Latest Reviews for Aruba

The only poor thing about Aruba is the amount of sights to see . There are only a handful of attractions but if you want a day out visit the natural pool although it is impossible to get to without a 4x4. If you go and intend to snorkel ( you really should) then take something to feed the fish.

Once again a fabulous holiday at The Tamarijn. If you are a millionaire then you can do better but for the avarage holidayer it is a great place to go. The rooms are a little on the small side but we learnt from the first time to take a collapsable wardrobe. Also if your kids are older they will have to share a bed which is not ideal. We asked about this and were given an airbed for our son. apart from this small niggle everything else was great. The staff are lovely , the food is good, the snorkelling is great ( go outside 19 block and snorkel the old pipes) and the drinks are not watered down rubbish. The hotel shares with its sister down the beach ( The Divi) and between the two there are 4 a la carte restaurants. Unlike most places there are no limits to these so you can dine a la carte every night if you so wish. If you want a bit of peace then you can drink in the Italian restaurant without eating ( not many realise this). Say hello to Edwin behind the bar and tell him John, Caron , Grace and Jake say hello. Overall massive value for money , go to The Tamarijn , you wont be dissappointed

My wife and I took a 2 week holiday at the Mancebo Beach and it is perfectly located just a few miles outside of the airport. The beach itself is wonderful and with the added advantage of waiter service on the beach you need never move from your sunbed. Both the formal Italian and French restaurants are very good, but our favourite had to be the French restaurant where we were treated to wonderful food, good wines and tasteful background entertainment by a pianist. The staff at the Mancebo are friendly and courteous, the rooms are cleaned daily and overall it was perfect. We chose the all inclusive option and while it is obviously more expensive, I believe it was excellent value for money. If you are looking for late night drinking however, beware, everything comes to a standstill around 11.30pm. Having said that the waiters at the bar are a great laugh and do everything possible to help you enjoy your stay.

aruba, not much to do apart from sunbathe and eat, other parts of the island are a little sparse and baron.

Excellent, just returned from honeymoon in April 2008. On the best bit of beach on Eagle Beach, nice and low rise, pet iguana's are fun. Very windy so watch you don;t get sun burn, sand slopes into sea but can be strong and swept me over a couple of times. Can't fault hotel at all, at night there was the local on site beach bar, but you are in between the town and te high rise hotels so you can get a taxi out for less then 10 dollars, and there are restaurants in town and also at the high rise Palm beach side which seems to be the posh up and coming place to be, where there is the riu, marriot, radison. places to eat that we liked were texas grill were you can have unlimited good quality filet mignon for 44 dollars. The aruba season is from late december to end of march as this is mainly an american and dutch tourist area, you sill struggle to see any british. Also if you get a hire car, i owuldn't bother the island is so small and their national park is baron land with a few catusus and there is almost nothing to look at, we set off at 10am and were back for 2pm, no sure when any of the huge amount of jewel shops were open as everytime we went out they were all closed, I dont think they have realised that tourists spend money on an evening as well. Only ten minutes from airport swhich is very easy, and if you fly back to america rather than england, you have the american check in, in aruba airport as well so saves lots of time when you get off the flight. All in all, a really peaceful and relaxing holiday, great for getting a tan and reading a book. and a week is enough time.

Booked this holiday several months in advance out of the First Choice brochure, we had always wanted to go to Aruba but didn't fancy travelling via Holland.

We had upgraded to premium seats on the plane, which gave us more room on the 9-hour flight and better films to watch. This meant that our luggage was unloaded first which was great, but were then allocated bus number 3, which was not so great, as we spent the next hour waiting for everyone else. Another bad point to bus 3 was that it was the last bus to get to the hotel and this meant that we were at the back of the queue to 'cheque in'. We felt like second-class citizens as we had to 'cheque in' in the ballroom and the queue was about a hundred people long and we were right at the back of it. After a long wait we were eventually allocated with room 1207. This room was directly overlooking 4 large white air conditioning tanks and nothing else. The room had a pungent smell of a/c fluid and looked as if it was rarely used. We asked for a change of room and were shown to room 1220 which had a view of the wall behind the Desire restaurant. We spent the next 4 hours at reception with two First Choice reps trying to sort out our room allocation. We were told that the hotel was overbooked and that as we had been the last to arrive at the hotel and because of this all of the good rooms had gone. The rep offered to drive us around Aruba the next day to show us alternative accommodation. But we declined, as we had wanted to stay at this hotel, as it was the only 'premier' hotel in the First Choice brochure.

