Originally Posted by
US1@ORF
Hi James,
We also were going through a similar decision making process last year prior to our trip to Aruba. We ultimately decided upon the new Ritz over the other two properties. The second choice was the Ren Tradewinds option. I found that a property downtown in the hustle and bustle was a turn off. Yes they have a boat service out to their "private island" it sounded like it might be more hype than would be worth.
We LOVED the Ritz. It is the most remote of all hotels available I could find. Plenty of space between it and the hotel next door. Nothing on the other side last year though that may be different now, I don't know.
Disclosure: I used my MR points for a basic room then paid the $200/night cash upgrade to the Club Level. We stayed for seven nights. It was more than worth it. The Ritz Club Level and Lounge is way above the Tradewinds but not knocking the Ren, the two are never intended to be the same. They target different clientele and that is great to have choices.
We ate most of our meals in the Club Lounge and that was a great value for us.
If you want more info on the Ritz send me a PM and I am happy to discuss. No matter what you choose have a great honeymoon, Arbua is probably in the top 3 of our favorite Caribbean islands.
Be sure to make a reservation, in advance, for dinner at Madame Jeanette's while in Aruba. It was about ten minutes from the Aruba and closer to the other hotels on the island. Cabs are cheap so that is the easiest form of transportation on the island.
Don't dress up, go with resort casual as seating is outdoors and Aruba is quite warm in the summer when we went. Food is European in nature and very well prepared, I'd consider it gourmet. Great Hungarian Goulash if you like it. Reminded me of some I had in Berlin once. Felt odd eating in Aruba though.... but glad I did. Beef was nice too. Wife had a seafood dish and she liked it.