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AKG2010
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/10 573 total posts
Name:
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Aruba HELP!!! - ANOTHER QUESTION
DH and I want to go to Aruba. I know it is expensive so i want to plan the best vacation so i dont feel like i wasted my $$... can someone give me some pointers... hotel (all inclusive vs non), how many days etc... Looking to go sometime in Feb. Thanks!
Message edited 1/9/2012 12:03:47 PM.
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Posted 12/29/11 3:45 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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CatNYC123
Happy Thoughts
Member since 9/10 1531 total posts
Name:
Cathy
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
We LOVED Aruba!! We stayed at the Occidental Grand Aruba-VIP floor. It was our honeymoon so we splurged. The one thing I woud do differently if I went back would be not do all inclusive because there are SOOOO many good places to eat there.
But it does make it very convenient.
Hope you have a GREAT time!
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| Posted 12/29/11 10:21 PM |
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LoLaBlue
PARTY OF 5
Member since 6/10 6900 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
DH & I love Aruba & have been there several times. We always stay at the Marriott Stellaris.
Do not do all inclusive, there are WAY too many great restaurants there to pass up!
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| Posted 12/30/11 8:08 AM |
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Katareen
5,000 Posts!
Member since 4/10 7180 total posts
Name:
Katherine
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
LOVE Aruba!!!
There are a ton of great restaurants, but we did AI and just used it for bfast, lunch, and drinks by the pool and I think we got our money's worth. The restaurants are very good but very expensive.
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| Posted 12/30/11 11:13 AM |
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Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy
Member since 3/08 10420 total posts
Name:
Momx100
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
I just got back from Aruba last week. We used starwood points and stayed at the westin.
The food is pricey but I find all islands to have expensive food. We basically hung out at the pool and beach and would go out to eat.
ETA: The food wasn't THAT expensive. It was just expensive for what it was. A hotel continental buffet breakfast is $20-25. A burger and fries would be $15. There was a cute crepe place and we spent less than $10 for a crepe and juice. $5 for an ice cream cone at Haagen Daaz. There are a lot of American chain restaurants but we didn't eat there - BK, McDonald's, Friday's, etc. I'm sure they wouldn't be that expensive either.
I'm not a big drinker though. I'm sure alcohol would add a lot.
We walked everywhere and did no excursions. After having kids, I just wanted R&R.
Message edited 12/30/2011 11:45:19 AM.
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| Posted 12/30/11 11:24 AM |
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MsSissy
xoxoxo
Member since 3/07 39159 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
Posted by Bridex100
I just got back from Aruba last week. We used starwood points and stayed at the westin.
The food is pricey but I find all islands to have expensive food. We basically hung out at the pool and beach and would go out to eat.
We stayed there in September.
Loved the location. It was in walking distance to the new restaurant & shops in that area.
We said next time we go we would look into the Radisson since it's cross the street from this area.
We didn't do all inclusive and don't think we will when we go back. Like everyone else mentioned there are a lot of restaurants in the area.
ETA: We went for 5 days. I think 5-7 days is a good amount of time. Also The Westin had 2 for 1 drinks for a few hrs during the day. We made sure to drink up during those times  
Message edited 12/30/2011 11:37:19 AM.
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| Posted 12/30/11 11:27 AM |
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MaZz
* Lovin my baby girl!!! *
Member since 2/09 6243 total posts
Name:
Gina
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
The food in aruba is out of this world, but so is the price... I went for my honeymoon and stayed in the low rise section in a timeshare, so we were able to cook some meals there, but go out to dinner a few times too...
I like the low rise better to be honest... It quieter, calmer, away from the hustle and bustle of the actual town... Rent a car bc you will be traveling all over the island and cab fare is priceyyyyy
ETA: 5 days is prob sufficient... I found myself getting bored towards the end of 7 days... It really is just a relaxing vacation... You end up beachin it everyday and its the same exact weather every single morning you wake up... I started to feel like I was in groundhog day  But dont listen to me, Im not a land vacay type of person... I need to be on the go constantly which is why i book cruises mostly
Message edited 12/30/2011 12:18:30 PM.
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| Posted 12/30/11 12:15 PM |
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EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
We have a Time Share at the Marriot Ocean Club
What about looking into staying at a timeshare and do agree to do that 90 minute sales pitch all TS's have so you can stay for a few days at their share at a cheaper price.
Doesn't hurt to call.
People are always selling their timeshares online too or wanting to trade. Maybe they can't go that week, etc so they sell it cheap
It saves money b/c we go shopping the first day and eat on the beach during the day... bring down fruit, yogurts, water, and other snacks (stuff you keep in the fridge)
Maybe have a light bite for lunch and dinners at night.
Dinner prices totally vary. You can go to a delicious pizza place one night that's cheap and the next night go to the Sunset Grille, which is one of my favs, but pricier.
Good luck and Have fun!
ETA - we also stayed in 1 or 2 nights and order in or make something and sit on the balcony with wine. We've also been there a lot so going out isn't as big (plus, we have kids)
Message edited 12/30/2011 2:08:17 PM.
