Top 10 where we all stay.....

[tirakotchi]

Just let us know where we you've stayed on the island......
And where you would surely go back to when returning.....
And if you have the time just state why...

Is the option to buy a timeshare better than a package deal?
what's your opinion!

[ScubaBOS]

Whether or not you choose timeshare over package deals depends on your point of view.

I haven't regretted buying mine. The owners run the resort and have keep the member's expenses to a minimum. The resort itself is operating in the black. I enjoy the convenience of having one set vacation in place every year. I know when and where I'll be staying and I can count of the weather being great.

[kevin d]

I could only vote for the Renaissance, because that's where we've stayed all 3 visits. This year is our first stay on Eagle Beach, at the Costa Linda, and I get the feeling I'm gonna like it a lot.

We're considering buying a timeshare, but right now I belong to a club that gets me into resorts worldwide for $799 a week or less, and we like to travel quite a bit and only go to Aruba once a year, so I'm not sure if we'll buy or not. I do love the convenience and freedom provided by a suite with a kitchen, that comes with staying at a timeshare. And $799 for a 2bdr at CL for a week? I gotta think that's a great deal!

[carolrd]

I know I'm in the minority, we stay at Caribbean Palm Village. We don't find it necessary to stay on the beach and prefer a quieter place. Also, the staff and management are tops!!!

Carol

[TomFrederick]

>>> "Whether or not you choose timeshare over package deals depends on your point of view"
---- Ditto Ditto Ditto.
I own at Casa del Mar as its a timeshare. If I didn't it would be Bucuti. Every year we have a dinner or 2 at Bucuti and one or 2 at Manchebo.
One year out of many it started to rain at the Piartes Nest. Most took their plates inside. We took ours to the bar so we stayed outside. Very enjoyable dinner their.

[Divorcee]

Tom,

I am going to Aruba in June to celebrate my divorce. I am also going alone which may sound strange but I have been several times before to Aruba and fell quite safe there. My question is I would like to have a few dinners out, I would like to know besides El gaucho and the flying fishbone, what are the good steak and good seafood restaurants please? I am planning on eating early in the evenings so I am less conspicuous that I am alone! I know you are a veteran of these boards so I trust your opinion. Thanks.

[kevin d]

I'll defer to Tom on the restaurant selection, but as far as eating alone...feel no shame! I was single for many years, and went out to eat fairly often - not in Aruba (couple central), I'll admit - my advice is to talk to the staff, eat at the bar and yak with the bartenders, most importantly bring something to read. Have a great time, it sounds like you've reason to celebrate!

[Ron B]

this was a tough choice because you have a lot of my favorites places Manchebo beach resort, Bucuti, Costa Linda, Divi, Tam, So I chose Manchebo beach, but Basically I will say because I am a Low Rise person any Resort in the low Rise area is my favorite place

[TomFrederick]

>>>> "I am planning on eating early in the evenings so I am less conspicuous that I am alone!"
----- Can recommend any of the ones below.
www.calypsorestaurantaruba.com/
www.marandiaruba.com
www.madamejanette.com/
www.elgaucho-aruba.com/
www.manchebo.com/steakhouse/
www.ledome-aruba.com/
www.gasparito.com/
www.bucuti.com/english/dining/index.htm
www.rumba-aruba.com/
Once or twice each trip I have a late dinner out by myself as wife and daughter usually have a ladies night out while I watch the 2 grandsons. In Aruba I am not a pizza person as love to eat out in Aruba. I'll be there in June for 2 weeks and usually a lot of the restaurants are not filled so have no problem getting a late table.
At the FF you might stand out as think many couple go early to toast the sunset. All the restaurants above equal or surpass the FF.

[sir_drinkalot]

The Divi all inclusive has been the best way to go for us. Between not having to carry money all the time, to the always freindly service . These people are like family to us.

Even the bartender (dino) agreed to be my best man! We are leaving for our 4th year in a row on may16th and cant wait!!!

[arubabob]

Our favorite place to stay is Costa Linda. We will stay at almost any resort on the island though. We usualy go for 10 to 12 days and end up staying a week at a timeshare and 2 to 5 days before and/or after the week at different resorts. So we have stayed at a lot of the resorts in just 7 trips. We have stayed at least 2 nights at Wyndhan, Marriott, renaisance, Holiday inn, Divi village and Hyatt. We stayed 2 weeks at Costa Linda and 1 week at each of the following- Aruba Beach Club, Dutch village, Divi Phoenix, Casa Del Mar and Playa Linda.

We would stay at any of these again. We plan to try Radison on our next trip.

[Manzanita]

We have one week (studio) at La Cabana & generally stay 2 or 3 weeks (we bank our FL timeshare & use it for Aruba). One year we stayed at the Divi Village & got a terrific room. This year our exchange is taking us to the Divi Dutch Village, so we're really looking forward to that.

In the future, we hope to rent an apartment for a week or two. The prices seem reasonable for the off season and last trip we visited several likely prospects.

