Last edit by: hhoope01
This thread refers to the various Marriott brands within a specific geographic area. Marriott Bonvoy hotels in XX usually have posts asking which property is better, etc. Trip reports are usually better suited in the property specific threads.
Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Aruba
#721
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Some place in this wonderful world (usually at 39,000 ft in seat 1C)
Programs: CO Gold Elite / NW Gold Elite
Posts: 13,747
Online booking has made life so very much easier.....
#722
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP MM, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Ti, UA Silver
Posts: 5,037
Aruba Tradewinds Club food and bev quality?
I'm staying at the Stellaris in a few weeks and I'm considering an upgrade to the Tradewinds club. I'd like to know about what is offered for lunch, afternoon tea, and evening hors d'oeuvres. I searched FT and didn't find specifics.
Also need to know about the "open bar" in the evening. Is it just beer and wine as mentioned in some of the threads on FT or can you get a top shelf martini?
Also need to know about the "open bar" in the evening. Is it just beer and wine as mentioned in some of the threads on FT or can you get a top shelf martini?
#723
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Woodstock, GA USA
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Delta DM & 1MM, Hertz and Avis President's Circle
Posts: 906
There's plenty of postings about the Tradewinds.
We were there in December, 2010 and (based on searching this forum) decided not to do it. The price they charge for what they offer isn't worth it.
There are plenty of reasonable dining options on site and nearby.
On site dining is not cheap but not ridiculous compared to some resorts. The Ruth's Chris at the hotel is pretty good although you may see more kids than you would normally see at Ruth's. The beach bar and pool bar are both good for lunch. The beach bar is changed to a beach dining experience at night. Definitely recommend doing that at sunset. The only restaurant we avoided was the other dinner option one. It was way too pricey for it's buffets.
There's a very good Dutch bar and grill nearby along with other restaurants in the same complex. For a nice dinner try Papiamento. Avoid the Hard Rock.
The pool and beach bars both have two happy hours every afternoon with 2 for 1 drinks. We enjoyed having lunch at either the pool or beach, doing the early happy hour, napping afterwards and then resuming with the later one. Then after another "nap" in the room, going out for dinner.
We were there in December, 2010 and (based on searching this forum) decided not to do it. The price they charge for what they offer isn't worth it.
There are plenty of reasonable dining options on site and nearby.
On site dining is not cheap but not ridiculous compared to some resorts. The Ruth's Chris at the hotel is pretty good although you may see more kids than you would normally see at Ruth's. The beach bar and pool bar are both good for lunch. The beach bar is changed to a beach dining experience at night. Definitely recommend doing that at sunset. The only restaurant we avoided was the other dinner option one. It was way too pricey for it's buffets.
There's a very good Dutch bar and grill nearby along with other restaurants in the same complex. For a nice dinner try Papiamento. Avoid the Hard Rock.
The pool and beach bars both have two happy hours every afternoon with 2 for 1 drinks. We enjoyed having lunch at either the pool or beach, doing the early happy hour, napping afterwards and then resuming with the later one. Then after another "nap" in the room, going out for dinner.
#724
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP MM, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Ti, UA Silver
Posts: 5,037
There's plenty of postings about the Tradewinds.
We were there in December, 2010 and (based on searching this forum) decided not to do it. The price they charge for what they offer isn't worth it.
There are plenty of reasonable dining options on site and nearby.
On site dining is not cheap but not ridiculous compared to some resorts. The Ruth's Chris at the hotel is pretty good although you may see more kids than you would normally see at Ruth's. The beach bar and pool bar are both good for lunch. The beach bar is changed to a beach dining experience at night. Definitely recommend doing that at sunset. The only restaurant we avoided was the other dinner option one. It was way too pricey for it's buffets.
There's a very good Dutch bar and grill nearby along with other restaurants in the same complex. For a nice dinner try Papiamento. Avoid the Hard Rock.
The pool and beach bars both have two happy hours every afternoon with 2 for 1 drinks. We enjoyed having lunch at either the pool or beach, doing the early happy hour, napping afterwards and then resuming with the later one. Then after another "nap" in the room, going out for dinner.
We were there in December, 2010 and (based on searching this forum) decided not to do it. The price they charge for what they offer isn't worth it.
There are plenty of reasonable dining options on site and nearby.
On site dining is not cheap but not ridiculous compared to some resorts. The Ruth's Chris at the hotel is pretty good although you may see more kids than you would normally see at Ruth's. The beach bar and pool bar are both good for lunch. The beach bar is changed to a beach dining experience at night. Definitely recommend doing that at sunset. The only restaurant we avoided was the other dinner option one. It was way too pricey for it's buffets.
There's a very good Dutch bar and grill nearby along with other restaurants in the same complex. For a nice dinner try Papiamento. Avoid the Hard Rock.