By this time it was 9.30 pm and we were getting no joy out of the First Choice reps, as it transpired that First Choice are only contracted to the third floor and below (this is not mentioned in their brochure by the way). Even the hotel reception staff were getting fed up by now and explained that there were other rooms available but not for First Choice guests, as First Choice paid bottom dollar to Occidental for rooms. To resolve the problem and start our holiday properly we paid Occidental 721 'US' dollars and what a difference we got room 1604 with a view overlooking the swimming pool and the sea. This is what we expected from a 'premier hotel' and should have been given to us in the first place, but First Choice is too tight to pay.

Aruba is a lovely Island, much more affluent than most in the Caribbean and is very accessible. We rented a jeep off Avis in the hotel lobby (their representative was very pleasant indeed and a pleasure to do business with) and went exploring. You really do need a jeep if want to go around Aruba as most of the roads on the north side of the island are sand and rock. Avis cars were competitively priced and offered four days rental for the price of three, which came to 240 'US' dollars. Money well spent in our opinion as there are lovely secluded beaches if you are able to go off road to find them.

We did an around the island helicopter tour with Heli-tours, we enjoyed this immensely and would recommend it. They can be found right at the end of the pier in Orangestad and the two lads are great. Dead honest, they actually told us that anyone adding purchase tax on top the advertised price was ripping the tourists off. Incidentally all of the shops add this tax on top of the advertised price (Avis didn't), which is illegal, but the tourists don't know this. We even paid for the trip afterwards as there was a problem with their credit card machine. How many people would trust you for 230 'US' dollars: not many.

The beach at the hotel is one the best that we have come across and is cleaned and raked every morning. Sunbeds in the shade are reserved with towels very early on in the morning, so if you want some shade you will have to be prepared for an early start.

The Occidental Grand is a nice enough hotel, but not the five stars given it in the First Choice brochure and the attitude of some of the staff can be 'rude' to say the least. We would say that it is a good 3 star and that some of the a la carte restaurants are very good, we especially enjoyed the Zen and the Mexican. The food in the buffet was very bland and limited; we were lucky to only eat in there twice, the first night and one other. The queuing aspect to get seated in restaurants was a bit of a bind, especially as they seemed to be empty. The quality of the drinks was good but they kept shutting down certain bars of a night, which meant some queuing to get served.

All in all, a lovely holiday, in a nice environment, with a few hiccups, all down to First Choice. I would recommend Aruba and the Occidental (not as a five star hotel) for a nice holiday in the Caribbean with a bit of 'class'. Would go again but not with First Choice, probably with Kuoni for better customer service, which means less hassle

The accomodation was very good. The food was very good. The only thing about the hotel was the mini bar was not filled every 2 days as stated. There are a lot of Americans who visit and some children. Aruba is very safe to travel around the only thing which I thought was lacking was the variety of trips.

All in all I would go back in a few years in general a very positive place

Aruba is expensive,I think we would go back,but not to the holiday inn,the majority of guests are from america,so we had good banter with quite a few,there are lots of good places to eat,all priced differntly,(prices go from £30-£80) all in all,an experience,enjoy

This was a good holiday all in all but a long way to travel for a ";good"; holiday, and after reflecting for several weeks I'm still not sure what to make of the place, I'm glad I went but would not go back.
It's marketed as a Dutch Island and although it is, it's really in name only. Over the past 15 years or so this has turned into a pretty souless, ugly American destination. McDonalds, KFC, Wendys, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King you name it. It's not what I wanted from the Caribbean, but if you miss your fast food then it's definately a good place for you.