~M~

[kewlkate]

We stay at the Marriott Stellaris Resort & Casino. Would we return?? Yes for the 4th time this fall! We enjoy the facility. Nice, clean, comfortable, spacious rooms. Enjoy the beach area in front of facility. Pool area is beautiful. Swim-up bar is a plus! All workers...... from maids, to watiresses/waiters, to bellhops are WONDERFUL and FRIENDLY!

I voted under "others" but to mean the Divi Aruba beach Mega all inclusive as I don't see it here on the list. It is quite unclear if the "divi(dutch village/village)" also means the Aruba mega or not). The Divi Aruba is a hotel resort directly on the beach and the Divi village/dutch village are different timeshares units not on the beach. The Divi Aruba also allows you to use the Tamarijn resort.

[Shelly]

The Divi AI is the way to go.......great staff, wonderful beach. We will be arriving October 9th!!!!!!

[Jerseygirl]

Kevin~

If you don't mind, what is the club you belong to to get your rates so low? Thanks!

Stacy

[kevin d]

The name of the club is Travel to Go (www.traveltogo.com). I joined when I was planning our honeymoon in Aruba, and did the math on how much 2 weeks would cost us . Even with the cost of joining (appx $1200, one-time), we've already made up for that with our continued use of the club. All over the world, 3 weeks every year - but most importantly whenever you want to go, not the same week/same resort every year. We've stayed in Aruba at the Ren ocean suites and at Costa Linda, as well as in Bahamas and Marco Island Florida, always nice properties with kitchens. We plan on using them every year at least once for Aruba, as well as Hawaii (someday)...

They also have 'hot weeks', which are great for the last-minute shoppers. A week on the beach starting at $99!

[aquarius]

I stay at Paradise Beach Villas, next to LaCabana and have been a member for 15 years. I prefer timeshare ownership because of a set vacation time and have flexibility in switching dates if available there. What is nice though is I'm a member of Interval International and since I have two weeks in Aruba I sometimes bank one week. This option has given me the chance to travel to other places from Key West, Lake Tahoe, Phoenix, New Orleans, Hilton Head, and this year to Hawaii. My favorite, of course, is Aruba. Always will be. We have made friends with people at our resort in Aruba on our weeks and it's nice to go back, like home away from home.

[wedding]

How close to the beach is Caribbean Palm Village?
What is the Beach name?

This is my first trip to Aruba

Wedding

***********************************

Originally Posted by carolrd

I know I'm in the minority, we stay at Caribbean Palm Village. We don't find it necessary to stay on the beach and prefer a quieter place. Also, the staff and management are tops!!!

Carol

CPV is about 1 mile inland in Noord up by Palm/Eagle Beach. They used to be able to use the beach at the Manchebo resort, don't know if they still can or not.

[aquarius]

Hi - Caribbean Palm Beach is a little inland from Palm Beach where all the hotels are situated. However, I heard it is a beautiful resort. I went there once to their restaurant "Valentino's" which was excellent at the time. I always remember the impecable service and good food, however, I don't know if it's still that way. If you have a car you can get to Palm Beach very easily, a straight road down to it. Have a great time.

Marie

[carolrd]

Originally Posted by wedding

How close to the beach is Caribbean Palm Village?
What is the Beach name?

This is my first trip to Aruba

Wedding

***********************************

As mentioned CPV is about a mile inland. Not a problem for us. They have beach rights at Moomba Beach which is located between the Holiday Inn and the Marriott. There is a shuttle that will take you there and back. I've never used it as we rent a car for our entire stay.

CPV is a wonderful, quiet resort with the most outstanding staff. The units are huge. Valentinos is on the property, a 5 star Italian restaurant. I definitely recommend CPV.

[DiviAruba]

We usually go to the Divi Divi, but have stayed at the Phoenix, Playa Linda, Allegro, and also this year we are going to Casa Del Mar.

[aprillove]

I stay at the Aruba Beach Club....I rent directly from the owners because there is such a demand, and I have never been able to afford to buy...so far...a couple of times I have had to stay at the Casa Del Mar (the sister resort), and you will love that DiviAruba...by the way where on the cape are you...my parents and some other relatives live there....

[DiviAruba]

I'm about 30 mins. from PTown.

[tom carlson]

Aruba Grand
for us week 7 & 41 and actualy wife there now lucky girl
we dont own dont know which week to choose if anyone there in oct (wk 41) come by and say hi about 30 of us staying this time at AG on beach all day

[carolrd]

Originally Posted by DiviAruba

I'm about 30 mins. from PTown.

I used to love to ride the trails in the dunes there, then hit the beach. Great place, but haven't been there in many years.

[DebbieB]

We've stayed at Divi Village, The Mill, and LaCabana. This year we're going to CPV for part of our stay. I think ANY PLACE in Aruba would be fine for me!Has anyone been to CPV recently? The Internet site said the beach privileges were at Manchebo Beach, which is one reason we reserved it. Has it changed to Moomba Beach?

[Brownknee]

Stayed at the Marriott Surf Club on our one and only trip (so far) to Aruba. We stayed there because my husband travels a lot with business and stays at Marriott properties. He had enough Marriott points earned for two rooms at the Surf Club. Traveled with two young adult kids and had a great time. Would we stay at the Marriott property again? You bet(!!!) Would I stay at another property if given the chance? Ofcourse(!!!) I really think we would have a great time no matter where we stayed.

