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@mickeees: I've been to Aruba, but I have not stayed at that particular property. You will love the sky, water, and snorkling activities in Aruba!
I hope you have a wonderful honeymoon!
My only words of caution are: Do not go to any restaurants that encourage you to cook your own dinner on a hot stone at your table. I was there years ago and thought this was a really cool idea and ended up getting food poisoning from under-cooked lobster. That was not a fun vacation. :(
@Brielle: I've heard nothing but positive raves about the island itself! We are so excited. And I will make a note to stay far away from anything that makes me cook my own food!!! Thanks for the words of caution.
My parents bought a timeshare there in 2002, so we've been going ever since. We have had bad experiences and good ones. The pool is nice (not too deep and fairly warm), the hot tub is usually taken by little kids (and usually extremely hot). The beach gets filled up quick, you will never get a front palapa, because people pay the workers to put their towels on them (wrong but they do it). If you want a close one you should be up by 7 am to get a good one. They say you can't reserve it but everyone does, just go and put your towels on each chair, and a beach bag with nothing too expensive in it on the table. People will leave their stuff there until noon and no one ever comes and takes it. The food has been decent, and the drinks are included (if you are doing all inclusive) I would still recommend going out and eating at other places too! there are so many that should not be missed.
They were doing a huge upgrade around the time that whole scandal(Natalie Holloway) was going down, so the rooms are fairly decent. The staff is very friendly. Last time I was there (Jan 2011) the casino was shut down but it might be open now. It was a good size and you didn't have to walk too far to have a little fun.
They are neurotic about not walking through the lobby in bathing suits, and no shoes, so make sure you have a cover up!
Let me know if there is anything else you would like to know!
@TopazWedding: Great tips! We were considering not doing all-inclusive but then decided we would do breakfast and most likely lunch at the resort with dinners elsewhere. We didn't do a package on alhcohol and soda when we went on our cruise and it ate through our budget and we aren't even big drinkers of either! We are hoping the all inclusive route works well!
That sounds like a great idea! Also next door you can rent floating pillow things for free, I recommend those also, you will also see people using them as chair covers because the chairs at the beach are extremely uncomfortable.
Also I guess I should put in a very highly recommended and amazing restaurant that you should check out. Madame Jeanette's, it's up there on the price scale but it seriously is amazing, you are going to need to take a cab there but worth it. :)
@TopazWedding: It's funny you say that because someone I know just recommended that place too!
Oh my gosh, Aruba is my dream vacation! My FI and I are most likely going to have a destination wedding over there. I bet you're gonna have soo much fun, I hear it's such a romantic island. Why I think Aruba is great is because I hardly hear people say they're going to Aruba. I always hear the same places like Jamaica or Mexico or Hawaii, I know they are beautiful places, but I just think Aruba would be a perfect getaway. Great choice, congratulations, have fun, and good luck!
@Missteryusjay: I've spoken to so many people who've gone repeatedly and love it more each time!
Yep, you need to eat at Madame Jeanette's. Also like Papiamento for the atmosphere (have eaten both inside, which is quaint, and outside by the pool.) And (I think the name is) Passions on the Beach was another good one. I wouldn't do all-inclusive for restaurants- far too many great places to eat.
We picked up the Fodor's book tonight and were looking through it. We are def going to do the resort for an early breakfast and early lunch and then dinners out on the island!
Rebwana nailed it with her two restaurant recommendations at Madame Jeanette's and Passions on the Beach. Passions is even great to grab a drink at the bar and watch the sunset. i got the most amazing pictures there. The Aruba jeep tour is great as well (we did the one through the Amsterdam manor hotel so whichever company they book through) and it is a great way to see the whole island. Have a great time!
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We booked our honeymoon last night to Aruba! We used cheaptickets.com to book airfare and hotel. Looking to hear positive/negative feedback about cheaptickets as well as the hotel, the Occidental Grand Aruba. Anyone ever personally stay there? What did you like? Dislike? Thanks!