bnjoyful.....aruba

I think I'm going to book w/ Travel Unlimited. There prices were the exact same as MCM for the Wyndham, but the insurance pkg is better (MCM only offers only up to 24 hours PRIOR to departure for $50 pp and TU offers the entire trip for the same price). Nowadays, since any thing can happen at the last minute, I'd like to be covered for the whole time. If you want to check them out the # is 1800-228-1502 or travelunlimted.com. Also, MCM is currently only taking Discover or AmEx, which I don't have. OK, this time for real, I will probably book it tomorrow. It's about time!! I hope we made the best decision for the Wyndham. I keep thinking that wouldn't the Hyatt or Radisson be nicer?? They are 'luxury' vs. the Wyndham, which is 'deluxe'...........

bnjoyful.....aruba

I am very interested in aruba as well. What time of year will you be going, and about how much is your honeymoon costing (if you don't mind sharing). Thanks...

christy

Right now there's a sale, but I can only tell you about they Wyndham Resort, which is what we can afford (the Hyatt, Marriott, Radisson are all more $$). But, on all the bulletin boards about aruba, I've found that everyone is very happy w/ the Wyndham (even happier than w/ the other more expensive hotels). So, we are paying $1149 each for a deluxe. ocean view room (top floors). This also includes: air (nonstop from JFK), taxes, transfer from hotel to airport and vice versa, and breakfast buffet. The standard room is $999 right now w/ MCM Tours. From what I've heard/read these are unbeatable package prices for Aruba. I know I sound like a salesperson...but I called American airlines, and they quoted me $700 alone just for round trip tickets. I did a lot of research, so feel free to ask me anything else.

Wyndham

Just beware that the Wyndham is on the windiest part of the island. I have heard you get a lot for your money there though. We are staying at the Radisson because it is more luxurious, but that is just us. I have been to Aruba like 7 times, and love it. You will have a great time!

Christy

We booked for 8 nights, 9 days at the Radisson in November. We get direct round trip airfare on Continental from Newark (FI refused to fly American), we turned down the hotel transfers b/c the cab gets you there in 20 min, as opposed to an hour for $20 or so. We also get ocean/pool view, king sized bed, balcony and buffet breakfast every day. We are paying approx. $3300 for the both of us. The Radisson is the newest hotel on the strip. Be aware, the Hyatt, while gorgeous and the most expensive, only has a step out balcony, the Radisson has a full balcony. Just an FYI.

Kris

Yes, I have heard about the wind, but also heard that it is hot, so we will be thankful for the wind. We are paying $2300 for the both of us. The Radisson sounds really nice, but we can't spend the extra $1000!!

Nina

Sorry, I didn't mean to say you should spend more money. I have been to the Wyndham for dinner, and it is beautiful, but I just wanted to alert you to the wind situation. It is windy all over the island, but I have heard the Wyndham (Ironic, the name) called a Wind Tunnel. I have read on all the bulletin boards that you get a great deal for your money there though. Plus, if the beach is too windy for you, you can walk to the other hotel's beaches anyway! You will love it there. When are you going? I can give you Restaurant tips if you like. The Caffe Baci in the Wyndham is one of my favorites. My mom was just there in Feb. and I have been there 6 times. It is a guaranteed awesome time (which is why I am taking my honeymoon there instead of trying a new island). I recommend doing the Kukoo Kunucu bus, the Tattoo Party boat, the Jeep tour and fun stuff like that. You can email me if you like. [email protected]. I hope you have a great time!

Kris

Thanks Kris! I can't wait, when are you going? I need tips for restaurants w/ vegetarian selections. If I think of anything else, I'll email you.

Aruba

what is there to do in Aruba besides lying on the beach?

Kris

i have also been to aruba and recommend it highly. the only time the wind is an issue is at the beach, the sand blows around pretty hard. We stayed at La Cabana which was on the windy side when we felt like staying by the pool, and then cabbed it to the other side of the island to go to the beach.

for kris

you say you've been there so many times, by any chance, ever with someone else before you met your fiance?? I would LOVE to honeymoon in aruba bc I also have been there and it is so perfect with the weather and all, but last time was with my old boyfriend and I'm wondering if any of that will occupy my thoughts while im there?? any advice??

Aruba

snorkling, parasailing, wind surfing, water skiing, hiking, you can rent a jeep or mopeds and explore the island with maps they give you - what impressed me most about aruba (this was 4-5 years ago) was how nice and kind and polite the natives were. We went to one of those time share gigs to get a free meal voucher or something, and wound up buying a timeshare. (of course we broke up two years later and he has the timeshare, lol) - also, there is gambling if you're into that.

Nina...

Ok, glad to see we are both starting to make decisions about this...only 1 month or so late!! haahhaaha Anyway, the deal you got sounds great...we chose the Hyatt, and we are paying $1500/pp. We wound up going with Herricks cuz believe it or not, Amy from MCM never called us back!! It seems a little out of character for her, from what I've heard on those boards. Anyway, I think we'll be happy. I wanted to spend a little less so we'd have money to do other things...basically what I've learned from this whole wedding planning business...always count on paying more than what you want!!! LOL :) We will have to share stories when we get back and see if we got what we payed for, ok?!!! :) JOY

timeshare

I'm going to Aruba in the beginning of September. My parents are giving us a time share so my fiance and I have to make a bid on three different places. Whichever one becomes available first is the one we'll get. We're considering Marriot's Aruba Beach Club, LaCabana Beach and Racquet Club, and Playa Linda Beach Resort. Any comments about these? Thanks!

timeshare

just be careful about the Marriott time share because you are not guaranteed a set time for each year. It is beautiful, but if you need the dates to be the same every year, then that is something to consider. My FI's family has a timeshare in the Costa Linda which is the newer sister to the Playa Linda. The Playa Linda is so beautiful and is right on the strip (you wouldn't need to rent a car!) Don't know anything about La Cabana. Good Luck

LaurenS- question

My parents have a time share at Puerto Rico, but they are transferring it to Aruba. Can I not get a guaranteed week this way? I'm confused about how this whole timeshare thing works.

bnjoyful.....aruba

Nina- We have stayed at the Wyndham twice now and can't wait to go back. Its great! I think the other hotels are over priced. As for the wind, it depends on when you are going. It is windier in june/July but not horrible. We went in November and October and had NO problem with the wind. FYI - if you go on Wyndhams website, you can join By Request which gives you all perks for free. Also, if you go, make sure to have dinner at Ventanas del Mar. It is on a golf course and VERY romantic. The concierge at the hotel will make reservations for you. If you want to go on a Friday or Saturday (we usually go the last night) make sure to make reservations early. Good luck!

jpsgirl

Hey. I have stayed at Paradise Beach Villas, right next door to La Cabana. I have never been there with anyone but my mom and family. I am making it different by staying in a hotel (Radisson) as opposed to the timeshare. I also have never done the romantic things like sunset cruise, etc. so it will be different for me. Every year there are different things to do, so you can make it different, I think.

Kris

Wedding is Nov. 16, we are leaving the 18th and coming home the 26th. I will look into my books for your Vegetarian Selections. Do you eat fish or pasta?

timeshare

There will be lots of kids at LaCabana. I have never been inside either the Marriot or the Playa Linda. Although, the Playa Linda is right in the midst of all the hotels, which might be your best bet. You can walk to all the casinos at night, and there are at least 3 restaurants right over there.