Has anyone stayed at either of these resorts recently? How would they compare to each other regarding age group, activities, restaurants, happy hour, etc.? My husband and I are in the process of planning a trip for our 25th Anniversary. Thank you for your help.

These two resorts are actually right next to each other.

The Aruba Grand seemed like a nice place, but didn't have as nice of a pool area as the Wyndham. It had a very 'quiet' setting and didn't seem crowded at all and would be good for relaxing. It's pool was never crowded and the most I ever saw in it was 5 or 6 people during a water aerobics type class. The pool is large and rectangular and is perfect for swimming laps in. It's beach was very nice and should be exactly the same as the Wyndham as they are next to each other. It also seemed to have an older crowd there and had onsite time-share visitors and sales. Located on the north side of the property is the DePalm Pier, which offers boat trips, snorkle trips, etc. There is a scuba shop onsite, named either Dive Aruba or Unique Water sports. Can't remember for sure. Don't know what restaurants they had onsite.

The Wyndham is a little more more modern and attracted a younger crowd, but it was pretty quiet to compared to the Cancun party hotels. It has lots of great restaurants onsite. Pago-Pago (steak), Baci (italian), Blossums (chinese & japenese), Azuls (evenings beachfront), plus a breakfast buffett and a terrance (poolside) restaurant open breakfast & lunch. Age groups were from everywhere from newlyweds to seniors, but I'd say most of the people were in their 30's or 40's. Their pool is nice also, it's "kidney shapped" with two hot-tubs off to the side. The happy hour is from 5pm-7pm at the Pool Bar, but many weren't impressed with their bar or service. They have an onsite activities(tours) desk operated by DePalm Tours, onsite Hertz car rental, and Pelican Watersports has a desk for their tours and dives plus a small beach watersports rental and t-shirt type shop. There were also a few stores in the lower lobby (jewelry, Little Switzerland, swimsuit store, general store, ice cream shop, arcade). Other activities were there seemed to be some sort of live entertainment often during happy hour.

hope this helps some.
feel free to email if you have more questions.

Wyndham is the best. We have stayed there three years in a row and loved every second. Hoping to get back there this year or the first of next. We love Aruba and a nice hotel is always a must for me.

Mike & Melissa - Thank you both very much for your help. It sounds like we will end up choosing the Wyndham.

also sign up for by request - you might get a room upgrade and they leave a free drink for you - we did not stay but walked through it and it looks nice