Aruba has some amazing restaurants. If you are going to go off campus for one meal, go to Madame Jeanette's. I'd be really interested to hear how you like whichever all inclusive you choose. Have a good trip.
three times. Most recently last month. Solid hotel, food was pretty good (nice variety). The Antillas is adults only (stayed there twice, prefer over the all ages Palace). I would highly recommend both. Rooms in the Palace are nicer, spring for the Ocean View.. worth it.
twice, just curious why you'd want to do all inclusive there?
I can see Punta Cana or some Mexican resorts where venturing off resort is sketchy, but Aruba is not like that in my experience.
Besides having many great restaurants, both times we rented jeeps and drove around the island sight seeing unguided. we went scuba diving off-resort, horeseback riding on the beach, and some other things.
Just my 2c is it's not a place I'd have a requirement for all inclusive (unless it's more cost certainty or convenience that's your goal).
Try visiting Curačao. The island next to Aruba. In my opinion it is a lot more authentic (not as commercial) and has better snorkelling. The flight will cost you 100 $ pr. Person.
If you have kids the will love that iguanas are ALL OVER the island. The even crawl around some of the beaches.
Don't do all inclusive. Not at Aruba. There are so many options both affordable and higher standard -- that whole strip is littered with dozens of places. You will save money.
both times. It was very nice. and I had no complaints.
Plus at the casino playing blackjack I tried to hit at 21 and the dealer stopped me, plus they paid me once when I busted (though the dealer did too - but I still shouldn't have been paid).
I was obviously hammered, but you don't get away with that in Vegas.
On days we didn't venture out early we ate breakfast at one of the hotel restaurants, it was excellent, other times we'd grab something on our way to where we were going.
It's great. And we did the all inclusive Which was fine But don't do all inclusive unless you just don't want to walk a few 100 yards or less off the grounds.
We have gone about 5 times. we stay at what was the Radisson and is now the Hilton. We love it. It has a prime beach location, 2 nice pools, and we always get the Club Level, which then gives us flexibility for breakfast and evening drinks/snacks, which is great with kids. But, there are so many wonderful restaurants of premises and the island is so safe, it really makes no sense to do all inclusive.
too many good restaurants there. The Hyatt is awesome and we ate at Salt and Pepper every morning which was around the back of the hotel, maybe a 5 minute walk.
the breakfast at Salt and Pepper was pretty cheap (maybe $10 each for eggs, bacon, coffee, etc) and they have free wifi, really the only time we checked emails when waiting for food.
but has a bigger pool. Hyatt is super quiet and quaint and has 2 levels, not as big though. When we took a walk down the beach and passed the Marriot it was basically like Spring Break there.
So We would just buy some simple items for breakfast.
I recommend renting a car with carseats of course
ehhhhhhh the supermarkets are ehhhhhh. Maybe just where I went. Aruba is the fucking best. Divi is furher south and further from the masses. It's on Eagle beach which is away from the more crowded areas and more importantly, the quieter beach. I stayed near Eagle Beach twice. So while you have to travel a bit to the touristy area, the beach is serene, the people are less annoying. There are less kids.
Aruba has lots of good restaurants so I tend to agree with the idea of avoiding all inclusive, however there is a benefit for sure in not having to travel just to eat.
Aruba is the place that most resembled the paradise spots I had seen on tv. Powder sand, breeze, literally perfect weather everyday (no exaggeration), crystal clear water with small waves, no bugs....people who speak English.
unless its a snack on the go for chips or something. Kids likely won't like what they have, getting a simple breakfast at the resort or restaurant is probably the best option.
drawbacks to Aruba. It's also a desert island, not tropical. Not very pretty. If you're a pool type, no worries. Also, there is very little to do on the island. Downtown Oranjestad is a waste of time. If you're looking for kick back by the pool, and good restaurants at night, and friendly people, then it works.
this will not be on your list, but I went skydiving last month when I was there and it was an amazing experience. You can see the entire island, views are unbelievable. Never thought I would actually do it but I'm thrilled I did.
if you can avoid it. Been to Aruba 5 times, but not in close to 20 years.
Aruba has almost every American fast food restaurant you can think of so you can feed the kids relatively cheaply if you want to.
We once found a deal with one of the hotels - don't remember which one - that had a modified all inclusive plan where all your drinks and breakfast were included. That was awesome. You may want to see if any hotel offers a breakfast-only plan.
Can't agree strongly enough with the poster's comment on the strength of the sun in Aruba. You're very close to the equator and as mentioned with the constant breeze you don't always realize how strong it is. I rarely burn and used plenty of lotion, but didn't have enough on the tops of my feet and ears, or on the back on my knees. Be very careful with the kids.
