Aruba or Grand Cayman
Mar 13, 2009, 5:36 pm
#1
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Aruba or Grand Cayman
Would like to do a 4 or 5 day mini vacation in late May/early June...sole purpose is rest and relaxtion....
Considering Aruba or Grand Cayman - both have non-stop flights from CLT, can arrive in under 4 hours, and it appears although weather will be warm, it shouldn't be miserably hot.
Have never been to either - both have a Marriott, Grand Cayman also has a Ritz, while Aruba has the Ren.....
Any recommendations, comments, suggestions on these? One locale over the other? One resort over another?
Having never been, am interested in all opinions....
TIA
(too odd that this is the 2nd thread on Aruba today...)
Considering Aruba or Grand Cayman - both have non-stop flights from CLT, can arrive in under 4 hours, and it appears although weather will be warm, it shouldn't be miserably hot.
Have never been to either - both have a Marriott, Grand Cayman also has a Ritz, while Aruba has the Ren.....
Any recommendations, comments, suggestions on these? One locale over the other? One resort over another?
Having never been, am interested in all opinions....
TIA
(too odd that this is the 2nd thread on Aruba today...)
Mar 13, 2009, 6:46 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: New York USA
Posts: 2,933
I'll give you my personal opinion though I know others will disagree. I stayed at the Marriott Grand Cayman and the Aruba Surf Club. Both hotels were nice. The Surf Club was brand new when I was there and the pool there is very nice. BUT (and it's a big but 
) the Surf Club has tripled in size since I was there and the pool is certainly overcrowded now.
Marriott Grand Caymans pool is small and the beach is tiny but the water was clear and snorkeling there was good. The hotel does not really meet the standards of a resort (few onsite restaurants or shops, etc.).
I personally much prefer the island of Grand Cayman over Aruba as Aruba is basically a windy, hot desert with no natural beauty and few sights. The beach in front of the Surf Club was cloudy and what I would call non-swimmable.
The Aruba Marriott has more of a resorty feel yet is still on the same stretch of mediocre beach. The Aruba Renaissance is more in the center of town and has a private beach.
The island of Grand Cayman has more to do and I would return there (in fact, I have). Aruba is on my 'never again' list as there are so many better islands to go to.
Hope this helps. Have fun wherever you decide to go.
) the Surf Club has tripled in size since I was there and the pool is certainly overcrowded now.Marriott Grand Caymans pool is small and the beach is tiny but the water was clear and snorkeling there was good. The hotel does not really meet the standards of a resort (few onsite restaurants or shops, etc.).
I personally much prefer the island of Grand Cayman over Aruba as Aruba is basically a windy, hot desert with no natural beauty and few sights. The beach in front of the Surf Club was cloudy and what I would call non-swimmable.
The Aruba Marriott has more of a resorty feel yet is still on the same stretch of mediocre beach. The Aruba Renaissance is more in the center of town and has a private beach.
The island of Grand Cayman has more to do and I would return there (in fact, I have). Aruba is on my 'never again' list as there are so many better islands to go to.
Hope this helps. Have fun wherever you decide to go.
Mar 14, 2009, 5:18 am
#3
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I'll give you my personal opinion though I know others will disagree. I stayed at the Marriott Grand Cayman and the Aruba Surf Club. Both hotels were nice. The Surf Club was brand new when I was there and the pool there is very nice. BUT (and it's a big but ) the Surf Club has tripled in size since I was there and the pool is certainly overcrowded now.
) the Surf Club has tripled in size since I was there and the pool is certainly overcrowded now.As to the two Aruba MR hotels, I would definitely consider the Stellaris, but would stay away from the Ren. I know there are folks on FT that like the Ren, but its in the heart of downtown right next to the main road and a ton of foot traffic - not really my scene.
Never been to the Caymans...
Mar 14, 2009, 6:25 am
#4
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I've enjoyed both islands over the last few years. Aruba Stellaris is a nicer property - a true resort, etc. - though the GC has nicer snorkeling/swimming out front.
The actual beach (sand) was nonexistent at GC when I was there, but they may have rebuilt it. There is plenty of beach within at quick trip up the road.
I actually found Baby Beach on Aruba to be one of the best family beaches we've been to, and we enjoyed exploring the rough and tumble landscapes and natural features of Aruba. But it is a desert, so if you're looking for lush tropic forests, this isn't it.
GC had great beaches too, especially if you take the 45 minutes to drive counterclockwise around the island. And swimming with the rays is an adventure.
We had fun with both, but I'd probably agree with GC, as long as you're not the resort-rat type that stays within 50 yards of your room all week.
The actual beach (sand) was nonexistent at GC when I was there, but they may have rebuilt it. There is plenty of beach within at quick trip up the road.
I actually found Baby Beach on Aruba to be one of the best family beaches we've been to, and we enjoyed exploring the rough and tumble landscapes and natural features of Aruba. But it is a desert, so if you're looking for lush tropic forests, this isn't it.
GC had great beaches too, especially if you take the 45 minutes to drive counterclockwise around the island. And swimming with the rays is an adventure.
We had fun with both, but I'd probably agree with GC, as long as you're not the resort-rat type that stays within 50 yards of your room all week.
Mar 14, 2009, 2:08 pm
#5
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Can't comment about Aruba but returned from a short four night stay from GCM as it was a shorter, direct flight from YYZ. The beach is quite large in front of the hotel now, I would guess there is about 75 feet of beach before you get to the water so there is plenty of room if you enjoy the beach lounging thing for a few days. Apparently the beach has grown significantly since the fall of 2008. There is also a reef directly off shore, (man made) which provides for snorkeling, as well as other spots just a short walk up seven mile beach.
