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