The Caribbean - Been to Aruba lately?

We went to Aruba perhaps 7 or 8 years ago. Liked it but found it a little dull.Thinkingof going back in October. Has anyone been there recently that could give us some info on hotels or entertainment? All I remember was a great restaurant called Suisse Chalet.

I went there in March but just for one day (part of a cruise). One of my friends was sick and couldn't see it. My other friend and I walked around the pier and took different excursions. We liked the Sonesta Hotel and plannned to go either this summer or the next one so the other friend can see it. You can go
to a private island by boat from the Sonesta Hotel. October sounds good. We went on Good Friday and all the stores were closed. There's also a Carlos' & Charles near the pier.

Have been to Aruba 6 times in the last 7 years. The place keeps getting better and better with more things to do each time. As of about 6 months ago the Suisse Chalet was still there. We usually stay at La Cabana which is a hotel of about 800 rooms each with Kitchenettes so we can cook when we are not in the mood to eat out every night.

If you are looking to spend a few bucks on a room but get luxury in return may I suggest the Marriot or the Hyatt. Both are magnificent.

For nightlife the mian thing to do is go to the Casinos and the bars.

Hope you enjoy if you go.....

Thanks for the info Playsmart. When we were there, Wyndham has just purchased the Hilton on Palm Beach and that's where we stayed. I did check the prices at the Hyatt just last week and I thought they were a little too high. I am not cheap but sometimes I think certain prices are just ripoffs. I was considering the Aruba Grand which is next door to the Wyndham. We did get to see La Cabana because our first two days there we were so bored to went to two timeshare pitches and La Cabana was one of them. That and Sonesta were both very nice but I would want to stay on Palm Beach. I was hoping they had developed more in the way of shows as I am always disappointed as well in Puerto Rico with the lack of anything besides bars and casinos. Don't get me wrong, we enjoy all things, but would like more diversity. I will definitely consider a return there though.

Well on palm beach they have a variety of high rise hotels to choose from and the Grand isn't that bad at all. For a nice place and not to expensive the radisson or Holiday inn are fine, and the Wyndham would probably be your best choice. As for nightlife though, there are a few shows that are on the Island but they are mostly the Island type shows in small theatres in the Casinos. Occasionally they will have the rat pack impertsonators that are always fun to watch and the best show on the Island is the La Cage show in the royal cabana casino which is Female impersonators. Hysterical if ya got a dirty sense of humor.....

That's precisely what I was looking for! A couple of little shows, nothing big, but entertaining. I would love to see some island shows and the ones you mention. If you get a chance would you give me an idea of which hotels have them. Thanks loads.

The Royal Cabana Casino at La cabana is where the La Cage show is. The Holiday inn was where their was a Island show when we were there, and the Alhambra Casino had the Rat pack show. Other than that just pick up some Island Magazines and papers when you are there and it should tell you everything.....And Do some Diving.....Great Wreck dives.

Playsmart

Playsmart: I am embarrassed to say I do not know how to swim and I am too old to learn. Fortunately, I made sure my kids learned early on, but alas, I walk in the water, swoosh around and I'm out. So diving is not an option. My version of diving is usually into a chocolate souffle! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif but thanks for the recommendation.