If you get the chance, definitely take the kids to Baby Beach. Its a calm bay enclosed by a breakwater and the water stays knee deep most of the way out. Amenities can be pretty sporadic. We used to pack some sub sandwiches and have a picnic lunch.
Make sure to take plenty of water wherever you go.
Some other advantages of Aruba:
-Just about every place takes American money
-Water comes from a desalinization plant in is very clean and safe, but never very cold.
-Aruba is very safe. Not just in comparison to other Caribbean islands, but also compared to most American cities.
-All beaches are public.
-The high-rise section has a whole string of hotels with casinos, with a boardwalk that runs between the beach and the hotels. Not sure if you can take advantage if you have kids along.
aruba-bb.com has a wealth of info, including trip reports, restaurant reviews, etc.
I dont travel much. But my brother does and has a company. Feel free to hit him up for suggestions, even if u dont book thru him. Guys very knowledgeable
I can see Punta Cana or some Mexican resorts where venturing off resort is sketchy, but Aruba is not like that in my experience.
Besides having many great restaurants, both times we rented jeeps and drove around the island sight seeing unguided. we went scuba diving off-resort, horeseback riding on the beach, and some other things.
Just my 2c is it's not a place I'd have a requirement for all inclusive (unless it's more cost certainty or convenience that's your goal).
One of the few islands that people dont recommend AIs unless u consume large amounts of cheap booze
but i ask, for breakfast then, what would you do in a non all inclusive
If you have kids the will love that iguanas are ALL OVER the island. The even crawl around some of the beaches.
I recommend renting a car with carseats of course
Plus at the casino playing blackjack I tried to hit at 21 and the dealer stopped me, plus they paid me once when I busted (though the dealer did too - but I still shouldn't have been paid).
I was obviously hammered, but you don't get away with that in Vegas.
On days we didn't venture out early we ate breakfast at one of the hotel restaurants, it was excellent, other times we'd grab something on our way to where we were going.
I recommend renting a car with carseats of course
ehhhhhhh the supermarkets are ehhhhhh. Maybe just where I went. Aruba is the fucking best. Divi is furher south and further from the masses. It's on Eagle beach which is away from the more crowded areas and more importantly, the quieter beach. I stayed near Eagle Beach twice. So while you have to travel a bit to the touristy area, the beach is serene, the people are less annoying. There are less kids.
Aruba has lots of good restaurants so I tend to agree with the idea of avoiding all inclusive, however there is a benefit for sure in not having to travel just to eat.
Aruba is the place that most resembled the paradise spots I had seen on tv. Powder sand, breeze, literally perfect weather everyday (no exaggeration), crystal clear water with small waves, no bugs....people who speak English.
Only issue with it whatsoever is the pricyness.
it does, small one, but I enjoyed it, LOL.
good advice. first trip I went on the jeep tour shirtless. huge mistake. I don't normally burn ever, but this time I did.
Aruba has almost every American fast food restaurant you can think of so you can feed the kids relatively cheaply if you want to.
We once found a deal with one of the hotels - don't remember which one - that had a modified all inclusive plan where all your drinks and breakfast were included. That was awesome. You may want to see if any hotel offers a breakfast-only plan.
Can't agree strongly enough with the poster's comment on the strength of the sun in Aruba. You're very close to the equator and as mentioned with the constant breeze you don't always realize how strong it is. I rarely burn and used plenty of lotion, but didn't have enough on the tops of my feet and ears, or on the back on my knees. Be very careful with the kids.
If you get the chance, definitely take the kids to Baby Beach. Its a calm bay enclosed by a breakwater and the water stays knee deep most of the way out. Amenities can be pretty sporadic. We used to pack some sub sandwiches and have a picnic lunch.
Make sure to take plenty of water wherever you go.
Some other advantages of Aruba:
-Just about every place takes American money
-Water comes from a desalinization plant in is very clean and safe, but never very cold.
-Aruba is very safe. Not just in comparison to other Caribbean islands, but also compared to most American cities.
-All beaches are public.
-The high-rise section has a whole string of hotels with casinos, with a boardwalk that runs between the beach and the hotels. Not sure if you can take advantage if you have kids along.
aruba-bb.com has a wealth of info, including trip reports, restaurant reviews, etc.
Enjoy, I can't wait to go back some day.
I dont travel much. But my brother does and has a company. Feel free to hit him up for suggestions, even if u dont book thru him. Guys very knowledgeable