Welcome to the Aruba Forum

cocoa3c

Hi fellow Aruba officianados! Laughing

We're still in Aruba for a few more days of our three week vacation and I have to say Sunset Studios just south of Malmok has been perfectly idea for us. First off was the price which is extremely reasonable especially if you rent a garden view suite, which we did. We got a 10% discount for our lengthy stay which was great.
The studio, though not sparkling in decor is sizable for two and very functional. The king sized bed was great: the mattress firm, but not hard. I had fantastic sleeps and my back can be tempermental. Not one back ache. There is a lovely large closet with lots of hangers for dresses and a few shelves and the safe, and there's a very large dresser, so lots of space for your stuff.
The kitchen is adequate for cooking: the two burner, basically a hot plate cooks fine, though a bit slower than a recular stove. The microwave is great, there's a toaster and coffeemaker, plenty of utensils and if you need something, the staff goes out of their way to accommodate you. If you're a real cook, maybe bring your own sharp knife. The fridges are smaller, but worked out find. Now this is the tropics, so I put all food that wasn't in cans or sealed into the fridge. Since there really isn't cupboard space for food, you may as well do that anyway: reduces chances of attracting any bugs.
The bathroom is nice with a good sized shower and lots of hot water. Though they don't tell you not to, they are on a septic system, so don't put tp in the toilet if you don't have to. Our TV worked well, but no FOX, so we couldn't watch American Idol, boohoo...lol
I have to give huge compliments on the AC units here. They have to be the quietest, most efficient |'ve ever experienced. We didn't use it much except at night, but it never kept me awake which is often the case.

The construction of the place is very sturdy with stucco walls and I FOUND THE SOUND PROOFING EXCELLENT. i NEVER HEARD NOISE THrough the walls. The only noise can be from door slamming or people in the courtyard. So, I tried to not let our door slam, especially in the morning, and I bring my ear plugs because people will talk outside their units where they sit, but it's generally not a problem as most people are very considerate. The small patio area that each unit has is wonderful for breakfast or supper outside, or just relaxing. There are other lounge chairs in the courtyard for anyone, the large palapa to sit under and anywhere around the pool.
There tends to be a real community feel if you wish it if you get to know some of your neighbours. Going down to watch one of the many fantastic sunsets is sort of a group ritual.
There can be a few mosquitoes at night in the courtyard, so bring some bug spray, or wear long pants.
The cleaning staff are good and will clean your unit and change the linens any time you wish. They will also do your laundry for $7.50 a load which was fine for our long stay. The office staff are wonderful and helpful. The owners are also very helpful in anything you need. Our first week we bussed most places and JP would drop us off anywhere if he happened to be going downtown. They sell stamps and will even mail your post cards for you. Beach towels are plentiful to use, there are books to read and other things for rental like snorkels, fins, chairs, coolers, and boogie boards.
The beaches near by are awesome: Arashi north of Malmok, and the highrise hotel beaches that are in walking distance if you're used to a bit of walking. For snorkelling, someone tipped me off to this place just before Boca Catalina where there are steps carved into the natural rock. You step down and there are zillions of fish there, breathtaking!

The second and third week we rented a car from Amigo (the first car had troubles so we returned it, but the second one was great) which was handy for shopping and sight seeing. There's plenty of parking.
Now, the studios are across from the sea, but you can't swim there as it is shallow and rocky, but with all the beach nearby, it isn't a drawback. Ok, that's my book on Sunset Studios. If you have questions, I can try to answer them!! God Bless, Arlette

ArubaLisa · Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 2:58 pm Post subject:

cocoa3c · Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 6:28 pm Post subject:

Hi Lisa,
Ok, I'll do my best. When you drive toward Malmok past the ship wreck you can see, just past the round about and a bit before Boca Catalina and there it is. It looks rocky there, but there's a bit of sand and you walk down to the flat rock. I always have to ask a few people before we can find it, but I think I'm getting better at it. Usually, there are some Arubans or other folks who will help you find it. We went there today, but it was a bit rough for good snorkeling...it's that way some days. But, it was great for swimming at Arashi with fun waves!

I hope that made sense.

ArubaLisa · Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 6:44 pm Post subject:

Thanks Arlette! Very Happy

Glenn · Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 6:22 am Post subject:

Hi Arlette,

Sorry I missed this earlier. I just read your review of Sunset Beach Studios and it sound like Donna and I have made a very good choice.

I like the idea of a sense of community and getting to know people a bit, even if it is only for a week.

Yes, we will remember to bring bug spray; always a must in tropical places and thanks for the tip about lack of space for food storage. All we bring is cereal, coffee and sugar; those can all go in the fridge along with water and soft drinks.

Glad you you enjoyed the place. I look forward to etalking a bit more later.

Kindest regards,

Glenn
Winnipeg

cocoa3c · Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 10:51 am Post subject:

You are welcome! I'm sure you'll really enjoy it there. One really couldn't ask for me in accommodations!

cocoa3c · Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 11:54 pm Post subject:

Oh, I forgot to mention there are two barbeques for guests to use as well. Smile

JohnT · Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 11:25 am Post subject:

I know that we stayed at Sunset Beach for a few extra days...too many years ago. Then our normal stay was 2 weeks of timeshare and we decided to splurge and add a few more days to take advantage of fewer crowded flights in mid-week.
We enjoyed the stay, but the new web site pictures reveals to me that they have continued to upgrade their studios. They look much nicer now!
I would think that a car is necessary.
We now stay 3 weeks and for us, the best airfare non-stop from Orlando is Saturday-to-Saturday on AirTran...under $400 each round-trip if we did not select seats. We did and that made it $424 each per round trip.
Glenn, you will report on your stay?

Glenn · Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 5:36 pm Post subject:

Hi John,

Of course I'll include a bit about the accommodation in my trip report.

I wasn't sure about doing one after this trip; I kind of wondered if people still were interested in reading them. I enjoy writing them, so yes I'll do one again.

Looking forward to being in Aruba again.

Bye for now,

Glenn

cocoa3c · Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 1:28 am Post subject:

I think trip reports are very important! Everyone has a different perspective and it's good to hear different takes on things. I find people will take note of things I didn't notice which is really great.

Looking forward to hearing about your stay in Aruba too!

~Amy~® · Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 7:17 am Post subject:

I love trip reports, too! Love details on places people stay, things they did....it's good info for future trips plus it makes me feel like I'm there. Smile

dutchdushi · Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 4:45 pm Post subject:

Same sentiment, here. Just get my much needed Aruba fix from reading tripreports! So, please, please...