Home
About Aruba
Sights
Virtual Views
Google Map
Beaches
Weather
Travel Info
Communications
F.A.Q.
Aruba Hotels
Hotel Specials
Hotel Reviews
Villa Rentals
Timeshare
Real Estate
Car Rentals
Airfares
Cruise Ships
Things To Do
Scuba Diving
Restaurants
Honeymoon
Weddings
Trip Reports
Bulletin Board
Free Discount Coupons
Fun Stuff
Aruba WebCams
Newsletter
Links
Contact Us
Español
Other Islands:
Bonaire
Curacao
Vakantie Curacao
|
Aruba Beach Club December 30, 2000
By Lori
For all those who helped me plan our Aruba vacation and those planning to go soon, here's my report...
Air to Aruba on Trans Meridian charter from Apple from O'hare Chicago, disappointed we left 3 hours late already on board, because they couldn't get
the luggage on board in time to be deiced before the rush of other airplanes.
Had to wait for another truck to de-ice us.
Airport in Aruba easy to get through got luggage, took the coupon packets being passed out as you leave the terminal. ( got some great coupons and
ideas from it)
Taxi was found in less then 5 minutes, took only 20 minutes to get to our timeshare, taxi driver went around the back of the town, because she knew
traffic downtown would be heavy at that time, so we saw how the Arubans
lived. Homes were decent, saw some schools.
Checked in easily at the Aruba Beach Club timeshare we exchanged for. Rooms were not what we expected but clean, comfortable, gorgeous view from the
second floor balcony. We did get two rooms, so our son had his own little
suite and bathroom. We didn't need two mini kitchens though. We had traded a
two bedroom, two bath condo and go two hotel rooms connected, each with a
galley kitchen and bathroom. It turned out fine, because we didn't spend much
time in the rooms. The grounds were gorgeous shared amenities, pools,
beaches, stores, excericise room with the Casa Del Mar. We're told that many
people have returned year after year to this timeshare for 12-20 years. Casa
Del mar seemed newer and more luxurious. Everyone who worked there was very
friendly, eventually we met some people and most important my son met some
teenagers to hang with, it was hard to do though because all the families had
known each other for so many years. Beach was great, just enough waves, great
"chicka dee huts" at the pool and beach to keep shaded when needed. Always
enough chairs. We liked the Casa Del Mar pool better, lots of little kids at
the ABC pool, but the beach was wider by ABC. We walked the whole hi rise
beach and loved it and yes near the Bucuti and Manchebo there are several
women who sunbathe topless. There was bingo and happy hour and a few nights
musicians, but would have like volleyball on the beach and some evening type
activities. We went to the Allegro to visit friends at night or go to eat,
more activity in the lobbies by the hi rise hotels, Allegro , Hyatt and Even
found internet terminals at the Radisson.
Dinners we loved: French Steakhouse, Madame Janette, Pirate's Nest, (son only ate at Le Petie Cafe and like it) Iguana Joes was great for the family,
Tony Romas was OK, casual and a nice change from the expensive. Did not like
the Cafe at the Seaport, although the sunset from there was lovely.
Casinos that were fun, Allegro had entertainment and free bingo twice a night, Royal Cabana Casino I won big at a 5 cent slot and laughed
hysterically at the Jewel Box Review, Crystal Casino downtown was OK, Seaport
had 3 dollar blackjack table that my husband liked. Ahlambro casino was OK,
ate the first night at their sport's bar and the sandwiches were fine and we
watched some football on their big screen TVs.
Activities we did included driving one day in a rental Corrolla almost everywhere even on the dirt roads to the Casibera rock formation, Ayo Rocks,
Ruins, Natural Bridge and through Arikok National Park to the Fontein caves,
to Baby Beach where we picniced and snorkled. I had brought along sandwiches
in a blow up cooler I brought in our luggage. Not much was open and nothing
was open that day since it was Christmas day. It was good I had drinks and
food. Saw lots of jeep tours going on, but I don't think the three of us
would have been comfortable in one. It looked like fun, but seemed hot and
dusty even with the tradewinds. We did fine in the Corollo and only missed
the Natural pool and being able to drive on the dunes.
Christmas Eve the Miniature golf course was open and since we didn't want to abandon our son who hadn't met teens yet, we all went minature golfing.
Locals were lighting off fireworks and it was fun, something to do.
We also snorkled one day on the Octupus, It was very nice, only 20 people, good food, snorkled at the Antilla and Catalina Bay. It was nice morning.
We drove one night up to the lighthouse and looked around, checked out the golf course and Marriot resort area. I think my son would have preferred the
timeshare there. Lots of kid and activities, but I liked the serenity of the
Eagle/Manchebo area. My husband, who golfs, didn't care to try golfing
against the trade winds.
We only had a car for three days, which saved us money because we spent a lot of time and ate at several restaurants close to our resort. Took the bus
downtown one day to shop and had dinner (that's the night we ate by the
seaport) took the bus back for only 2 dollars round trip. Otherwise taxis
were reasonable and easy to find and for our needs easier than paying for the
car. We even let our 16 year son go downtown to Carlos and charlies with some
other teens one night. It was very safe.
Didn't doing any great shopping, almost bought some jewelry at Little Switzerlan, otherwise the normal souvenier stuff.
We would definitely return to Aruba someday. We had great weather (only rained one morning for 10 minutes) just enough sun and clouds to keep you
from burning and the winds made the heat bearable. The beaches were great,
there was entertainment to find at hotels or casinos in the evening, great
food, great relaxation.
Wish airfare from Chicago was more reasonable. We didn't like the charter because we were crammed in like sardines and had to wait so long at the
airport.
Lori
|
|
