Welcome to the Aruba Forum

[pauladmd]

Seventh trip to Aruba - have never written a trip report before - please forgive me in advance for rambling and/or boring you.

Weather

First and foremost - the weather was incredible. We were on the island for ten days - and each day was glorious. Last year it rained every day - seen MANY rainbows - lost count by the third day. I had so many mosquito bits I looked like I had chicken pox - despite spraying constantly with bug spray.

Accommodations

We have stayed at the Renaissance Marina downtown 3 times in the past. LOVE this hotel - mostly due to the location of being downtown, the private island and the just the vibe of it. We began wanting something more quiet - with a kitchen and a beautiful beach readily accessible. We found The Oceania Residence and hit the jackpot. Rented through Prestige Realty - on VRBO. Understand - this is a very quiet place. We have only been there in November, and some days feel like we are the only ones there. The 4 pools are wonderful - the grounds are impeccable - security is tight and the accommodations are lovely. You will not have room service or daily maid service (unless you pay for it.) You will not have a restaurant or bar on-site/ You are basically on your own. But - if you are looking for beautiful rooms and grounds, that is safe and quiet - with beautiful Eagle Beach right there - this is for you. This part of Eagle Beach is very quiet. If you want to be where the action is - you will not be happy here! I have read in reviews of people complaining of walking across the street to the beach. We are talking about a 2 lane road. I would imagine it would take a lot more time to get from a high rise hotel room to their beach in front than it does to get to the beach from the Oceania. Took us 3 minuses. All rooms have an ocean view.

Dining

First night - Lings - grocery shopping - home to eat. Staples for lunch/snacks - pate, smoked salmon, capers, onion, bread, brie and wine. I made some tzatziki as well and it lasted us all week.

Rembrandtâ??s - We love this place - another gold mine. Many locals eat here. Food is wonderful and prices are VERY reasonable. I had the Mahi with Salmon on top. The sauce they serve on the side for this dish is excellent. If you go between 5 and 6:30 - they give you 20% off. We go at least twice during our stays. The coffee and dessert is amazing!

El Gaucho - We havenâ??t been here in a few years. I had remembered that the lamb chops had been good - I had remembered correctly - they were the best I have had in years. Husband had the filet mignon- very good as well. Very crowded that evening. A group of 20 was seated by us and had several young children in high chairs. The ambience was lacking due to the aforementioned. With the prices here - atmosphere would be nice. Not much you can do though. Food was great!

Pinchoâ??s Grill - Sunset was beautiful - food good as always, I had the mixed grill - husband had the filet mignon. Rembrandts for coffee and dessert.

The Sultan - If I had a choice - I would eat Middle Eastern food daily. We have several excellent restaurants in our city and eat there regularly. I read about The Sultan and was very excited to try it. When we arrived there was only one other table. Service was slow - which I did not mind - never do in Aruba. The food was just okay to me. We had the mixed platter - a little of everything. My husband said he would not go back - I may try it one more time!

Rembrandtâ??s - AGAIN - ordered same as before. My husband ordered the grouper and shrimp. Dessert and coffee.

Screaming Eagle - Wonderful food and ambience. Sat on the patio - no mosquitoâ??s this year - last year my legs had many bites after sitting on the patio. Husband had the lamb chops and I had the filet mignon. Excellent service - beautiful night.

Rembrandtâ??s - AGAIN

Tulip - Never been here - is a stoneâ??s throw from the condo. Reasonable prices - food is fine - the waiter (may be the owner) was just darling!!!

Daily Activities

Beach everyday - 8 am till 4ish
Beaches:
Eagle, Arashi, Mangel Halto. Boca Catalina
A lot of snorkeling!

Another wonderful trip - I always hate leaving Aruba. The island and itâ??s people are so special. We will begin counting until our next visit.[/img]