The Caribbean - Anyone been to Aruba?

I am planning a 1-week trip to Aruba in March 2009, yeah high season, yikes.

So besides the bucco bucks I'll be dropping, I need to figure out where to stay. Trying to stay budget concious- not sure how realistic that is.

It will be my B-day and the start of a new hopefully less chaotic decade of my life. I'm very relaxed and want peace and quiet and plan on adventuring around the island quite a bit, so looking for a place to lay my head, but also somewhere I can vegitate on off days.


A. My first thing, is deciding on what Beach to stay on. Went on a cruise last year and hit Palm Beach at the Radisson, was too perfect. Don't know any pros or cons between the two.

(1) Eagle Beach
(2) Palm Beach

B. My other dilemma is something like Radisson versus. Holiday Inn Sun Spree. Where Radisson Resort is not very comparable to HI, but neither are the prices. Just trying to consider if the higher quality is worth the higher price, somelike 374/night versus 182/night.

C. Third Dilemma, are the All inclusive thing really worth it? I barely drink, trying to keep it healthy. Seems like lots of dining options, but when I was there last year, we had lunch at Gillians at the Rad, and it ended up 120 for 4 for lunch for 4 alcoholic drinks and 4 sandwiches.

Any feedback welcomed, tips and recommendations appreciated!

Thanks!

I went to Aruba in January 2008 (high season) and stayed at the Arubiana Inn. I think I paid something like $80/night plus tax. If you wanted breakfast, it is another $7 or $8. It is near Eagle Beach. You can walk to the beach but I would strongly recommend getting a car. Driving was easy once you got used to the roundabouts and the signage.

I preferred Eagle Beach to Palm Beach. Eagle Beach is wide and not too crowded. Palm Beach is the opposite. Palm Beach is worth visiting for the night life, restaurants, and people watching.

I made my reservation for the Arubiana Inn via e-mail. It's not a posh resort but it's way cheaper than the $300 to $500 places on the water.

http://www.arubianainn.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147248-d615108-Reviews-Arubiana_Inn-Oranjestad_Aruba.html

Take a look at the resorts in the low rise section of town (I think that is Eagle Beach). Often you can get a good rate from a time share owner who can't make the trip this year. Google the properties and see if they have message boards online. I once did this at Casa Del Mar and got a great deal.

Link to their website (http://www.casadelmar-aruba.com/)

I'm a timeshare owner in Aruba and have been many many times. Absolutely love it. March, as you say, is high season, so the sooner you decide on a place and book it the better.

Some of the nicer places on Palm Beach are the Radisson, Hyatt and Marriott (one hotel and two timeshares). On Eagle Beach, Amsterdam Manor, Costa Linda, Bucuti Beach Resort.

There are a few restaurants not to be missed - Madame Janette (pretty much universally considered the best restaurant on the island), El Gaucho (incredible Argentinian steaks, but not cheap), Linda's Pancakes (Dutch pancakes with tons of different options for toppings).....

Be sure to have a Brown Lady - that's a drink, no idea what the heck is in it, but whatever it is, it's gooooood.

:):):):)

Yes, the low rise section is Eagle Beach and the high rise area is Palm Beach. Aruba is arid and windy but has great beaches and weather. Lots of visitors from Boston and New York and many from Holland. I was surprised by how many fast food restaurants and chain hotels they have. Maybe not as exotic as some islands but very comfortable for American visitors.

I was surprised by how many fast food restaurants and chain hotels they have. Maybe not as exotic as some islands but very comfortable for American visitors.

This is exactly why I did not like Aruba. Way too commercialized and hardly felt like I had left the states. Nothing at all tropical about it.

I went to Aruba at the end of January 2008 as well.

Stayed at a tiny place down the road from the main hotels at Palm Beach, however I did everything out of the Marriott. (beach, shopping, dining)

I had a blast on the ABC Tours Jeep Safari, you should do one of those as it shows you pretty much everything the island has to offer and literally circles the entire island throughout the day.


Have fun in Aruba..... Bon Bini!

--Russ

We've been going for 12 years. Spent 3 weeks in Feb/Mar and 5 in August/Sept this year - just love it!!! We're going back in the beginning of Feb this year and I'm staying lol!!! Anyway, check out the forums on www.visitaruba.com and www.aruba-bb.com for all things Aruba. You can read trip reports of different places as well to get a feel for where you want to stay and there are restaurant reviews,etc. Please do not do AI. Aruba has some of the best restaurants and, while there are a few pricey ones, there are also some really good mid-range and low priced. Linda

Just came back from our second trip. Both times stayed at the Holiday Inn.

Ocean Front room, All-Inclusive, 4 of us $2200.00!

Personally, I think it's one of the best deals on the island. The hotel is really nice, the beach is awesome and how much time do you really spend in your hotel room? And with that said, the hotel rooms were really nice and clean.

Take a look over at the Photography section. I just posted a like to some pictures from our last trip.

You will love it there!

Just came back from our second trip. Both times stayed at the Holiday Inn.

Ocean Front room, All-Inclusive, 4 of us $2200.00!

Personally, I think it's one of the best deals on the island. The hotel is really nice, the beach is awesome and how much time do you really spend in your hotel room? And with that said, the hotel rooms were really nice and clean.

Take a look over at the Photography section. I just posted a like to some pictures from our last trip.

You will love it there!


The rate for the Holiday inn is really good for the week Im going. 182/night, fairly unbeatable IMO, however the reviews for this hotel are all over the board. Some people think its dingy, others love it.

It certainly will be the best deal on the island, looking at the Hyatt, but at 437/night, Im just choking on that.

Any reason for the broad spectrum of reviews.....?

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

I really can't wait, I am as pale as skim milk now, and in bad need of sun.

We have been going to Aruba yearly for at least 25 years and, this year, we'll be staying for four weeks...yay! You have been given good advice here regarding checking out the two Aruba forums and renting a time share...which will give you alot more space than a hotel room. Also, since time shares units have kitchens you don't have to eat out for every single meal. I personally prefer Eagle Beach as it's not as crowded, the water is always clear and it's not too windy. I would not go for an all inclusive package ... especially if you're not a big drinker. One of the best things about Aruba are the great restaurants at all price levels and feeling safe enough to go exploring for a new and different eatery every night. Have a restful vacation!

The rate for the Holiday inn is really good for the week Im going. 182/night, fairly unbeatable IMO, however the reviews for this hotel are all over the board. Some people think its dingy, others love it.


From what I've seen its not your typical Holiday Inn.

Be sure to check out Sopranos Piano Bar next door, the Dutch seem to be fascinated with american gangsters... there's only three Aruba, Curacao and Saint Martin.

--Russ