Just back from a week in Aruba. Great time. Here's some info for
those considering this dest. This is our 2nd visit. Excellent
destination choice. Do not believe the weather reports that say rain
60%. Weather.com showed a 60% chance of rain everyday before we
went and it was BEAUTIFUL everyday. Perhaps we saw 2 five minute
showers the whole time and they were needed as a break from the 90
degree humid but awesome weather.
Stayed at the Hyatt Regency which is still hands down the best resort
on the island. The staff are extremely friendly and the accomodations
and upkeep of the facility is top notch. You will not be disappointed
with the Hyatt.
Other hotels (in order of location up the beach starting from the end):
Wyndham: Concrete village from the moment you walk through the raised
ramp entrance. Not really the choice location--but, if last minute,
you can stay their and walk to the other hotels. Had a couple rests.
that looked ok. one italian rest. Baci and the other Pago Pago
steak/seaf. On a 1 to 10, we'd rate this about a 5 for that area.
Radisson: Very nice choice. More contemporary (used to be the Golden
Tulip). Large lush grounds with a pool that goes on forever. They
were even showing a nighttime poolside movie on a big 100" screen.
About $3 change a night. They have a four star rest. there called
Sunset Grille. EXCELLENT service and food; aged steaks, seafood,
sushi and you must try the Martini salad. These guys know exactly
what they're doing! $ 2 roulette table minimum. Ok casino; more
slots than some other locations.
RIU Aruba Beach: <>; 1970's florida motif; Need I say more?
Occidental: Being renovated -- used to be the Americana. This will
be a choice selection when they are done. Two towers and a good sized
property with a nice beach. Smaller than Radisson.
Hyatt Regency; Open air lobby; lush grounds; parrots; waterfalls;
waterslide and swim up bar; great beach; many bars; Casino has live
band playing inside a stage located 15 feet up in the air in the casino
over the bar. $5 min roulette; a few good slots paying well. Best
burgers on the beach and Ruinas del Mar (dinner) is a good romantic
dinner choice with the best seats outside overlooking the small lagoon
that houses six black australian swans that swim up to you during
candlelit dinner.
Playa Linda; Great bagel spot out front; Nice looking facility;
timeshare.
Holiday Inn: At one point in the late 70's is was a probably THE
place to go but it's a bit dated and not a "plush" choice. Lots of
watersports and located next to Tony Romas for ribs.
Marriott: new facility, bright & clean but sterile. Can't walk to
anything from the Marriott yet. It's just out there on the end of the
High Rise section fenced off from the world. Probably the nicest
Casino on the island but way overpacked with folks playing penny and
nickel slots.
Other notable dinner destinations:
Hostario Di Vittorio - across from Hyatt behind shopping area;
Excellent Italian food; great service; Try the pounded veal chop
parmesean with truly al dente linguini; indoor & outdoor seating;
Chalet Suisse: A well established choice for dinner; great seafood &
steaks; A few dollars less than The Sunset Grille or Ruinas Del Mar,
but the cab ride will eat the difference so it's a wash. Try the
cheesecake (cross between NY & German style with a slight brown crust).
La Petite Cafe: Filet mignon & shrimp on a 500 degree fire heated
lava stone cooked at your table. Can you say SIZZLING GOOD?
Oh.. and everywhere you go, the US dollar is what they take and give
you back.
Enjoy !
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