Aruba Hotels (Hyatt vs Marriot Surf Club Or Radisson?)

Ugh this is so frustrating. We are bringing 2 teens (DS & a cousin) and a baby (who is supposedly free, but not because now we can't fit in a reg room).

So because the baby is technically a 5th person we would have to get 2 rooms or a suite (with 2 bedrooms). We were looking at the Hyatt, which offers a big discount on the 2nd room, so we'd get 2 adjoining rooms... OR for $1000 less we could get a 2 bedroom villa at the Marriot Surf club.

I see that the Hyatt has better reviews on TA, but for those who have been to either or have seen both in person, is the Hyatt that much better?

Also if you have other suggestions I would appreciate it!


ETA: Thank you all for the feedback! So it looks like Hyatt is out, but now (of course) I just saw a deal on the Radisson, and 2 rooms would be even less than the Marriot Surf Club (by about $700). I do like the idea of a kitchen, but I could deal with just a mini fridge and I think breakfast is included at the Radisson.

So any more feedback on the Radisson would be great!

Message edited 5/19/2010 10:04:28 PM.

Re: Question about Aruba Hotels (Hyatt vs Marriot Surf Club)

I've never been to the Hyatt so I can't comment on that, but I have been to the Surf Club and the 2 bedroom villas are absolutely amazing! With a baby, I'd DEFINITELY do the Marriott that has a full kitchen and living room. The pool there is great and the lazy river is terrific! I don't think you can go wrong! (and save $1,000!!)

Re: Question about Aruba Hotels (Hyatt vs Marriot Surf Club)

We stayed at the Occidential, next to the Hyatt. The Hyatt is beautiful but $$$$ and nothing is included. Try the Occidential.

Re: Question about Aruba Hotels (Hyatt vs Marriot Surf Club)

We stayed in a 2 bedroom at the Surf and I agree with above poster, it is great. The pool area is really nice (although parts are really windy and others not so much) but the lazy river is great. The beach is beautiful--have to get out early to get a spot under a tree--the line started before the hut even opened! But the rooms are great, the location wasn't bad--and there was lots to do. Have fun whatever you decide!

Re: Question about Aruba Hotels (Hyatt vs Marriot Surf Club)

for someone whose parents own in surf club...and we have gone every year since they bought...and now we go with my two kids...I DEF REC the Surf club!

The teens and the baby will love the lazy river pool, the slide in the pool, all the water sports right there (extra of course...but right there) other activities, giant chess/checker board on the beach...i can go on!

the rooms are UNBELIEVABLE! the two bedroom villas are so spacious. the kitchen is enormous! and perfect for all the food we brought in for breakfast and lunch!

I feel like you can never go wrong with a Marriott esp a vacation club!

Re: Aruba Hotels (Hyatt vs Marriot Surf Club Or Radisson?)

my friends went on their honeymoon at radisson and raved about it so much that we got engaged their a year later. radisson is so nice.

Re: Aruba Hotels (Hyatt vs Marriot Surf Club Or Radisson?)

Dana-I've been to Aruba and stayed at Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive-and we loved it.

We stayed tehre 3 years ago and paid an awesome price-its A/I, but we ate 2 nights off the resort. I liked the beach tehre better than where the high-rise hotels were-way less crowded, but still nice..Ahhh now I want to go back! lol

Re: Aruba Hotels (Hyatt vs Marriot Surf Club Or Radisson?)

I've stayed at the Hyatt and the Marriot Ocean Club and I loved them both.

I really liked having a kitchen in the Marriot Ocean Club. The Surf Club is newer and has a lazy river so I'm sure it's wonderful as well.

I've heard great things about the Radisson as well.

ETA - I've also stayed at the Westin. The rooms, lobby and casino are great but, the pool area isn't as good as at the Hyatt, Marriotts and Radisson.

Message edited 5/20/2010 9:03:48 AM.

Re: Aruba Hotels (Hyatt vs Marriot Surf Club Or Radisson?)

Re: Aruba Hotels (Hyatt vs Marriot Surf Club Or Radisson?)

Have been to the Hyatt and LOVED it!!! Would def recommend the Hyatt

Re: Aruba Hotels (Hyatt vs Marriot Surf Club Or Radisson?)

Surf Club was great. Our Aunt let us use her week for our HM so even though it wasn't a "romantic" hotel we used it to save $$...I'd say a great place for families, kids...

I have pics in my LIWeddings album - under the name FutureMulligan

Re: Aruba Hotels (Hyatt vs Marriot Surf Club Or Radisson?)

Honestly, we own at Marriott, but statyed at the Radisson a few times before that and the Hyatt as well. I will be totally honest, while the Radisson is will probably be less crowded and maybe somewhat nicer, in certain ways, nothing beats the Marriott with a kitchen, especially with teenagers and a baby! The lazy river is great and the pools are awesome...although I will say that I like the beach part better by the Radisson! I'd spring the extra $700 and do the Marriott!

Re: Aruba Hotels (Hyatt vs Marriot Surf Club Or Radisson?)

I went to the Radisson on my HM and I loved it! I can't say enough great things about it!