Aruba Vacation Review

1st timer Kevin V. writes about his Aruba vacation

2011-04-01T10:42:00.011-04:00

My girl friend and I booked our trip back in August 2010 for March 2011 in Oranjestad, Aruba at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino Marina Hotel (the adult part of the resort). Aside from the great reviews we had from friends and family on Aruba, we had no idea what to expect being downtown and not up at the High Rise resorts. Here's what you can expect.

After a short and enjoyable 4 hour flight on Jet Blue we were excited to get on the beach before 2:00pm on our arrival . Getting through customs into Aruba was quick and easy and getting a ride to the the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino only took a couple of minutes. Make sure you stock up on booze at the duty free store by luggage pick up. Unlike many of the Caribbean islands the locals are very nice, don't try to hustle you for a few dollars and like the commercials say, very happy. Right away the cab driver (cabs are typically nice cars that are owned by the cab drivers and well maintained) started telling us all about Aruba, where to go and where to eat, little tips about traveling and site
seeing, and all about Carnival...which I will expand upon in another post.

We arrived at Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino in the Renaissance Mall, a 15 dollar cab ride, and your are greeted by more happy people looking to make your stay in Aruba enjoyable. Check in was a breeze. If you've ever stayed at a Marriott you know they offer a high level of service and it was the same here. The room in the Marina Hotel was very nice. Typical Marriott Hotel room. The bathrooms are small and in need of new tubs and showers but everything else is up to par.

If you are staying in Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino you will read that there is no beach and only a private island for the Renaissance people. Let me tell you that the private island is the only beach you will ever need. In the lobby of the hotel there is a boat that will pick you up and take you to the island every 15 minutes. The boat ride is enjoyable and takes you through the marina where a few new cruise ships will come in every day, down the coast line and around Renaissance Island, a 40-acre private tropical retreat with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Exiting the boat is when you realize you are in paradise. Walking the dock to get your towels, floats, or water sport equipment of your choice you will notice and abundant amount of wild life all around you. From the iguana and small lizards lounging around to the flamingos strolling the beach to the tropical fish below your feet. There are more than enough chairs, hammocks and tables available. We sat in the same place every day. Renaissance Island, like the resort, is divided into an adult only (optionally topless) side and a family side. The family side provides the restaurant/bar and a slight larger beach. The adult side offers a relaxing atmosphere where the flamingos roam and you are only bothered by the waiter staff willing to refill your beverage you bring you lunch. I am a picky person when it comes to getting what you pay for and expectations for a vacation. Let me say that the island is perfect with on exception. Because you are close to the airport there will be planes coming in and out and they can be very loud. Probably about 10 times a day for a few minutes. Other than that there isn't much more you could ask for. Feel free to explore the island and enjoy your time there...it's over before you know it.

The Marina Hotel is located directly above the Renaissance Mall, which offers Starbucks, luxury brand stores and shops, and the casino. Within the Marina Hotel are The Blue Bar (adjacent to the "rooftop" pool), L.G. Smith Steak House and Aquarius (delicious and extensive buffet style restaurant). The Marina Hotel is directly across from the marina where all of the Cruises dock. Hundreds of people will get off these boats every day to enjoy the shopping and restaurants around the marina. You never feel crowded and will never have more than a 5 minute wait at the restaurants. There are probably 25 jewelry stores around the marina area and you can get a great deal on a Rolex or diamonds.
If you cross the street from the Marina Hotel you can walk the board walk to the Ocean Suites. On your way you will pass the many yachts and Sea Port Casino. There is also another strip of stores, restaurants (great Italian place with outside dinning), fast food joints like Subway, Taco Bell and Dunkin Donuts. When you get to the Ocean Suites you will notice that it is much different. This is a more family style and time share type of hotel. They offer a much bigger pool and pool bar, man made beach and the Captains Restaurant all in close proximity. We only spent about 3 hours at that pool and beach because Renaissance Island was unreal. There isn't much past the Ocean Suites but we didn't explore so I assume we missed a couple of restaurants or island secrets.

We went to a number of different restaurants on the Island and they were all very good. Here's a brief look at our experiences.