As for the hotel we were very lucky to be staying where we were, I would have been gutted to stay in the high rise area, as it was like a cross between Las Vegas and Benidorm, Palm Beach was a mess and it all looked big, brash, but a bit tatty.
If you like your tourism to be catered for to the nth degree then you'll probably be really happy at the high-rise area, you can have artificial beaches and all manner of unnatural additions should you wish. One hotel has had some flamingoes shipped in, how nice.

The low-rise by contrast is beautiful and in harmony with the natural environment, which is stunning. Our apartment was fantastic, everything you could want, great aircon (which you really need as the heat is stifling), great bed, really spacious and right by the pool and steps from the sea. The complex was a wonderful low-key, freeform design right on Eagle Beach with lots of bird and reptile life living side by side on the complex. Eagle beach is just wonderful, it's image will be with me forever.

The hotel staff were exceptional and we wrote a letter thanking them for a great stay. The room was thoroughly cleaned everyday with linen/towel change and if you had your do not disturb on they rung you to double-check. YOu could get a lift around the three hotels in golf-carts which was great fun as they drive way too fast!
The hotel also gave us a free late checkout to 6pm so we were able to spend our last day lazing in the pool rather than waiting to go home. Best hotel service we've ever had by far.

The beaches and interior of Aruba are incredible, they, along with the wildlife are what does make Aruba special.
The Capital Oranjestad is pretty awful. In front of what would have been the main shopping area they have built large malls, perporting to be traditional style, but to be honest these pink and blue buildings are just revolting. Behind this lies the remnants of the original city and it's been allowed to get seriously run down.
On the upside it's fun at night and you can have some great meals/drinks but it's fairly quiet if you are used to partying all night long.

To see the real Aruba I would suggest hiring a car and driving around, it's only 16 miles long so you really can explore and it's well worth doing so, you can find your own private beach.
For eating I recommend the Paddock in Oranjestad by the cruiseship dock, and the Plaza at the Seaport Marketplace has gorgeous food just a bit further down. These are both reasonably priced at about £30 for two with wine/beer.
For a more upmarket experience try Madame Janette or Gasparito, about £50-60 but worth the money.

The bus service in Aruba is excellent, cheap, efficient and uncomplicated and runs until midnight. You give then cash Florins or Dollars and you get your tickets. No cards or tokens to obtain.
Taxis are resonable and Lings Supermarket was brilliant, fantastic broad range of products and a 10 minute walk from the hotel.

One (long) word about First Choice, the flights were exceptional, really roomy seats and fantastic service. Rep service in resort was poor, sometimes reps get complacent and really don't seem bothered and this was the case here. We were lucky we had such brilliant hotel staff or we would have stayed for 14 nights in the wrong hotel. They dropped us all off in a sister hotel which was, in a word, a toilet. The rep chose not to tell us it was another hotel as the names are very similar but I knew it was the wrong place, we were the only people who demanded to be moved. When I really lost my temper she told me they'd been doing this all season! We spoke to some of the other poor folks on the way home and they said they didn't think it was very nice but they didn't like to complain, so of course they never got moved.

Really looked forward to going somewhere different. The flight was good although long but not far to travel to the hotel. The island itself is wonderful and you can walk freely around and higher a car and go round the island in half a day if you wish.

Aruba is very 'american' and caters for self catering as well as fully inclusive.
We opted to take the Holiday all inclusive package as wanted a totally 'chill out holiday'.
The hotel description of 'entertainment' was very dissapointing as there was 'entertainment' but in a very very small bar with music blasting out and an extremely small stage for any artists which spoiled everything as no one could get in and IF you could you couldn't see anything!
The food, whilst good but basic in the main restaurant the staff were poorly trained but in respect worked extremely long hours for what I guess would be a small wage... however you had to wait for every meal for anything up to half an hour which really tested patience as there were many empty tables... staff wondering around as no one had guidance as to roles etc.
The evenings were the worse as there was a small bar available and no lounge area to wind down or talk to other guests if you wished..

Would go back to Aruba but certainly not the holiday inn - in fact would try accommodation only as other hotels in the area catered for guests wishing to relax in the evening with a nice cocktail or two!

