Aruba vs. Nassau vs. Bermuda
Oct 10, 2006, 10:20 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Plat, NWA SE, Marriot SE, SPG Gold, Avis PF, Amtrak
Posts: 2
Aruba vs. Nassau vs. Bermuda
Anyone have any preference for any of these destinations, departing from NYC? I have some unused tickets from JetBlue that I'd like to book travel for a get away vacation with my boyfriend, so we're limited to these three destinations. I don't think we're interested in PR, unless we can be convinced otherwise. We're looking at spending 4 nights either Jan 25th-29th or Feb. 1st-5th. My boyfriend prefers the Jan. weekend because of the superbowl Feb 4th. But flights to Aruba are about $125 more per ticket in Jan. Nassau's $200 & Bermuda's $260 no matter what. However, since I have the unused tickets, I'm not so worried about airfare. We're looking at spending somewhere around $1500 or less for the 4 nights stay at a hotel. Here's what we're looking for: somewhat romantic, not overcrowded, kite-surfing, diving, laying on beach, drinking, a little shopping, exploring the island, etc. So, based on the above scenario, a few questions.
First, would we be able to find a fun sports bar to watch the game at either destination? Have to make sure this one's covered.
Which has better weather this time of year?
Which has better diving/beaches?
Personal preference based on experience?
Regarding Aruba, we're leaning toward staying at the Westin, previously the Aruba Resort Spa and Casino, I think that was a Wyndham property. We've found a $340 rate and I can also get Starwood Points, so that's a plus. I also will have Gold status so I might be able to get upgraded. The property under Westin will only be a month old, so obviously there are no reviews or recommendations. I've read the previous hotel's reviews, but not the same. I've always found Westin to be a great hotel and the heavenly bed and big double headed showers are a real luxury. Any help if this is a good hotel to stay at?
Regarding Nassau, I haven't found any real winners for hotels. We've looked at Atlantis, but I think that's going to be way too crowded and family oriented. Any other hotel suggestions?
And finally, Bermuda. Don't know much about this island or what it has to offer, as well as potential hotel recommendations. There was an article on the times about 9 beaches, which looked nice, but had a love/hate thing going on...I want to love the whole thing. Have only heard it might be a cooler destination.
Thanks in advance for any comments. I know this is a little long, but helps to put all the info out there.
First, would we be able to find a fun sports bar to watch the game at either destination? Have to make sure this one's covered.
Which has better weather this time of year?
Which has better diving/beaches?
Personal preference based on experience?
Regarding Aruba, we're leaning toward staying at the Westin, previously the Aruba Resort Spa and Casino, I think that was a Wyndham property. We've found a $340 rate and I can also get Starwood Points, so that's a plus. I also will have Gold status so I might be able to get upgraded. The property under Westin will only be a month old, so obviously there are no reviews or recommendations. I've read the previous hotel's reviews, but not the same. I've always found Westin to be a great hotel and the heavenly bed and big double headed showers are a real luxury. Any help if this is a good hotel to stay at?
Regarding Nassau, I haven't found any real winners for hotels. We've looked at Atlantis, but I think that's going to be way too crowded and family oriented. Any other hotel suggestions?
And finally, Bermuda. Don't know much about this island or what it has to offer, as well as potential hotel recommendations. There was an article on the times about 9 beaches, which looked nice, but had a love/hate thing going on...I want to love the whole thing. Have only heard it might be a cooler destination.
Thanks in advance for any comments. I know this is a little long, but helps to put all the info out there.
Oct 10, 2006, 12:27 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Back to Florida...... bye London
Programs: Hilton, AA,, Delta
Posts: 5,149
Bermuda will be cold that time of year.
Nassau may be OK.
Aruba would be good for the 4 days. Some people say that the isalnd is too boreing but for 4 days of doing nothing it would be good.
Nassau may be OK.
Aruba would be good for the 4 days. Some people say that the isalnd is too boreing but for 4 days of doing nothing it would be good.
Oct 10, 2006, 12:39 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 526
We spend 3 weeks in Aruba every year. Great restaurants, fun gambling and the best beaches. We're in Florida so it is an easy hop to the Bahamas and we don't go. Bermuda will be cold. Champions Sports Bar is located at the Marriott and is where most people go for the games. For more info on Aruba check out www.visitaruba.com. There is a bunch of talk about the Westin (former Wyndham) on there recently.
Oct 10, 2006, 12:58 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Plat, NWA SE, Marriot SE, SPG Gold, Avis PF, Amtrak
Posts: 2
Thanks for the responses, they just confirmed what we were leaning towards. We heard you can get a good rate for the Marriot on Priceline. Do any of you know how it or other 4 star/resorts compare to the Westin?
Oct 17, 2006, 9:58 am
#5
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: UA Lifetime 1K, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, HH Diamond, Delta Base, AA Base
Posts: 514
For Aruba, I would do a search in the Marriott forum. There is a nice Renaissance that I liked better than the Marriott property. It was located in town and had their own pools and beachfront, but they also had a private island accessible by boat shuttle, that was more secluded. I enjoyed it over the Palm Beach resort areas.