The hotel itself is small with one main restaurant, one beach bar and restaurant, one pool bar, one breakfast restaurant and lobby bar and lounge where you can get a meal if you so wish. We went on the all inclusive plan for four nights which I scored for $450USD/night and used some of my marriott certificates. I can say that we very much got our money's worth as drinks and meals are not cheap at this resort. That being said, there were two restaurants across the road, Aqua and Coconut Joe's which provided casual reasonable fare as well as hockey for us canucks!!!
I would definitely recommend GCM, also, if the Ritz is an option, it seems very tranquil the couple times we went through the property on our morning walks.
The hotel itself is small with one main restaurant, one beach bar and restaurant, one pool bar, one breakfast restaurant and lobby bar and lounge where you can get a meal if you so wish. We went on the all inclusive plan for four nights which I scored for $450USD/night and used some of my marriott certificates. I can say that we very much got our money's worth as drinks and meals are not cheap at this resort. That being said, there were two restaurants across the road, Aqua and Coconut Joe's which provided casual reasonable fare as well as hockey for us canucks!!!
I would definitely recommend GCM, also, if the Ritz is an option, it seems very tranquil the couple times we went through the property on our morning walks.
Mar 14, 2009, 4:16 pm
#6
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Toronto (YYZ)
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Sophiegirl, I have to totally agree with flyerwife.
+ I find there are always large groups of drunk high school students in Aruba.
If you want to relax then Grand Cayman is your best choice of the two.
Safe travels
Mar 14, 2009, 5:11 pm
#7
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Hey Sophiegirl...right up my alley...I can certainly offer some advice having been to both islands. Okay, I went to Aruba last year Thanksgiving, it was my second time on the island. It is a nice, realtively safe and staid island. If all you want is peace and quiet, average food, the ability to walk along a the beach through various properities then this is for you. I was not pleased with the quality of the Marriott resort actually, left a lot to be desired for me despite the rennovations but some say my standards are veryhigh. But I had a good time, I could have dunkin donuts coffee if I chose, the beach was nice although the Marriott property did not clean their beach area of sea weeds as well as even the Holiday Inn and service was atrocious but it was a good uneverntful vacation and I only occassionally went into downtown to eat. Of course, if gambling is your thing, then this is for you.
Now Cayman, well I am prejudiced as this is by far my favorite island, yes people will say it is more expensive, yes it is...and I only stay at the Ritz which is by far the best Caribbean resort where points are allowed...the beach is spectacular...service, well it is the Ritz. Lots to do off island...rent a car and go to the other end to Rum Point...I love love love Cayman...PM me...I will tell you anything you want to know...I would never stay at the Marriott...I already have reservations for Thanksgiving there this year.
Now Cayman, well I am prejudiced as this is by far my favorite island, yes people will say it is more expensive, yes it is...and I only stay at the Ritz which is by far the best Caribbean resort where points are allowed...the beach is spectacular...service, well it is the Ritz. Lots to do off island...rent a car and go to the other end to Rum Point...I love love love Cayman...PM me...I will tell you anything you want to know...I would never stay at the Marriott...I already have reservations for Thanksgiving there this year.
Mar 14, 2009, 6:39 pm
#8
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I've been to both several times - Cayman is an awesome island, esp if you dive
Aruba is nice as well and also has good, but not quite as good, diving.
I liked the Stellaris in Aruba and didn't like the Marriott in GC. The Marriott in GC reminded me more of the bizillion other Marriotts I stay at when I travel for business. I think the Stellaris is nicer and has a casino if you are so inclined. No gambling on GC.
If you are an experienced snorkeler, the man made reef at the GC Marriott will disappoint you. There is almost no coral or sponge growth (yet) and the fish that are there are pretty lame - very common, not spectacular. I suggest that you go to Cemetary Beach for snorkeling instead as it has a real reef and much beautiful flora and fauna.
Both islands have pretty good duty free shopping. I've purchased tax free Swiss watches on both and got pretty good deals.
If cost is an issue, I'd suggest Aruba as you'd be hard pressed to find a more expensive island than Gran Cayman.
Can't really go wrong w/either island but personally, I prefer Grand Cayman if staying in another facility. The Wyndham there was fantastic. I prefer Aruba if a Marriott is a must.
Best of luck!
Bill
I liked the Stellaris in Aruba and didn't like the Marriott in GC. The Marriott in GC reminded me more of the bizillion other Marriotts I stay at when I travel for business. I think the Stellaris is nicer and has a casino if you are so inclined. No gambling on GC.
If you are an experienced snorkeler, the man made reef at the GC Marriott will disappoint you. There is almost no coral or sponge growth (yet) and the fish that are there are pretty lame - very common, not spectacular. I suggest that you go to Cemetary Beach for snorkeling instead as it has a real reef and much beautiful flora and fauna.
Both islands have pretty good duty free shopping. I've purchased tax free Swiss watches on both and got pretty good deals.
If cost is an issue, I'd suggest Aruba as you'd be hard pressed to find a more expensive island than Gran Cayman.
Can't really go wrong w/either island but personally, I prefer Grand Cayman if staying in another facility. The Wyndham there was fantastic. I prefer Aruba if a Marriott is a must.
Best of luck!
Bill
Sep 20, 2014, 6:37 am
#12
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Honestly both are on my never return to list. Grand Cayman is very touristy with large numbers of cruise boats dropping people daily. Both islands are 100% tourist revenue based islands with no local industry or activities. The food on both as far as we were concerned with mediocre at best. How about Curacao or St. Kitts.
Sep 20, 2014, 9:08 am
#13
Join Date: Jul 2005
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St. Kitts is dependent on Tourism. Heck they will sell you citizenship for about 250K investment in property.
Sep 20, 2014, 9:19 am
#14
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