in the AM with a towel, then head back to their rooms until mid-morning. I know this because I don't sleep my 1st night on the island and volunteer to hit the beach early to secure a chickee. In my own defence I travel with two other couple with three rooms between us. I always take 1 chickee for all three rooms and stay with it until others come down. I've seen the empty chickees claimed by others stay empty all morning.

Dear "Beach Bum"
I have been to Aruba over 35 times and never arrive on the beach at 7 AM. Some people are obsessive!!! You will be able to get a beach chair and spot on the beach no matter what time you arrive. The only problem you may face is finding a shady spot. Those people who want a spot under a cabana or palm tree do get up early to get the "prime real estate" I also like the shade but I have been able to locate something even arriving at noon. Fear not, there are no lines later in the day - in fact if there are lines at 7 AM, my suggestion is -go later - there are no lines. I'm sure you will enjoy your stay in Aruba - don't sweat your beach arrival time. It will be fine.....Cheryl