just returned from my first time in Aruba...an 11 day reward stay over Xmas and New Years at The westin Aruba as a platinum member.

I had two rooms booked for my family...I had understood in advance I had used extra points to upgarde one room to what I thought was Oceanfront..wrong ...The upgrade took my reward booking to a higher floor ...and oceanview but not ocean front..after a lengthy discussion they
found an Oceanfront suite for the last 7 days for one of my rooms...the other was upgraded from island view to oceanview for the full 11 days....
Even Room numbers have a better ocean view, as there is no other hotel on that side of the property..and see the sun set in the west...Odd room numbers look into the large Riu hotel next door.

Beach is outstanding.....great sand no rocks or seaweed...gentle waves..no undertow...Shade is helpful, as the sun is so strong..the beach palapas can be reserved and rented in advance, or are free on a first come first serve freebooking the day of...It was really busy and very booked around Xmas and New Years so all palapas were reserved...Our solution...there are rentable umbrellas on the beach that we hired... for $25 a day..The fellow was Ivan..there about 745 every morning... I actually paid him for 6 days and got a 7th free..he is located in a water acvitivity tent on the beach between the riu and the westin..

There is a free in room wireless interenet service...its not fast but for checking emails works fine...slowest at night as capacity is challenged...best during afternoon when all are on beach.

Free morning coffee is available at the Terrace restaurant which is outside the hotel down by the beach...

I also called in advance and asked for a small fridge for my room...I wasnt charged..but I heard some folks talking abut $5 a day.

Ling and Sons IGA is about ten minutes cab..Snacks and best prices for beer and liquor.

Happy Hour at the Beach bar is 4-6..half price drinks

All staff was great...met the Concierge staff and they set us up with a dinner itinerary...Maybe that was more important during the time I was there....Restaurants sure were busy.

Best help came from concierge Zariena Wilson..she went out of her way..

Most Restaurants are a littler more than norm but its holiday......We paid about 175-200 for 4 adults nightly...not big drinkers...maybe a beer or glass of wine each with dinner..sometime not...17% is a common included service charge...check the establishment.

One of the best surprises was a new place called Amadeus...as in Mozart...Incredible food about a ten minute cab from the westin...The hotel recommended it but not too many have ventured there...but it was the highlite for us..

we ate at
Blossoms...upscale Benihanna..thoroughly enjoyable
Baci....Very good
Salt and Pepper...Dissapointed not the tapas approach I was expecting
Cactus Jacks...weak
Giannis..very little atmosphere very toruisty ...although we wre there on New Years Eve and it was likely a volume issue
Passions...Nice concept...great decor...on the beach at sunset .. torches to illumininate the tables..food okay
Pappilion..very good french
Madame Jeanettes...really good food
Amadeus..the hidden gem


Have fun....the weather is outstanding..the people are classy..we will return