Planning trip to Aruba.

[Rags]

The wife & I are planning a trip to Aruba this year & we will be staying at the Aruba Marriott. I've never been to Aruba and was wondering if any members could give me some ideas on when is the best time to go, where to eat outside of the hotel, shopping etc. I hear there is a high rise & low rise section. Can anyone tell me which one the Marriott is in.
Thanks...

[southtexas]

I stayed at the marriott in the condo portion. It's not the most updated but had a very nice beach in back. I guess it would be considered the low-rise area. They also have a private island that's a short boat ride away (at least I think it's their island. Ask and I'm sure you'll figure out what I'm talking about).

There was a delicious Argentine steakhouse, high end and delicious. Can't recall the name but again, just ask at front desk.

Go watch the planes land, pretty cool sight.

Sorry I'm not much help on the details, but it's a tiny island and you'll find your way around in no time. There's not much nightlife (unless you go at a time when kids will be there).


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[elcompa]

Been there for fun and work on several occasions. Great place, good service, nice pool, good beach etc... Shops are immediately outside of the hotel and to the right. Plenty to do down town, bars, night life. It is sort of a pricey country for what you get, but hey, it's a tourist destination in the Caribbean, so what would you expect?!? Really great Indian food at numerous places as they have a very, very strong influence there. Don't stray far off the beaten path and stay in groups when out and about. Typical petty crime all the way up to rape, murder and kidnap. Stay at the hotel, enjoy the casinos and a few bars and restaurants. Take hotel provided transport.

[Touring]

We went to relax so didn't stay too far off the beaten path but definitely some sketchy areas if you take a wrong turn. Shopping you'll want to do in downtown Oranjestad where they have a nice shipping complex and then down the road, some more high end stores. Lots of watch shops around.

We stayed at the Hyatt which was a nice location. Rolex AD there that was nice for browsing and also a casino. Lots of nice restaurants in that area and shops to peruse. Be sure to try some keshi yena, which is a local dish. "El Gaucho" is a fantastic Argentine grill with massive steaks, seasoned and well charred.

Enjoy your trip!

[Rags]

Which would be better to be closer to dining & shops the Hyatt or Marriott. I haven't made any reservations yet.

[Dan Pierce]

Stayed at the Marriott and thought it was a great central location. They have boat rides thru the lobby to the private island. Plus, the Rolex/ Tudor AD was only steps away.
dP

[Rags]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Stayed at the Marriott and thought it was a great central location. They have boat rides thru the lobby to the private island. Plus, the Rolex/ Tudor AD was only steps away.
dP

Thanks Dan that just made my mind up..

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by Rags

Thanks Dan that just made my mind up..

Note, that marriott is not beach front. The pics on the website are deceiving, the beach and pool area pictured are over at the condo area. You have to take a hotel shuttle from one to the other.


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[Touring]

The Hyatt is beach front and has a Rolex AD in the lobby, FYI.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by southtexas

Note, that marriott is not beach front. The pics on the website are deceiving, the beach and pool area pictured are over at the condo area. You have to take a hotel shuttle from one to the other.


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Originally Posted by Touring

The Hyatt is beach front and has a Rolex AD in the lobby, FYI.

I stand corrected! We stayed at the Renaissance Aruba Resort.
dP