Welcome to the Aruba Forum

Dennis · Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 6:03 pm Post subject: 2nd trip to Aruba Dec 6-13, 2013

Can't believe it's been a year. Looked at the other islands and felt they may be colder, so we decided to go back to Aruba.

I liked the Marriott, last time but want to try something new.

I also liked the beach bar Pelican's Nest Seafood & Grill Bar and want to stay near it. This leave Play Lynda Resort, or the Holiday Inn resort. I did not like the walk from the Marriott (to long for me)

I read mixed reviews about Play Lynda.
Holiday inn, well, I know them, they can be clean or dirty.

Where is the nearest casino? Radisson or Marriott?

I also like the restaurants across the street. To go anywhere at the Marriott I needed a cab.

Anyone have any comments?

Amy?? ArubaLisa????

Dennis

~Amy~® · Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 7:31 pm Post subject:

Hey - welcome back to the board! Smile

Closest casino will be the one at the Holiday Inn and then the one at the Hyatt is next closest (Hyatt is on the other side of the Playa Linda).

As far as choosing between the Holiday Inn or Playa Linda....that's a tough call for me. I like the beach at the HI better because it's larger and doesn't seem as crowded. But I like the rooms at the PL better because I like having a kitchen. Both have mixed reviews on the rooms.

Dennis · Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 9:34 am Post subject:

Ok, Reading more on trip advisor and there is controversy on flowing reviews of Play Linda Resort, where 50 reviews were removed because they were inflated to make the place look better.

My reason, (The Beach Bar) should not be the reason to choose this location. The Radisson is getting a lot of super reviews. I am looking into this place now.

~Amy~® · Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 12:35 pm Post subject:

If I was going to stay on Palm Beach my first pick would be the Radisson. It has a good central location and a long beach area. You're also able to sign up/reserve a palapa in the afternoon for the following day so you don't have to get up early.

You also have the Bugaloe (bar and restaurant - casual food) that sits on DePalm Pier which is just a stone's throw away from the Radisson.

Dennis · Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 1:03 pm Post subject:

I think you recommended it to me last year, and I have made my choice.

I will be leaving from Baltimore because they have non-stop flights, and I can pick my son up from college on the return flight.

Also, after extensive checking and reading, I am willing to go up in price and get the Deluxe Oceanview, Aruba Towers ,(Odd number room on 6th floor.) I read this is beautiful and we can have breakfast on the balcony.

It also has a casino, nice looking pools, and more palapas. The Bugaloe Bar sound great, as well as a casino.

This may be my perfect fit....

I have a few calls into travel agents for the best price. It's seems to be around $3,800 for 7 nights and non-stop flights.

One more question Amy, Have you heard of military discounts for disabled veterans?

~Amy~® · Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 1:16 pm Post subject:

The Radisson is a U.S. chain (actually based here in Minneapolis) so I would definitely check with them. I know some people have been able to use the AAA discount at a couple of hotels in Aruba. Never hurts to ask. Wink

Dennis · Last edited by Dennis on Sat Oct 26, 2013 6:52 pm; edited 1 time in total

TO-DO list for this Second trip

Lots of Beach Lounging
Kukoo Kunuku Party Bus
Some Party Boat Fishing
Some Snorkeling, maybe Aruba Bob Again
Some Gambling
Dinner on the Beach
Check out the stores/clubs near the Radisson.

ArubaLisa · Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 10:47 am Post subject:

Sorry I am coming into this late.

This was just us, but we have stayed 3 times at Playa Linda and thought the resort itself was very nice, but found the owners to be very cliquish. Also because we were not known to the staff, they made us feel even more like "outsiders". Sad

Maybe it was just us?

I too believe though that the beach at the Holiday Inn will be nicer. The beach at PL is very crowded, jammed with palapas. The HI beach gives you more room to spread out and their new adult swimming pool looks even nicer than their original pool which is pretty darn nice as well. Wink

I know in the past that the HI has offered military discounts.

IF money were no object, I would look also at the Radisson or even the Westin. The Radisson is our favorite on Palm Beach. This year because my Dad wanted to go "all inclusive" we are staying at the Amsterdam Manor and looking forward to it very much! It receives rave reviews and if you so choose, with the kitchen facilities you could prepare some of your own meals.

For snorkeling check out Tranquilo or Jolly Pirates and for beach dining we love Passions on the Beach at the Amsterdam Manor.

Dennis · Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 12:55 pm Post subject:

Booked Oceanview at the Radisson, Getting excited once again.

ArubaLisa · Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 4:08 pm Post subject:

That is FANTASTIC! ...and nice quiet time of the year! Cool

ARUBAISLANDGIRL · Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 5:37 pm Post subject:

Congrats on booking your second trip! Let the countdown commence!

Dennis · Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 6:48 pm Post subject:

Wow we are all getting really close to our vacations Amy, Lisa, Island Girl And Us. Only Days away!

Also would like to do a charter Fishing Trip. Driftwood Charters seems like the best, according to tripadvisor.

kent · Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 6:12 pm Post subject:

Dennise, I have also fished with Hats Off and they were great. They are about 3 boats away from Driftwood.

Let me know if you want to hook up to snorkel again. Aruba Bob

Dennis · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 7:13 am Post subject:

Kent it's on my list.

carolrd · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 1:00 pm Post subject:

If you do the Kukoo Kunuku party bus, make sure you ask for Momma's bus. This woman is a riot!! There should be a coupon in the Aruba Experience magazine, check with the concierge at your hotel.

Carol Cool