Aruba!!!Help

My honey and I are set on Aruba. I just got quotes for the Hyatt and Radisson and it's a bit off our budget considering it's not all-inclusive. Does anyone have any suggestions on other hotels? Any thoughts on Allegro or Holiday inn? Please help any ideas or opinions will be greatly appreciated. We want a reasonably priced package, but don't want to sacrifice hotel quality.

I'm using Murphy and Co. Florist at Bayside Terrace. Our priest recommended them - they do all the flowers for the church and he's a friend of the owner - in fact he was in his wedding as an usher.

I was surprised to find that they were not as expensive as I expected. I saw some estimates at $3000 and more but we managed to come in for much less than that.

I was in Aruba a few years ago. Although I stayed in a timeshare, from what I remember all of the hotels and resorts that were on the water were beautiful. We walked through many of them to get to the ocean. If you can afford it, try not to go all-inclusive. I agree that the restaurants are wonderful, and there are also alot of really fun bars that you might want to go to. There is a restaurant called Valentino's that you must try. It's not on the water or in a hotel...just ask where it is when you are there. Good Luck!

Hi. We're using Villa Lombardi's in Holbrook. Don't get me wrong - The food is absolutely fabulous! I'm not crazy about the location, etc... If someone is looking for a good deal with really great food and doesn't mind travelling, then I would definitely recommend them. It doesn't matter. My Fi. loves the place and it will all be over in a few more days. I won't have to worry about it anymore!

Johanna, I know what you are going through. Our wedding is Oct 6, 2001 and originally we had wanted Hawaii, but looked at the prices and found them out of our range. Someone told me about Aruba and that there is no bad time to go since it is out of the hurricane belt, so we are going there.

Thankfully, my parents gave us 2 weeks of their timeshare for our engagement present so we are going to use that at the Marriott in Aruba. Bad thing is that I will most likely be cooking occasionally, good news is that it is saving us some $$. We did price though some of the resorts people here are mentioning, like Divi, and even their packages were more than we wanted to spend. Maybe look into someplace that doesn't offer an all inclusive package, but an 'efficiency' .. it seems if you are willing to cook for yourself sometimes prices might be a bit cheaper.

Our wedding is September 16th and we are going to Venice and then on a cruise from Athens to Istanbul.

Just wanted to know if there is anyone else out there househunting while also making all your plans.

Why don't you consider a trip to California (with maybe a stopover in Vegas to satisfy your FI-you only need a day or two there!) The Carmel/Big Sur/Monterrey area is gorgeous, plenty to do, amazing sunsets, great restaurants, lots of outdoor activities. I have done the trip along Highway 1 lots of times and would highly recommend it if you haven't been!

Thanks, for the advice. Wondering did you book directly with Sandals or with a travel Agent? What month were you there? A travel agent also suggested Couples? Heard anything about them? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

The bubbles did show up, but it was windy that day. The photographer had the people gather close to us and then start blowing. I mad a stupid face becasue it was hitting me in the face and chest, and of course that would be the shot he got! I bought them at Party City. They had an advertised sale of $3 and change for a box of bubbles and the tulle circles and flowers were on sale too. I think that sale was around May. Look out for those annoying circulars they throw at your door or maybe it was in the newspaper. Good Luck!

Hi Ayanna,

Did you book by phone or online. That quote is actually the lowest I've seen. Can you email me privately at [email protected]

As for towns to look in, if you want you can send me an email at '[email protected].' I also found some great information at 'newsday.com' in the real estate section .. they have information recent sales of houses in all areas, as well as information on different towns as well as school district testing scores. But I can give you ideas of where you might want to look or stay away from.

In your case I would probably stick to Nassau County given the location of where you both work. Suffolk has its advantages but if you have to commute into the city, I personally wouldn't want over a 45 minute commute on the LIRR.