L.G. Smith Steak House (part of Renaissance Hotel Inclusive Package) - Much like a higher end steak house in the states. This is as fancy as we got over our trip. A bottle of wine, appetizer and two meals ran us about $120. The service was just okay. The bus boy worked hard but the waiter was slacking. Go here if you want a good steak.

Aquarius (part of Renaissance Hotel Inclusive Package) - This is a buffet style restaurant. The breakfast buffet is by far the best we had in Aruba. We had dinner here once and would have again but wanted to try other restaurants. Leans towards more seafood but there is a great selection. The will prepare fresh dishes for you that will make sure you get your fill of lobster tail, scallops, shrimp, and a variety of fish. Great sushi buffet and other foods non fish related.

Captains Resturant (part of Renaissance Hotel Inclusive Package) - Every night they offer a different themed meal. We didn't eat here for dinner but heard it was good. It's nice to have the breakfast buffet here because it is outside and overlooks the pool and ocean. Watch out for the birds though. they will try and steal your toast.

Bar Blue (part of Renaissance Hotel Inclusive Package) - Wouldn't get dinner here but it's great spot to get lunch and drinks.

Papagayo Bar and Grill (part of Renaissance Hotel Inclusive Package) - This is the restaurant located on Renaissance Island. They offer a wide variety of food and everything we had was pretty good. You can get up and go to the grill or you can lay back and wait for your beach waitress. They are awesome so tip them well.

Iguana Joes - Get a piture of sangia. It's awesome and more booze than fruit juice. They have won awards for the best ribs in aruba and you will know why. A half of rack of ribs here means a whole rack in the states. You cant go wrong here from the price, food, and venue. This will be the first place we go when we return.

7 West Aruba - Just off of L.G. Smith Blvd. this place is really cool looking. I am surprised that it was empty but I guess it's more of a late night place. The food was okay but the service and drinks were very good. We probably wont go back to this place.

Que Pasa - Everyone will tell you to go to this restaurant as well as Drift Wood (which we didn't make it to). Que Pasa was excellent and offers a taste of Dutch and Caribbean it's food. It's a little more expensive here but should definitely be on top of your list.

Casa Tua in the Seaport Plaza - Typically this is a pizza place but there is a wide variety of Italian foods at this location and both of our meals were delicious. You can sit outside and listen to live music just off of the water.

You may find this review overly positive but once you go to Aruba I'm sure you will understand why. Downtown Oranjestad was the crazy hot spot not long ago but since the High Rise section has grown the Renaissance Hotel has become the more low key location. Either way you are going to love Aruba.

Senior Frogs Aruba

2011-03-31T21:49:00.003-04:00

Senior Frogs in Aruba has moved from downtown near where the cruise ships come in to the High Rise area also known as Palm Beach. Erin and I went to Senior frogs this march and had allot of fun. Really you can't help but have fun there the drinks are good and the food is alright too. Maybe a little more expensive than the quality but you are part paying for the DJ and the MC. They play fun games and give out tasty shots on a nightly basis.

If you are interested in going you can check out there website. So I would recommend checking out this place even if it is just for a couple of drinks or shots!!

March 2011 Aruba

2011-03-29T10:43:00.005-04:00

Using Marriott points Erin and I went to Aruba, it was a great trip and the always beautiful Aruban weather did not disapoint. An added bonus was that Kevin and Cathy our good friends were also on vacation and we were able to spend two days with them. Here are some photo's from our trip. I will also be posting some reviews from different aspects of our trip. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Hey here is a great resource for Aruba Restaurants!

2009-03-13T13:11:00.005-04:00

If you are interested in Restaurants in Aruba check out
RestaurantsAruba.com.

We are planning on maybe going to these restaurants:

1. La Trattoria: El Faro Blanco -- At the California light house.
2. Texas de Brazil -- I got a 2 for 1 coupon off the website for registering.
3. Madame Janette -- Simply unbelievable
4. Smokey Joe's Island Grill -- Great Ribs! plenty to take home for a lunch
5. Blossoms -- looks good

A Dozen Reasons to Choose Aruba

2008-12-02T14:52:00.001-05:00

Best Aruba beaches
Colorful Dutch architecture
Luxury Aruba hotels & resorts with all the amenities
Friendly residents who welcome tourists in many languages
A wild, arid countryside with spectacular geological formation
Great dive sites around Aruba
Constant trade winds for windsurfing and kitesurfing
An eco-friendly national park
A Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed championship golf course
World class Aruba casinos and nightclubs
Aruba shopping malls and designer boutiques
Reasonably priced Aruba restaurants with international cuisine

Cabo for a change?

