Originally Posted by jackplum

I just came back from there last weekend. I might be heading back about the time you are.

You may be able to get a room at the Holiday Inn for as low as 144/night if there is availability. Shows no rooms for one and two nights but there is availability for three or more.

Or check out Amsterdam Manor.

Most of the hotels have casinos. IMHO, the best beach is Palm Beach by the high rise hotels. You can easily walk between the Marriott and the Wyndham checking out the various hotels in between.

If you are there on Sunday, do not miss the afternoon bash at Moomba's between the Holiday Inn and the Marriott. That is "the" place to be on Sunday afternoons in Aruba.

Got to VisitAruba.com - it is a good site for what is happening on the island. Pick up a VisitAruba card - the cost is earned back on your first use.

For snorkeling, I recommend Roberto's Private Snorkeling (see visitaruba.com for the link) - take the 8:30 AM trip and ask for Nick to be your guide - tell him Jack says hi and to show you where the turtles are.

You can also take the bus ($2.00 r/t) to Arashisi Beach by the California Lighhouse - great snorkeling and beautiful scenery - the whole north and east shores are quite desolate and rugged - or look at renting a jeep and headed to the southeast to Baby Beach - swim and then head along the shore past the caves and head inland - quite isolated - expect to come across wild donkeys and goats.

Good luck - you'll have a great time