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| Posted 12/30/11 2:06 PM |
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RadioLau
LIF Adult
Member since 4/07 2179 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
We went there very cheaply and had a fantastic time. We stayed at a place called Bananas Apartments. We had a studio apartment with a kitchen. We ate breakfast every day in the room and the other meals depended on where we were. A few times we had our left over dinner for lunch. It's not for everyone but I definitely prefer that over an all inclusive personally. I am not a drinker and I am a very picky eater so I like to choose my food. Just my opinion. FM me if you want more info about Bananas. The owner was wonderful!
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| Posted 1/1/12 10:18 PM |
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MissEsq
LIF Adult
Member since 10/09 920 total posts
Name:
Missy
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
LOVe aruba - have been there several times. We have stayed at the hyatt and loved it but I also heard good things about the marriott.
It is a very easy and relaxing vacation!
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| Posted 1/3/12 10:20 AM |
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dpli
Daylight savings :)
Member since 5/05 13973 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
Posted by MaZz
I like the low rise better to be honest... It quieter, calmer, away from the hustle and bustle of the actual town...
I agree. We have gone twice and stayed in the low rise section both times. We are sit and relax on the beach types, though. I think if you are really into water sports and activities, you might be better off staying in the high rise area.
For our HM, we stayed at the Bucuti, which I think has the nicest beach of all the hotels - and we checked out most of them while we were there the first time. The second trip we stayed at the Tamarijn, which is all inclusive.
The Bucuti was beautiful, and the perfect place for a romantic honeymoon - they actually don't encourage kids stay there, and it used to be that children were not allowed to stay in the Tara Suites at all, which made it a very quiet, relaxing place to be. This was not an all inclusive, so we did leave for meals (their restaurant was not so good, we had breakfast a couple of times and lunch on the beach once. They did have a really great sunset dinner on the beach, though.)
The Tamarijn was nice, too, but different. I liked the convenience of the AI, and the Tamarijn is walking distance from the supermarket, which was great. We did rent a car for 2 days, so we could explore the island, while we were at the Tamarijn. We did eat out when we had the car, so we could go to the flying fishbone, which was totally worth it.
I know people say not to do the AI, but being from NY, I am not usually looking for great restaurants on vacation, since I think we have great places here. When we went to Aruba, we were looking for relaxation, and for me, the AI was more relaxing in some ways, because you didn't have to plan anything - you just show up when you want to eat or get a drink.
Message edited 1/3/2012 12:58:07 PM.
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| Posted 1/3/12 12:56 PM |
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Andrewz00
Look! I changed it!
Member since 4/10 1789 total posts
Name:
Andrew
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
DW and I were just in Aruba the week before x-mas.... we love it there but it is expensive.
We stayed at the Marriott Surf Club.. it has a lazy river!!
5 days would be enough....and you absolutely do NOT need an all inclusive.
Low rises are more quiet as far as beach bars, restaurants, ppl etc... high rises have all the "good" stuff.
i would suggest a jeep tour of the island but NOT with one of the big companies (i.e. DePalm Tours etc...) we found a local woman who gives tours. Madi 297-746-1397.. its $50 per person and normally groups of 6 or less. Shes awesome!
restaurants vary from VERY expensive to fairly cheap... and you can basically go ANYWHERE on the island safely.
If you dont plan on exploring your selves or heading downtown every night... you wont need to rent a car. to go btwn the low and high rise hotels its about $7-9 cab ride.
Spa Del Sol at Manchebo Beach Resort has pretty good deals and great massages (1hr couples massage for around $200)....
i can keep going...what else do you want to know?
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| Posted 1/4/12 3:53 PM |
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caps612
In love with my little guys!!
Member since 8/10 5108 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
Posted by LoLaBlue
DH & I love Aruba & have been there several times. We always stay at the Marriott Stellaris.
Do not do all inclusive, there are WAY too many great restaurants there to pass up!
exactly this!
my family has timeshare so i go every year and stay at the Marriott timeshare (nest to the stellaris hotel and we use their casino). They have the largest/deepest beach and the nicest property. I never do all inclusive there cause they are soooooooo many fantastic restaurants!
also.... i would not rent a car. cab from airport is like $25 and cabs to dinner will run you $15-$22 per night.... comes out to alot less than a car rental!
Message edited 1/6/2012 2:53:08 PM.
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| Posted 1/6/12 2:49 PM |
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AKG2010
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/10 573 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
Are taxis easy to get from the airport???
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| Posted 1/6/12 3:00 PM |
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caps612
In love with my little guys!!
Member since 8/10 5108 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
Posted by AKG2010
Are taxis easy to get from the airport???
absolutely... just walk outside and they are right there, no problem at all!!!
And everyone on the island is so nice! 
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| Posted 1/7/12 2:52 PM |
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Jax430
Hi!