2008-09-24T11:12:00.006-04:00

I went to Los Cabos and stayed at the Fiesta Americana. I had a great time in Cabo, the resort was unbelievable and the weather was outstanding. I still prefer Aruba and will be returning for our usual March vacation. Aruba wins because the food is much better, the dowtown area isn't full of people trying trying to sell you everything and you just feel much safer.

Anyhow, here is one of our CABO pictures.

A Recent Question

2008-07-07T10:07:00.002-04:00

A question came recently about wether i would reccomend staying at the stelaris casino during renovations.

When I was there in March they were doing over the lobby. In all honesty I liked the old lobby better and have not seen the new bar yet. I would still stay there however because the rooms are great the service is great and the pool and beach area are always the cleanest. some of the hotels do not deal with the beach seaweed as effectively as the Marriott. when you do not remove it right away it will stink up the beach.

So i would say yes stay there. by the way I am no way affiliated with the hotel. I have stayed there a couple times and been in all of the others and it is my favorite. The Hyatt is unbelievable as well, but I can only speak to it as someone who walked through and had a meal there.

Thanks,
J

P.s. let me know what you decide!

Great phone call

2008-05-14T22:42:00.007-04:00

I recieved a great phone call today from Marriott to check in regarding when we are visiting Aruba again. It's still a month or 2 away before we can book for the 3rd week of March.

We decided to try Cabo in September, but I know I just know it will pale in comparison to our annual Aruba trip.

Radisson Aruba Resort Selected Host Hotel For 2009 Washington Redskins Cheerleader Calendar Shoot

2008-05-07T15:04:00.002-04:00

Washington Redskins’ fans have a once-in-a lifetime chance to experience Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa, known for its postcard-worthy sunsets and white sand beach, as it plays host to the team’s cheerleader calendar shoot this spring.

From now through May 15, 2008, interested fans can enter to win a five-day/four-night stay for two at the AAA Four-Diamond resort with round-trip air included from Baltimore or Washington International Airports.
Click here and enter to win the sweepstakes!

“Many of our guests from the Mid-Atlantic gather at our lobby bar Mira Solo on Sundays to watch football with their favorite Washington Redskins’ hat and jersey,” states General Manager Gary Jutz. “We are honored the Redskins have chosen us to host their 2009 calendar shoot, which gives our resort and the island of Aruba a great opportunity to be showcased.”

According to Melanie Treanor, director of marketing for the Washington Redskins’ cheerleaders, “Our 2009 photo shoot will be a lot of work for the girls; however, they are very excited to experience the resort’s Larimar Spa and just lounge on the gorgeous beach between takes. We look forward to our stay at Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa this summer and believe the calendar will be a great success.”

The winner of the contest will be posted on the special Radisson Web site May 16, 2008, must be 18 years of age and have a valid passport to enter Aruba.

My sister going to Aruba?

2008-04-23T23:55:00.003-04:00

Our posts here and the photo's provided may lead to my sister going to Aruba in the winter. She told me she was looking for a place that was safe, had beutiful beaches, good food, and the weather was always great. I told her without hesitation that she just described Aruba to a tee. I also told her thanks for the idea for a post.

When you are thinking about a perfect vacation, think ARUBA!

All inclusive = Bad Idea

2008-04-10T23:40:00.003-04:00

When you sit down and do the math and also think of everything you are missing out on it's a classic no brainer. Consider this, the Occidental Grand in the high rise section is a beautiful resort BUT if you use RCI to get you room they make you pay additional $175 or so per person per day.

The first problem with this is I don't spend that much on food and drinks everyday. On the days I might spend this much on food and drink, I don't do it all at the hotel. Which brings me to:

The second problem is Aruba is a safe country that has a ton of great restaurants to eat at. Why would you overpay to be forced to eat at the resort everyday?

All I am saying is shop around and look closely at the numbers. If all inclusive still makes sense, go for it. BUT if not take advantage of the great bars and restaurants and do not go all inclusive.

