If money were no option, best hotel in Aruba? *NM* *NM*

If money were no option, best hotel in Aruba?

I am staying at the Radisson in Nov. for my Honeymoon. Money was really not too big of an issue. We also considered the Hyatt, which most people consider to be 'the best'. However, the Hyatt only has a step out balcony on ALL rooms. That means you can stand there, and that is all. The Radisson has full sized balconies with chairs and so on. The Radisson also just underwent a huge renovation, and is GORGEOUS! I would recommend either the Radisson, Hyatt or the Marriott. FYI- We are staying at the Radisson, 8 nights, Pool/Ocean view, king bed, buffet breakfast every day, direct flights out of Newark for approximately 3500. It will also depend on when you are going.

If money were no option, best hotel in Aruba?

I stayed at the Hyatt a few years back and loved the hotel. I am thinking of the Hyatt in Maui for honeymoon.

If money were no option, best hotel in Aruba?

The Radisson.. without a doubt.. it was beautiful... the Hyatt is getting old and the area around the pool is very cramped...

Definitely the Radisson (m)

We went to Aruba for our honeymoon in September. We have a time share ther, but toured the Radisson to get perspective for our friends who wanted to stay there. It is gorgeous! We've been going to Aruba for over 10 years and know the island pretty well. If we didn't already own a TS there, this is the place we'd stay at. The grounds are lush and tropical and the restaurants on the property are great! The casino is a bit small, but that would be our only complaint. The rooms are beautiful - the renovations were excellent! If money is no object, then this is the ONLY choice. Michele

Michele

Where did you use your time share? My parents are giving us points to use in Aruba and I'm wondering where you stayed. Did you stay in an efficiency? I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions! Thanks!

Michele

Hyatt-nicest freeform pool and beach area Marriott-newest nicest rooms. Great casino and bar area (a little bit of the main strip) Radisson-nicest lobby and good restaurants You won't go wrong with any of them good luck! (P.S. I go to Aruba every December, so if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!)

02 bride...

We own at Divi Dutch Village. It is one of the older Divi properties, but it is in great condition. We love it becuase it's on the beach side of the road and each section has it's own pool. It's not as crowded as the other resorts and each unit has a kitchen and living room, as well as a 2 person hot tub on the porch or balcony. Daily maid service is available for an additional $50 for the week. They make up the beds and do your dishes, etc. There are several bars & restaurants as well as some small shops on the property. There is also a tram that runs through all of the Divi properties so you can get around & even go to the Alhambra casino. Across the street is Divi Village. It's fairly new and has a pool and restaurant. They have a conceirge who can book your activities or dinner reservations. The rooms are fairly large and all have kitchens. La Cabana is another popular time share up the road from Divi. It has a lot of activities and the rooms have a small kitchen. Our main problem with La Cabana is a lot of families tend to stay there and ther's always tons of kids around. The pool area is really crowded and the beach is across the street. Are there any specific places that you can use your points at? I've pointed out these 3 places because they are the ones that usually show up on people's plans. Worth noting - having a full kitchen is a plus and there are several supermarkets nearby - one of my husband's favorite memories of our honeymoon was the dinner I cooked for us and served by candlelight on our private balcony. Sometimes staying in for dinner has it's advantages! Michele

Michele

Thank you SO much for the information. I don't have the time share book with me, so I'm not exactly sure which places are included in the plan. I know the Marriot is included, but that's the only one I can remember. I'll try to find out tonight. Thanks again!!

Kris

Was 3500 for the 2 of you a package (hotel, air fare, food)?

Kris

I stayed at the LA Cabana for my honeymoon. we stayed in the un -timeshare part. It was nice but the pools were crowded and we rented a car but we had fun and did not spend alot of money

Marriott

Hi- We stayed at the Marriott for our Sept 02 honeymoon and we loved it!!! It is the newest big hotel and it is gorgeous. The Hyatt is also beautiful---the balcony's are very tiny but the hotel was beautiful!! My vote would be the Marriott or Hyatt-- I would also tell you to stay away all-inclusive's there. There are so many resturants---that you have to go to!!! Good luck.

Jillian

Thanks for your suggestion! Was the pool and beach really crowded at the Marriot? Did you have a jacuzzi in the room? Thanks for your input! If you have any suggestions about activities I shouldn't miss, etc., I'd love to hear them!

Jillian

I have to agree with Jillian. The Mariott has beautiful rooms and what I loved was the balconies. They are huge so you can sit out there during the day and just look at the water- it's breathtaking with the sun beaming on it. You also overlook the pool. It's nice to sit on your balcony at night as well. We ate lunch at the Marriott's beach bar and ordered room service (just lunch, can't attest to dinner) and the food was quite good. I would also visit El Gaucho (steakhouse) and the lighthouse (very romantic restaurant-have the tiramisu dessert) but avoid the lobster dinner at the Hyatt (not that great.) The Hyatt is also very nice but the lack of balcony is a drawback. It seems like a small thing, but when you see the sun beaming on the water and the sunsetting you are really glad it's there. I would avoid the Radisson- it's nice but I thought the Marriott and Hyatt were better. Just the atmosphere seems a little classier, more 'honeymoony' at the Marriott and Hyatt (just my feeling.)

Kris

I think it is a package. My FI booked it through his uncle's travel agent in Jersey. I can give you the number if you want. It is basically the same deal we got from Liberty Travel, only it included the buffet breakfast every day and was $120 cheaper per person than Liberty. We are flying out on the Monday after our Sat. wedding, and returning the following Tuesday night. We would have stayed one more night, but that is the day b4 Thanksgiving (highly traveled day).

MSCJLK

Hi! My mom owns timeshare right next door! PAradise Beach Villas. It is small and intimate, and so beautiful now that they have completed their renovations. May I recommend La Petit Cafe as a place to eat. (there is one outside Playa Linda & one in town too!) I have been to Aruba about 6 times, and that is why we are going there for Honeymoon. It is a guaranteed great time. My FI has never been, so it will be different, and I have only been to the timeshare, so the Radisson will be different for me too. :-)

Marriott

Hi Ladies- The Marriott's pool was not crowded during the week at all. We flew in on Sunday and left on Sunday---on the weekends the pool had a lot of kids but so did the whole beach and all areas b/c they are out of school. During the week it was pretty much all honeymooners and couples on vacation. I am not 100% sure about the jacuzzi room- they do have a gym, salon, resturants, casino, and stores in it. Here is a link to out trip report that my husband did on an Aruba site: http://www.visitaruba.com/guestarea/tripreports/trip330.html it will tell you what we liked and didn't like!! I loved it there and would go back anytime!!! Let me know if you have any other questions!!