[dgray623623]

We like the La Quinta. It is a small low rise, very relaxing

[Al Newcomb]

My wife has been going to Aruba for 21 years.Her two friends and her started at the Divi for 3 years.Than they bought a week at Casadelmar wk. 17,Now they have wks 17,18 & 19 Rm 1204.I finally started going in 1995 when they built the Tierra-del-sol Golf course.Now with the new Divi Nine we bought a wk. 16 at the ABC.I play Golf 6-8 times with friends,while the ladies enjoy shopping ,beach etc. With our middle age,we enjoy the low-rise sections.Can't wait until April 22 gets here.

[Corrine]

Originally Posted by Al Newcomb

My wife has been going to Aruba for 21 years.Her two friends and her started at the Divi for 3 years.Than they bought a week at Casadelmar wk. 17,Now they have wks 17,18 & 19 Rm 1204.I finally started going in 1995 when they built the Tierra-del-sol Golf course.Now with the new Divi Nine we bought a wk. 16 at the ABC.I play Golf 6-8 times with friends,while the ladies enjoy shopping ,beach etc. With our middle age,we enjoy the low-rise sections.Can't wait until April 22 gets here.

Al -

Aruba Amy, Liz from NJ and I will all be there wk. 17 as well. You are welcome to come join us at the BB Party at the Amsterdam Manor on Monday, I think at 5 or 5:30pm!

[Tina from Sweden]

Divi Aruba Beach Resort AI is the place for the four of us. The first visit 13-23 december 2004 gave us so much that we just had to return 2005 12-22 december.
My husband and i love everything about the hotell , the staff and the gorgeous beach. We have had our two teens with us on both trips and they can't wait until we return.
That's the plan. Booking in may returning in december.
We love Aruba!

Greetings from a snowy Sweden
Tina

[Joe Lynch]

Aruba has something for everyone, and what your interests are dictate where you stay (normally). I prefer to relax on the beach in the morning (if not on the golf course) , get out of the sun mid day and return around 3. This has worked for my 10 trips to The Happy Island and I haven't burned once (knock on wood). For me Costa Linda fits the bill.

Joe

[tico]

We stay at the Divi Divi, the rooms are nice the staff is warm and friendly
the place is well kept, and they know you by first name when you get out of the taxi...33 more days!!!!!!!!!
Tico

[kaptainmorgan17]

We are time share owners at The Mill (week 8). Saw they didn't have a vote, so now they do. HeeHee. They no longer sell time shares, however. We also like to stay at the Divi Phoenix. Both places are quiet and relaxing and never a line for anything. Staffs are great at both places.

[Jeff Stanley]

La Quinta is the place for us...Quiet and right across the road from Eagle Beach.

[aquarius]

We are timeshare owners at Paradise Beach Villas for over 10 years and we feel so at home there. Great location at Eagle Beach, nice friends at the resort and great friendly staff. It's like home away from home.

[kevin d]

Does anyone else notice a theme here? Everyone is saying how they feel at home and with friends, when describing their resort preference. That's not a coincidence, it's a pattern - and a reflection of the good people that welcome us every visit. Viva Aruba!!

[kaptainmorgan17]

Couldn't agree more. And not limited just to the resorts. Got an unsolicited x-mas card from our favorite person on the island, Gloria, who is a waitress at the Kokoa beach bar. It made our holidays, and I shared it with all our friends to show how precious these people truly are. Week 8 is almost here and can't wait to see our friends again on our home away from home!

[Joe Lynch]

Agreed with the "home" comments. When we arrive at Costa Linda, the guys helping unpack the car greet you with "Welcome Home" and some even rememer you name from the prior years. No place like it.

[Mikey]

Bushiri. Glad to see it's re-opened.

[jackievw]

First year, Golden Tulip....every year after that Americana/Allegro. This year looking forward to another visit to the Americana/Allegro/Occidental

[AuntieMame]

Recently we've been staying at the Manchebo. But our next trip will be to Paradera Park Apartments.


___________________________________________________________________

[ArubaAmy]

Originally Posted by Mikey

Bushiri. Glad to see it's re-opened.

Bushiri is still closed.

[Mikey]

Originally Posted by ArubaAmy

Bushiri is still closed.

Yikes! I think you're right.

[Fisherlady48]

Two places i would never stay at again:

LaQuinta, my mistake, won't make it again. No views at all. again, my mistake, spoke too soon.
and
Le Chateau

Pictures are deceiving, I stayed there last year, and moved out after 3 nights. The balconies (except for the top floor) where the owner/renter lives, faces the back of the house. There is no beach across the street, he says just go to the Renassaince, he has the same towels. ah no thanks. Floors were dirty, place was dusty.. ah no. I moved

[AuntieMame]

I'm sorry to hear about Le Chateau. It did look nice on the web.

[cindycsw]

LaQuinta for last 5 years. Quiet, relaxing, and very friendly staff.

[arubasurfclubcanada]

Marriott aruba surf club,is the place to stay