Member since 5/05 18919 total posts
Name:
Jackie
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
We went to Aruba in August and LOVED it! We stayed at the Renaissance Ocean Suites, through my IL's timeshare. It is downtown, not in the main Palm Beach area, but it has it's own private island and a boat that takes you from the resort there. We loved it. We visited the other beaches, but in all honesty, found Palm beach too crowded...we were spoiled by our private beach!
No need to go all-inclusive in Aruba. There are so many fabulous restaurants on the island. You can take car service anywhere, but we rented a car b/c we like having that freedom. We were there for a week.
Message edited 1/7/2012 7:22:04 PM.
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| Posted 1/7/12 7:21 PM |
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maybesoon
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 5981 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba HELP!!!
We stayed at the radisson in high rise section. It's nice bc the riu is right next door for gambling (if u like that)
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| Posted 1/8/12 9:05 PM |
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AKG2010
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/10 573 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba HELP!!! - ANOTHER QUESTION
Due to work i cant go in February and the only time i can go is teh 3rd week in march which is spring break for colleges- Do you think this is going to be a problem? I mean its not cancun and aruba is quite pricey for teh average college student...What do you think?
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| Posted 1/9/12 12:01 PM |
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caps612
In love with my little guys!!
Member since 8/10 5108 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba HELP!!! - ANOTHER QUESTION
Posted by AKG2010
Due to work i cant go in February and the only time i can go is teh 3rd week in march which is spring break for colleges- Do you think this is going to be a problem? I mean its not cancun and aruba is quite pricey for teh average college student...What do you think?
it might be a little more crowded, but i think you will be fine. I would suggest making restaurant reservations in advance....I am happy to recommend a few 
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| Posted 1/9/12 4:06 PM |
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AKG2010
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/10 573 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba HELP!!! - ANOTHER QUESTION
I will take all dinner recs! Thanks =-)
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| Posted 1/10/12 9:35 AM |
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Andrewz00
Look! I changed it!
Member since 4/10 1789 total posts
Name:
Andrew
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Re: Aruba HELP!!! - ANOTHER QUESTION
madame janette's - pricey but worth every penny. large portions and very popular. Plenty of cabs waiting. Need reservation asap or try before you leave.
Flying fishbone - expensive, very romantic. its on the opposite side of the island from all the high rise hotels cab ride is about $40 each way....
Busters - bar food, cheap-ish
Papamiento = outdoors at an old mansion around a pool. Romantic
Marandi's = just past the airport on the water. Nice and quiet. They'll get a cab for you when you leave.
Gianni's = great pasta, can walk to it. kinda expensive.
Casa Tua = Inexpensive, good pizza
Screaming Eagles = probably best food but pricey. This is the one that has the private lounges.
The Old Cunucu House - authentic arubian food...average price
Wacky Wahoo - best place for fish, very small, make reservations!!
Buccaneer - 12 large aquariums with colorful fish surround you so you feel like your below deck on a ship... not outrageous but not cheap
Pelican's Nest Seafood & Grill Bar - cheap good food.. great burgers!! on a pier.
Our favorites by far were madame janette's, Casa Tua & Gianni's
Message edited 1/10/2012 1:18:58 PM.
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| Posted 1/10/12 1:08 PM |
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caps612
In love with my little guys!!
Member since 8/10 5108 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba HELP!!! - ANOTHER QUESTION
Posted by AKG2010
I will take all dinner recs! Thanks =-)
Here are my favs... we got to these ones every year!
Madame Jeanette - pricey, but my fav
Gianni's - Best italian food!
Chalet Suisse - just delish!
Screaming Eagle - trendy, great food
Gasparito - Local dishes, good prices, also an art gallery
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| Posted 1/10/12 5:27 PM |
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leap29
LIF Toddler
Member since 12/05 399 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Aruba HELP!!! - ANOTHER QUESTION
another restaurants question...
do you need to make reservations at any of the places that are across from the hyatt?
also, any other walking distance restaurant recs would be great since we will be at the hyatt!
tia!!
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| Posted 1/14/12 3:55 PM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17792 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba HELP!!! - ANOTHER QUESTION
Posted by caps612
Posted by AKG2010
I will take all dinner recs! Thanks =-)
Here are my favs... we got to these ones every year!
Madame Jeanette - pricey, but my fav
Gianni's - Best italian food!
Chalet Suisse - just delish!
Screaming Eagle - trendy, great food
Gasparito - Local dishes, good prices, also an art gallery
Love Madame Janettes and Gasparito!
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| Posted 1/14/12 5:41 PM |
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Andrewz00
Look! I changed it!
Member since 4/10 1789 total posts
Name:
Andrew
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Re: Aruba HELP!!! - ANOTHER QUESTION
Posted by leap29
another restaurants question...
do you need to make reservations at any of the places that are across from the hyatt?
also, any other walking distance restaurant recs would be great since we will be at the hyatt!
tia!!
Yup!!! Especially Gianni's
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| Posted 1/17/12 12:01 AM |
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