If you want tips on the hotels, post a comment and ill post on it.

Take the Jolly Pirates Boat in Aruba!

2008-04-04T13:36:00.012-04:00

When you visit Aruba make sure to take 2 hours out of your day to go on the Jolly Pirates Boat. They launch right off the beach in front of Moomba Beach, which is a nice bar in between the Marriott Surf Club and the Holiday Inn. They have an open bar during the trip and they keep 'em coming! It is a beautiful ship with an outstanding crew that truly is there to please. After you sail up the island a bit they anchor off and there is a rope swing where you can swing off into the water which is always fun. This is a great evening event that does not get to crazy so it is perfect for most ages. Click here to check out Jolly Pirates.

JOLLY PIRATES

2008-03-31T22:21:00.000-04:00

BEST NIGHT IN ARUBA!

2008-03-31T22:01:00.008-04:00

THE FUNNEST NIGHT IN ARUBA HAS TO BE THE KUKOO KUNUKU BUS TOUR. THE FUN COLORFUL BUS PICKS YOU UP AT YOUR HOTEL AND FIRST WITH MUSIC PLAYING TAKES YOU TO A ROMANTIC SUNSET CHAMPAGNE TOAST. FROM THERE YOU GO TO A WONDERFUL DINNER AT A BEAUTIFUL HOUSE. THEN BACK ON THE BUS FOR SINGING AND DANCING AT LOCAL ARUBA BARS THAT WELCOME YOU TO THEIR HAPPY ISLAND WITH DRINKS! WHEN IN ARUBA DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND HOP ON THE BUS! THE KUKOO KUNUKU BUS!

BEST BAR IN ARUBA

2008-03-31T21:07:00.008-04:00

THE BEST BAR IN ARUBA IS THE KIBRA HACHA BAR WHICH IS LOCATED BETWEEN THE HOLIDAY INN SUN SPREE RESORT AND THE PLAYA LINDA. CLAUDIA IS THE BAR TENDER AND IS BAR FAR THE BEST BEACH BARTENDER IN ARUBA!

HAPPY EASTER FROM ARUBA!

2008-03-23T17:15:00.002-04:00

TONIGHT WE ARE GOING TO MADAME JEANETTE'S FOR OUR EASTER DINNER AND ARE VERY EXITED. sO MANY PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US ABOUT HOW GREAT IT IS AND WE WILL BE GOING FOR THE FIRST TIME TONIGHT. WE ALSO MET OUR FRIENDS RICK AND MAUREEN ON THE BEACH TODAY! WE MET THEM THREE YEARS AGO AND THEY ALWAYS VACATION AT THE PLAYA LINDA SO WE WALKED DOWN AND BOUGHT THEM A DRINK.

YESTERDAY WE ATE AT AMAZONIA AND IT WAS GREAT I WILL POST MORE ABOUT THAT LATER I NEED ANOTHER DRINK

THANKS FOR THE COMMENT PAULA!!

Happy Hour Aruba

2008-03-14T11:03:00.002-04:00

In Aruba starting about noon in the high rise hotel area you can find 2 for 1 happy hours for the rest of the day by walking up and down the beach. It's allot of fun walking the beach and when you get a liitle to hot you can either jump in the ocean or order a couple of drinks. Check out this resource for the happy hour schedule of Aruba. ARUBA HAPPY HOUR SCHEDULE

Aruba Restaurants

2008-03-13T22:17:00.003-04:00

Last year on the 25th of March I had a wonderfully sunset dinner out on the deck at La Trattoria - El Farro Blanco which is the Italian restaurant that is located next to the California Lighthouse in Aruba. Aruba has so many wonderful restaurants and if you plan it right you can really take advantage of some of the most beautiful sunsets i have ever seen.

Need dinner recomendations? Post a comment and what you are looking for, I would love to help!!

Aruba Vacations

2008-03-12T13:53:00.005-04:00

Above, is a photo of the amazing resort called Casa Del Mar. Below is a photo of Baby Beach, where snorkling is amazing!

Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino

2008-03-12T13:25:00.005-04:00

I will be vacationing at the Aruba Marriott again we are scheduled to get there on March 20th 2008.