Stayed in a timeshare apartment with family from US. Surf club only half built but no noise problems from the building site. Apartment very well furnished -cooker/washer/dryer/dishwasher/microwave/fridge-freezer/coffee maker/juicer. TV in both bedrooms and in lounge. Each room had own private balcony and bathroom. Second bedroom was a lock-off room and also had coffee maker/microwave/small fridge and it's own entrance.
My only quibble was that the maids only came in once during the week - for increased service you were expected to book it in advance and pay a large fee!!
We did not bother.

Facilities were excellent as you could use those available on the complex at the Ocean Club and Marriott Stellaris hotels next door. This meant a choice of 3 pools + swim-up bars, numerous restaurants and bars of varying prices and choice. A sushi bar, coffee and dessert shops. The grounds were all beautifully laid out and kept very clean. Iguanas and lizards wandering freely - even have a special feeding-time for them. There were Barbecue facilities for those who wanted to self-cater.

The beach was lovely if a little crowded with beach huts (umbrellas) which you could reserve. The swimming area was a bit disappointing - a roped off area to keep you away from the water sport enthusiasts who constantly roared passed on water and jet skis, and speed boats churning up the water. It felt like being in a cattle pen. However, Arashi beach only 2 miles up the coast, was spectacular for sunbathing in peace and the snorkelling was some of the best on the island. Beaches very good but not much else to do on the Island except water sports.
NB: This is mainly a resort island for our American cousins and the prices certainly reflect that. You can be quoted in US dollars or Arubian florins - which can be confusing.

Restaurants are plentiful but we were disappointed with the standard of food in general. The best meal we had was at the Flying Fishbone in Savaneta - a beautiful, romantic setting right on the beach-water lapping around your feet!! However it was very pricey. We went to El Gaucho in Oranjestad (which the US tourists rave about) the steaks were very good but the vegetables very soggy and uninspiring. Wine terribly expensive $100 for a bottle of Merlot!!!
In general enjoyed the Dutch/American inspired supermarkets all run by Chinese. The choices were good and it would be good if the restaurants sought inspiration there!! Do try the food at ";Salt and Pepper"; by the Brickell Bay Hotel on Palm Beach. Good value compared to everwhere else, very friendly and good food.

Enjoy Aruba-Self-cater when you can - or take a boatload of cash and be prepared to pay through the nose - not only are you expected to pay 15% service charge but a tip on top of that in most places!!

We chose this hotel as we wanted a quiet location for our honeymoon. It was perfect, nice and quiet, no tacky evening entertainment, just two happy hours each day and during our 2 week stay there was only one family - it is mostly couples that stay here and as such is not really designed for kids. There is only one bar, right on the beach and the restaurant is situated on the beach too. The food and choice is very good, and the portions large. We pre-booked the dine-around programme which allowed us to eat three course meals at the hotel or various restaurants around the island, which was great for variety, and good value if you have a huge appetite. We would recommend Le Dome Restaurant as especially good.

There is not that much to see on Aruba, inland is mainly cactus with a few sights to see, and downtown is full of restaurants, casinos and jewellery stores -designed to attract the many American tourists. However, the main draw to this island is the snorkelling, diving and watersports.

The sea is warm and our hotel certainly has the best position on Eagle Beach. Clean beach towels are provided daily and there was always free loungers and shade available (although July is in the quiet season). The staff in the hotel are lovely, very friendly and happy to help. They especially treat honeymooners well, with a special discount package available around the island.

The rooms are very clean, the facilities are very good although the bathrooms need updated. We paid a lot more for a deluxe room, unfortunately this was identical to every other room, except we were on the ground floor with a sea view, which was slightly blocked by palm trees. The sea view was better in the standard rooms on the upper floors for a much cheaper price!! However, there is a new building in this hotel which has very modern, well designed rooms and better sea views! A lot of the other hotels in Aruba are high rise, and quite ugly pre-fabricated concrete structures.

So overall we thought Bucuti Beach Resort was the best and we would recommend Aruba to someone looking for a relaxing time, a clean white sand beach, good food and a splash around in a lovely clean warm sea.