B.VA.Flyer

Stayed there 2 months ago and it still was not completely finished. The GM is part of the problem. It is an older property and there is only so much one can do. Does not measure up to the newer Westin Resorts.

However, a Priceline accepted bid at $219 was OK. Otherwise try the Hyatt, then Marriott.

kflyer2

Thanks for the opinions, and welcome to Flyertalk, B.VA.Flyer!

Renard

I agree. I can't envision a scenario where I would ever use points at that rate. Four perhaps in high season....but never 5. In the off season, it would be a real CRIME to redeem this place at cat 5.

wsbombers

I haven't stayed at the hotel since it became a Westin, but I did stay there once when it was a Wyndham. I was very disappointed with the hotel at that time. There were a few things working against it. If the staff hasn't changed, I can't imagine the quality of the hotel is improved since then. The staff was the thing I liked least about the Wyndham. The second thing is location. This is something that probably can't be fixed. That end of the beach has more wind than the part further down. In addition, the pool and other facilities were too small for the size of the hotel.

I've been to Aruba about ten times and even got married there. The Hyatt and Marriott Stellaris are by far the best high rises. The Raddison is not too far behind. The facilities, staff, and locations of the three are (to varying degrees) superior to all other options. Without major improvements, I would not stay at the Westin (or anywhere else) even for Starpoints.

teacher5

anyone know anything about the casino?

any word on their restaurants?

jcherney

The casino is okay, but nothing extraordinary by any means. The breakfast and lunch is just plain awful (we walked down to the Hyatt every morning). Long lines for a lousy buffet for breakfast, and bad lunch food by the pool/beach. There are, IIRC, 2 main restaurants. You will find much better food and settings off site. There are some really nice places to eat in Aruba, just not at the Westin.

teacher5

thank you
is most of the stuff within walking distance? we used to stay in what was then the sonesta downtown...also ate a lot in gaucho...i guess we will use the 100 and then eat elsewhere]

jcherney

There are a couple of places within walking distance, but most are a cab ride (or rental car) away.

freebee

I'm surprised by the negative comments because we spent five nights at Westin Aruba in early March and absolutely loved it. The room was lovely, the grounds were beautiful, the staff was very accommodating, there were no lines at the breakfast buffet and the poolside lunch was fine. This was our first trip to Aruba so I can't comment on how the Westin
compares to neighboring hotels, but we felt it was well worth the 40,000 points we used, and would still be a good deal even now as a Cat 5 (although March is still the height of the season, it's only 12,000 a night then).

Renard

All of the palm beach restaurants etc. (and there are a fair number of them) are within walking distance...but, as was said, downtown is definitely a taxi ride trip

CUSTOMDIRECT

[QUOTE=freebee;8004999]I'm surprised by the negative comments because we spent five nights at Westin Aruba in early March and absolutely loved it.


Hi All.....Does anyone have any reecent experience with the Westin Aruba? Based on what I am reading in this and other threads, the launch as a Westin was a bit painful. We will be staying at the property for a week beginning 9/1/07. Any comments on:

Platinum upgrades??? Suites?

Is the renovation finally finished?

Area intelligance? Rent a car I assume??

Any advice would be appreciated. This is our first time to Aruba.

Safe travels!

Mahalo

[QUOTE=CUSTOMDIRECT;8213544]
CustomDirect or anyone else who has stayed here recently: Care to report on your experience here? I would be most interested. Thank you.
Any advice would be appreciated. This is our first time to Aruba.

Renard

I was there in August. As a gold I received an upgrade to one of their' "Junior Suites" with a mountain view. The renovation of the rooms went pretty well. They replaced the sliding glass doors...this was sorely needed. I couldn't get in to my room until almost 6pm...this was a real disappointment but the fact that I knew I was getting a 'junior suite' soothed me. It was another couple of hours before I could find my luggage (It was whisked away by the bellhop upon arrival--which is fine but plan for it--have sunscreen etc. handy and not locked in the bag.).

Lines at checkin could be long. Once I saw them snake back to the entrance. I couldn't find a gold/plat checkin.

The food at the poolside cafe was poor. I would say avoid this restaurant. After my experience at this restaurant, I didn't eat at any of the other Westin restaurants.

It surprised me to run into so many people who were doing their All-inclusive plan--especially on Palm Beach where there are so many different places to eat within an easy walking distance. I, personally, would never do it--especially given the quality of the food that I saw at the place I tried.

The worst part of the stay was the lines to get a beach palapa in the morning. I was there at what would not be low season but not high. The palapa checkout opens at 8am. The line for checkout started at about 6am. If you weren't in line before it opened, you pretty much were out of luck. You can pre-reserve a palapa for what I believe is $10 per day. I would strongly recommend doing this....I don't like spending extra money for it but would do it if I go again. Just plan on this extra expense and your trip will be more relaxed unless you're an early riser as I am.

Overall, I'd say the stay was 'fine'. Nothing to write home about. I do prefer both the Hyatt and the Marriott. (I got a deal for the Westin so I went this route. )

rightseat

Stayed at Westin Aruba in Mid August 2007.

I had never been to Aruba previously, and the trip was a bit of a last minute adventure.

My employer has deals with the Westin Aruba, and the Radisson. We attempted to book the Radisson, they were sold out. Really had no personal reservations with booking the trip at the Westin. We paid $129/night.

The lobby is outdated, the room was nice. Really not up to the Westin standard, I can't complain too much as $129/night for any hotel located on the beach is a good deal.

Most of the construction is complete. We did see a few crews finishing up some painting on the exterior, but nothing that impeded our impression.

The hotel is simply not up to the Starwood standard I've been accustomed to. The pool is o.k., but take a look at the Hyatt, or Radission and it makes the Westin pool look like it came from the 70's (which it likely did). The grounds of the Radisson and Hyatt are filled with lush landscape, it looks great! The pool area is huge, but is designed with plenty of sections so you can have a feeling of seclusion.

The beach at the Westin was nice. In my opinion, one of the best on the high rise area.

Restaurants are overpriced and fell below my expectations.

I found a few crewmembers from my airline and every one said they hate the layover at the Westin, and always to try and fetch the rooms at the Radisson. Now I know why.

I loved Aruba, we'll be going back soon, just not to the Westin.

gopherblue

I stayed there in February 07, as a gold member. I had a great room, ocean view, high floor. Breakfast was nothing to rave about, but I thought the burgers on the grill poolside at lunch were outstanding, and reasonably priced. I generally liked the facilities and would return, except that I didnt really care for Aruba all that much (not lush, very arid). Won a bit in the casino, so no complaints there.

Goph