Aruba- ever been there?

[Saturday Night Beaver 2]

The Mrs. and I are planning a trip this summer. We are thinking about going to Aruba. Anybody have any hotel reccomendations? Should we stay in the Palm Beach area or Oranjestad? All inclusive or not?

 

Thanks.

[MDC 5,933]

I was there in late 2005. Stay in the Palm Beach area - Orenjstad is kind of ugly and run down looking, just a bunch of tourist trap kinda places like stores that sell Aruba t-shirts and other junk. I stayed in a Marriot suite but I can't remember the exact name, I'll look it up if you want. There's not a lot to do in Aruba other than lay on the beach and go out to dinner but the weather is terrific and there are tons of great restaurants. It's very arid, almost never rains, and it's in the high 80s with a nonstop breeze almost year-round. Lemme know if you have any specific questions about it.

[cgod 0]

Yes, recommend the mega all-inclusive at the Divi low-rise.

[Mungwater 588]

I hear its a good place to pick up hot high school chicks from alabama

[Saturday Night Beaver 2]

Yes, recommend the mega all-inclusive at the Divi low-rise.

 

 

why do you recommend it?

 

I was there in late 2005. Stay in the Palm Beach area - Orenjstad is kind of ugly and run down looking, just a bunch of tourist trap kinda places like stores that sell Aruba t-shirts and other junk. I stayed in a Marriot suite but I can't remember the exact name, I'll look it up if you want. There's not a lot to do in Aruba other than lay on the beach and go out to dinner but the weather is terrific and there are tons of great restaurants. It's very arid, almost never rains, and it's in the high 80s with a nonstop breeze almost year-round. Lemme know if you have any specific questions about it.

 

 

Did the hotel you stayed at have a casino? Can you recommend a good casino?

 

 

Thanks.

[MDC 5,933]

Did the hotel you stayed at have a casino? Can you recommend a good casino?

Thanks.

 

I stayed at the Marriot Aruba surf club. I'm not really into gambling but there was a Casino in the lobby. The suite was huge and had a kitchen and the bedroom had a hot tub. My GF at the time and I went for a week. All we did was sleep late, drink in the pool, go out to dinner and fock. Best vacation evah! Have fun.

 

I can recommend a few restaurants if you want, too.

[cgod 0]

why do you recommend it?

Was a nice resort, allowed you to eat and use the facilities at both the Divi and Tamarjin (which is just down the road.) Mega all-inclusive includes all you can eat and drink at the restaurants and bars on both resorts so all you need money for is the tips. pool was nice, beaches were nice, people there were friendly. Al Hambra casino is right there (though I guess no matter where you stay, that applies) and overall we just had an enjoyable stay there.

 

Also, no matter where you stay, enjoy a night on the cucucanucu (sp?) bus tour. Yeah, it's campy and touristy but a good time nontheless. Involves a dinner at a quaint villa house then stops (with a ticket for a free drink at each) at three of the bars in Aruba. Had a good time on that as well and vaguely remember our final stop at Carlos & Charlie's.

[Saturday Night Beaver 2]

Was a nice resort, allowed you to eat and use the facilities at both the Divi and Tamarjin (which is just down the road.) Mega all-inclusive includes all you can eat and drink at the restaurants and bars on both resorts so all you need money for is the tips. pool was nice, beaches were nice, people there were friendly. Al Hambra casino is right there (though I guess no matter where you stay, that applies) and overall we just had an enjoyable stay there.

 

Also, no matter where you stay, enjoy a night on the cucucanucu (sp?) bus tour. Yeah, it's campy and touristy but a good time nontheless. Involves a dinner at a quaint villa house then stops (with a ticket for a free drink at each) at three of the bars in Aruba. Had a good time on that as well and vaguely remember our final stop at Carlos & Charlie's.

 

Thanks. I will check out their website.

[Gabriel Balcavienga 0]

If you like steak, you absolutely must go to El Gaucho. Argentinean meat. Just melts in your mouth. Best steak I've ever head. I've been to Aruba 5 times and work in NYC so I've eaten a lot of steak. My mouth waters just thinking about it. Good sangria too. http://www.elgaucho-aruba.com/

[Saturday Night Beaver 2]

If you like steak, you absolutely must go to El Gaucho. Argentinean meat. Just melts in your mouth. Best steak I've ever head. I've been to Aruba 5 times and work in NYC so I've eaten a lot of steak. My mouth waters just thinking about it. Good sangria too. http://www.elgaucho-aruba.com/

 

 

Thanks. I also work in NYC...live here too, Bayside.

[Smurphy118 0]

Stayed at the tamarijn (divi sister hotel) and HATED it. The only thing good about it was the room opened right out onto the beach. the food was cr@p, the facilities werent very well maintained. The Divi was definately a cleaner, more couples then bratty kids all over the place. Definately have to goto the argentinean steak place (NYer here as well, and its damn good steak). Another recommendation, rent a jeep, go off roading (if you think the wifey can handle). Some real bloodpumping trails, places where I had no business being, but loved it.

[blick 12]

Was a nice resort, allowed you to eat and use the facilities at both the Divi and Tamarjin (which is just down the road.) Mega all-inclusive includes all you can eat and drink at the restaurants and bars on both resorts so all you need money for is the tips. pool was nice, beaches were nice, people there were friendly. Al Hambra casino is right there (though I guess no matter where you stay, that applies) and overall we just had an enjoyable stay there.

 

Also, no matter where you stay, enjoy a night on the cucucanucu (sp?) bus tour. Yeah, it's campy and touristy but a good time nontheless. Involves a dinner at a quaint villa house then stops (with a ticket for a free drink at each) at three of the bars in Aruba. Had a good time on that as well and vaguely remember our final stop at Carlos & Charlie's.

 

 

I stayed there in 2000 for my honeymoon. I would definitely recommend it mainly for the reasons listed above. All-inclusive is the only way to go IMO. It was very nice to eat/drink whatever we wanted without having to carry cash/wallets. Snorkeling is also a must at one of the corral reefs.