We booked Negril Couples and have heard just great things about it. There is one in Ochos Rios as well. We used Liberty Travel and I thought the price was good. We did it so far ahead that we did get a discount. Its just for couples and is close to sandals I believe, its supposed to be a little more classier from what I ahve heard from people that have gone to both.

Hi!

Anyone NOT going tropical or to Europe? My FI wants Vegas (oh, joy) and surrounding areas - we've both never been on the west coast...I'm thinkin' Cruise out of NY to Canada or a B&B in New England (ahhhh) - peak foliage! We're open to suggestions! Thanks.

You can fly into Vegas, party it up in Sin City and then go to Southern Utah. Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon are absolutely the most breathtaking places I've seen, especially Bryce. If you are interested, do a search on line and you will see some amazing stuff. You can fly in and out of Vegas, it's not far. My fiance and I did it last year and took 15 rolls of film, it was so nice.

Kathi

Thank you all for your advice. Okay this is the deal at this point I am really confused of where to go for our honeymoon. I originally wanted to go to Mexico either Alcapulco or Puerto Vallarta but we are concerned because it will be hurricane season, our weddings is in October '01. So we decided to try Aruba? I wanted to stay at the Hyatt, Radisson, or Marriott, but they were a little out of my price range. I had planned $2500 for honeymoon, but if its not all inclusive your talking maybe another $1000. I also heard that Aruba in general is expensive. A travel agent also suggested Montego bay - couples, because they have a special. I'm so confused! Please help. What are must of you September & October brides doing? - Thanks for letting me vent.

Donna...you and I are getting married on the same day!! Where is your reception being held? I'm at West Lake Inn. There is someone else here that is getting married the same day.

Just last night we found a 10-night Royal Caribbean Cruise (casino on board - lol). It leaves from Boston and goes to Maine, Nova Scotia Quebec and more. He's actually into it!! YIPPEEEEE!! It's even reasonably priced! We're not quite ready to book it (wedding 10/7), but I'm so glad it's under consideration! Please let me know what you found on Maine, too! I appreciate it.

Kathi

I am getting married on September 22 this year (yippee!) and we thought about the whole hurricane season too...so we going to Aruba since it is completely out of the hurricane belt and just about guaranteed good weather. We we going for 10 days and are staying at the Allegro. I know three people who have been there and they have said nothing but glowing remarks. This past year, it went under major renovation so the rooms are greatly improved upon. Not to mention, even with the all inclusive, there is a dine around program where you get something like $300 per couple to go out and eat at the participating restaurants (there is so many of them). I like the all inclusive program because you get more bang for your buck, not to mention my fiance and I like our drinks.

There is a great website www.wheretostay.com and go into Aruba and hit accomodations. You will get information on the resort itself plus reviews from people who have stayed there. I found it to be very helpful!

Thanks, but we actually made a 360 degree decision and actually already booked for Sandals Montego Bay, we got a great deal that we couldn't pass on.

Thanks, glad to hear you had a great time on your honeymoon. Good Luck to you and your new Hubby!

Johanna,

Hi. I went to Aruba on vacation October '99. We stayed in the Tamrijn. There were many honeymooners and the all inclusive they offer is very reasonable. You can also use the facilities at their sister hotel Divi Divi. Both are low rise hotels, the people there are so nice and bend over backwards for you. These are not luxury hotels but the rooms are really nice and the first floor opens up right onto the beach. Tamrijn has more night life and a younger (couple) crowd. Divi is just as nice but a little more low key. Hope this helps you. Aruba is beautiful and you will enjoy yourself. Anything else you want to know please ask. Good Luck!!!

Laura, Msgr. Jim use to head the Family Ministry department of the diocese before he became pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Hempstead(I think that's where it is) about 4 1/2 years ago. He also had a show on Telecare(Channel 25) at 9pm on Tuesdays(I think he's still doing this). He is wonderful!!!!

I also read your earlier post on your ceremony and it certainly sounds beautiful. Congratulations!!