xpost from 2010 - Aruba Hotels

So FH and I are going back and forth on where to go for our HM - we've finally decided on Aruba since it's outside of the Hurricane belt. For those of you ladies who have been there - which hotel is nicer, Occidental or Riu?

TIA

Definately the RIU!! Not sure about the other one though.

I know people have commented not to do all inclusive in Aruba b/c of all the good restaurants, but DH and loved the RIU. We didn't have to worry about cash for breakfast, lunch and drinks. We had lunch at the hotel depending on what activities we did that day, and we enjoyed the restaurants at nite.

I recommend:
Flying Fishbone - about a 30 min cab ride
El Gaucho- Steakhouse
Restaurant by the Lighthouse- Cannot remember the name

El Gaucho is an amazing restaurant! Do not miss it. Across the street is a cute cigar bar/lounge. They have karaoke and great drinks!

FH and I stayed at the Renaissance which great! They had their own private island which was the best ever! Check it out on TripAdvisor if your still not set on one hotel.

Aruba was gorgeous! You will not be disappointed!

update:
La Trattoria El Faro Blanca

Request your reservation around sunset time. The view is beyond spectacular.

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Posted by msabla1

update:
La Trattoria El Faro Blanca

Request your reservation around sunset time. The view is beyond spectacular.

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Thanks - I'll definitely try that!!

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Posted by christine825

El Gaucho is an amazing restaurant! Do not miss it. Across the street is a cute cigar bar/lounge. They have karaoke and great drinks!

FH and I stayed at the Renaissance which great! They had their own private island which was the best ever! Check it out on TripAdvisor if your still not set on one hotel.

Aruba was gorgeous! You will not be disappointed!

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El Gaucho!!!! FH still talks about it until this day.... I really would loveeee to go for our honeymoon but FH wants to try a new location :)

I heard RIU is nice but the service is not that great - www.tripadvisor.com is the best when you are going to travel.... its like LIW but for hotels...

I would recommend the Renaissance .. its very nice !! or the Marriott - it is newly renovated and the room are very spacious. Occidental is where you are the most for your $$$ but its all inclusive and you may miss out the the great Aruban dishes

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Posted by msabla1

update:
La Trattoria El Faro Blanca

Request your reservation around sunset time. The view is beyond spectacular.

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La Trattoria oooo i loveee the service, food and the ambience of the whole place...im so jealous you are going to Aruba for your HM.. you are going to love it !

I would also like to recommend The Radisson. AMAZINGGGGGGG hotel! RIU I heard is not as nice as the other RIU's (like in Cabo) and its a lil over the top and not as nice as some other hotels on the island... I have also heard amazing things about The Hyatt as well...

I would advise you to NOT do all inclusive, there are SOOOOOOOOO many amazing restaurants in Aruba and its not the kind of place where you cant leave your resort. YOU CAN! Thats another amazing thing about it. You can go off your resort and feel 100% SAFE! The people there are friendly and helpful, the staff at the hotel were absolutely gracious and amazing. The rooms are gorgeous and comfy! Service was excellent!

DEF El Gaucho! And TOTALLY recommend The Ku Ku Kanukoo party bus! SOOO MUCH FUN! Just be prepared to get fall on your face drunk! its THAT much fun! LOL

We stayed at the RIU!!! it was AMAZING!!! we met a couple there that started off att he occidental and actually switched mid vacation...
they said the RIU was much nicer