The pool and beach bars both have two happy hours every afternoon with 2 for 1 drinks. We enjoyed having lunch at either the pool or beach, doing the early happy hour, napping afterwards and then resuming with the later one. Then after another "nap" in the room, going out for dinner.
I've been to many of the restaurants around Palm Beach plus many others on the island and know of several really good ones that we're going to hit while we're there. Dinner out isn't really an issue, its the tradewinds breakfast, lunch, tea, and cocktail hour fare that interest me.
#725
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NC
Programs: Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 2,881
I cannot remember exactly what was served...do remember thinking it was better than a normal CL...but not really worth what we paid for it. Breakfast was fine, lunch was small mini sandwiches, crudites, some salads and desserts. It wasn't worth coming in off the beach for, so we didn't after the first day. (plus Mr Sophie doesn't like fou-fou type sandwiches, nor did the other guy with us). I truly cannot remember anything about the early evening service...Which leads me to beleive it wasn't spectacular....but desserts later were pretty good.
Honestly, I expected more.
If we went back, we wouldn't pay to upgrade, both because of the food itself, and the fact that it just requires too much time "in hotel" to truly take advantage of it. YMMV.
Honestly, I expected more.
If we went back, we wouldn't pay to upgrade, both because of the food itself, and the fact that it just requires too much time "in hotel" to truly take advantage of it. YMMV.
#726
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,468
Shooting at Aruba Renaissance Marketplace Two Suspected Drug Dealers Dead
Here is the link. Looks like 30 rounds fired. Based on what is described, I believe this happened between the hotel and the marina suites.
http://www.amigoe.com/english/102580...nt-with-police
http://www.amigoe.com/english/102580...nt-with-police
#727
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,468
#728
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Florida
Programs: Marriott Rewards-Lifetime Titanium, Priority Club-Platinum, Hilton-Diamond, United-Silver
Posts: 403
Here is the link. Looks like 30 rounds fired. Based on what is described, I believe this happened between the hotel and the marina suites.
http://www.amigoe.com/english/102580...nt-with-police
http://www.amigoe.com/english/102580...nt-with-police
#730
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AA Platinum, UA 1K, HHonors Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriot Platinum Elite, Jetblue Mosaic
Posts: 297
Any recent experiences of Platinum members at this property? I have a Garden View booked for next week hoping to get an upgrade. I called them and they basically asked me to check on arrival. Also looking for information on Lounge Access, Breakfast (have 2 rooms booked under my name - total 8ppl - will all get Breakfast since I'm a platinum member?), Platinum Arrival Gift etc.?
#732
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
Any recent experiences of Platinum members at this property? I have a Garden View booked for next week hoping to get an upgrade. I called them and they basically asked me to check on arrival. Also looking for information on Lounge Access, Breakfast (have 2 rooms booked under my name - total 8ppl - will all get Breakfast since I'm a platinum member?), Platinum Arrival Gift etc.?
Looks like the only way you'll get lounge access is if you get upgraded to the Tradewinds club level or pay for it. However, even if you do, that's not a guarantee that all 8 will have access. Some limit the amount of people or charge X$ over X amount of people.
My guess is you'll get a Plat arrival gift.
Cheers.
#733
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Diego
Programs: UA 1k, US Chairman, Marriott Platinum, HH Diamond
Posts: 19
Marriotts in Aruba?
We are heading down to Aruba next month and if anyone knew which was a better Marriott to stay at? We were looking at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino or the Marriott's Aruba Surf Club.
Also, do you think it is better to use 210k pts for the 7 nights + $50/night or 280k pts and no cash?
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Also, do you think it is better to use 210k pts for the 7 nights + $50/night or 280k pts and no cash?
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Last edited by sigtau150; Jun 9, 2012 at 12:12 am
#734
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: IAD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Rewards - LTPP
Posts: 4,240
We are heading down to Aruba next month and if anyone knew which was a better Marriott to stay at? We were looking at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino or the Marriott's Aruba Surf Club.
Also, do you think it is better to use 210k pts for the 7 nights + $50/night or 280k pts and no cash?
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Also, do you think it is better to use 210k pts for the 7 nights + $50/night or 280k pts and no cash?
Thanks in advance for any advice!
#735
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NC
Programs: Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 2,881
As njcommodore suggests, searching will bring up (at least 8) fairly recent specific threads to Aruba...all with quite detailed information.
Not only will these help you decide which property...but should also assist you in deciding the payment structure. It is really not possible for any of us to know what works best for you. Do you HAVE $50 a night? do you have other trips coming up for which you will need points?...etc.
Not only will these help you decide which property...but should also assist you in deciding the payment structure. It is really not possible for any of us to know what works best for you. Do you HAVE $50 a night? do you have other trips coming up for which you will need points?...etc.