Aruba. Yayyy

[mrsboz]

we havent been to Aruba in 21 years. Just wondering what's the best way to book it? We go to Disney every year but this July we are going to Aruba. I am thinking of staying at holiday inn since we stayed there before and we get points. Should I book separately? Expedia? I am out of touch. Are there any websites like mouse savers for Aruba? There will be me dh and dd20 and dd15. Thx for any help. I'm sure it's totally changed since we've been there last time.

 

[mrsboz]

Anyone?

 

[Eureka]

No help but I'd also love to see what it looks like now. We honeymooned there in '97. Loved the juxtaposition of the desert with the lush resort areas. And the clear water and natural bridge....I hope you have a great time!

 

[mrsboz]

It's been so long since we've been there I was hoping someone could help. I kept thinking where should we go and then I thought Aruba. It seems like there are so many more stores and restaurants and such. I was wondering if the Holiday Inn was nice. I know it's not top of the line, but I get points and I remember, at the time anyway, it as at the end of the beach so it wasn't crowded. I will pay more if there is a much better hotel.

 

[badiggio]

We're headed there Saturday for 2 weeks.We rented a 2 bedroom condo on the beach in the low rise section,that we're sharing with friends of ours.We used vrbo,which we find we get a lot more for our money.If you want to go the hotel route,check expedia for hotels and air together ;you get further savings that way.

 

[mom2rose&john]

We're headed there Saturday for 2 weeks.We rented a 2 bedroom condo on the beach in the low rise section,that we're sharing with friends of ours.We used vrbo,which we find we get a lot more for our money.If you want to go the hotel route,check expedia for hotels and air together ;you get further savings that way.

I agree more space is great. There are many timshares you can rent that have full kitchens. Personally I like the low rise section and Eagle Beach. We have a timeshare at LaCabana. It is very nice and the location is awesome. It is across the street from Eagle Beach but to cross the street is very easy. I am more or a relax and chill person while in Aruba. If you like more of the action the High Rise area and Palm Beach would be more for you.

 

[MinnieForMe]

Hi,
We generally split our stay between our timeshare at the Divi and a few days in a hotel in Aruba. The Holiday Inn just had a remodel and is lovely. It is a resort not the HI that everyone thinks of when you mention that name. I booked right on the IHG (HI rewards site). I didn't have enough points for 2 rooms for our entire stay so I split it with points and cash. I believe I paid $70 a night per room plus a good chunk of points.

The tripadvisor Aruba forum is really good. There is another one also if you do a google search but I can't remember its name.

 

[MinnieForMe]

I forgot to mention if you have the Holiday Inn credit card, they will automatically reserve your palapa for you when you ask.

 

[buffalogirl]

I've never been to Aruba, but my parents have gone 12 times! Their favorite place to stay was the Tamarijn, an all inclusive resort. They enjoyed the food and drinks. It is a beachfront hotel, so you walk out your door and onto the beach. Tripadvisor has lots of reviews. Wherever you decide to stay, have a great trip!

 

[MinnieForMe]

I would normally agree with the Tamarijn but Mother Nature has not been kind to the beach in front of it over the last 6 months. The beach is gone! There are boulders trying to stop the erosion with minimal water access. We're scheduled to be there shortly so I've been following it closely. You can walk down to the Divi beach but sadly it defeats the purpose of staying beachfront if you can't access the water.

 

[badiggio]

I agree more space is great. There are many timshares you can rent that have full kitchens. Personally I like the low rise section and Eagle Beach. We have a timeshare at LaCabana. It is very nice and the location is awesome. It is across the street from Eagle Beach but to cross the street is very easy. I am more or a relax and chill person while in Aruba. If you like more of the action the High Rise area and Palm Beach would be more for you.

We'll be in that area at Oceania.

 

[Hook326]

We rented a 5 bedroom, 2 bath house with a pool through vrbo or homeaway in Aruba 18 months ago. It was wonderful having all the space and a private pool! We ate some meals in and some out. We rented a van (there were 9 of us) and it was super easy to drive around the island and go to all the beaches, shops, etc. We are thinking of doing something similar in Curaçao next year. Early stages of planning for that. Have fun wherever you end up in Aruba!