Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Aruba

September 2, 2000 - by Maryann

Returned from Aruba and from the best vaction we have ever taken 9/9/00. We booked with TNT/HI. Thanks to The Aruba Bulletin Board we knew what we wanted to do when we got there and didn't have to waste precious vacation time sitting at a TNT meeting. We purchased our own snorkeling mask and air tube prior to going, reserved an air conditioned rent a car, and a deep sea fishing trip on Kenney's Toy prior to going. Packed very lightly with 3 carry ons and we were on our way! You really only need swim suits, a few short sets, sensible shoes and a thermos mug for ice water!!!

The Holiday Inn was fine, clean, great maid services, and the beach was clean contrary to what some people have reported. Every night they picked up the beach chairs and the beach was cleaned in the wee hr. of the morning. We did not go All-Inclusive, and are glad, because we experienced some of the islands restaurants and really had what we wanted for meals and drinks for alot less money than the all inclusive package. Concierge Services were good and friendly, also, helped us make reservations and gave us directions to restaurants etc.

Traveled the entire island several times in a Toyota Tercel from Economy Rental with no problem, the only thing we couldnt see was the nautral pool, and from what I've heard and read we didn't miss much! Daytime sight seeing was wonderful, and the sunsets were amazing.

We found Aruba to be intriguing, unlike any Carribean island we've been to. The beauty of the Carribean Sea, the geography of a desert region, and the inner island was much like that of other Carribean Islands in that the homes are very poor, some with no windows, doors, ac, living very primitively while the world stops there for a getaway vacation. The islanders were friendly. Never felt threatened in any way. No one ever approached us to buy anything, and they were helpful with directions and advice. I only wish that we had known some of the islands' history prior to our trip.

In the mornings we hopped in the car and explored the island, the afternoons were saved for snorkelling and relaxing on the beach. We loved the snorkeling, for us Malmok beach was the best and we went there several times. The water was very calm, you could walk out about 100 yd. and it would only be to your neck, and we saw many varieties of ocean life. By all means take an underwater disposable camera! There are no snack shops or bathrooms there, only a few shade providing palm covered canopies. We never saw a life guard the entire time we were there.

Our deep sea fishing trip was not what I had hoped for. The boat and crew on "Kenneys Toy" were great! The day was the warmest that we were there, and there was no wind blowing! Some one explained it to us that when there is a tropical storm it takes all of the air out of Aruba? I became sea sick, and the fish were not hungry either. Frankly I couldn't wait for it to be over. We only caught one fish, a mahimahi. Which was 2'-10' ha,ha,ha...no really it was 2' long and did put up a little struggle. I really don't think that this was a good time of year for deep sea fishing. None of the other charters caught anything. Still it was an experience, they took us 8 miles out toward Venezuela, on a clear day you could see Venezuela, but it wasn't clear that day. The water was rough. Once again I must say "Kenneys Toy" was a great Charter!

Pelican was good and reasonable ($30.00) for excursions, we went on a sunset cruise, and snorkeling the Antilla freighter wreck. Once again the crew was great and they had an open bar on both.

We opted for fast food for breakfasts and lunches on the way in and out from sight seeing. There are many, McDonalds, Wendys, TacoBell, Sbarro, Pizza Hut and Subway. A little higher in price than the states, but the food is the same.

For dinner we ate at some of the finer restaurants on the island. The prices were comparable to some of the better restaurants in the states, but still not what we were used to. One evening while out shopping we chose to eat at "Villa Germania" a quaint little German restaurant in the mall area. The food was good, the prices average and the staff was very friendly.

Tony Romas in front of the HI was very reasonable and very good. Portions were large, and it was there that we had the best steak on the Island. More like the restaurants we are used to in the US.
Originally we had planned to go to "ElGaucho" one evening, but changed our plans when we saw an advertisement for "Tango Parilla Argentina". They advertised a floor show of a couple dancing the Tango and that is what caught our eye. The floor show was excellent, wouldn't mind seeing it again. On the otherhand the food was not.

Hopefully it was just what we had ordered the sampler. The chicken breast was good. The Argentinan steak that they had advertised was unetable. We have never tasted such a salty steak. Also we could not even finish the mixed drinks, they were terrible. The portions were extremely large and the price was high.
The consierge service at the HI recommended "Brisas del Mar". It was very good. It is ocean front, tables are on a covered opened deck. The view of the sunset was beautiful. The staff was very attentive, The portions were large, the drinks were good, and the price was average. We would definitely go there again.

On the last evening of our trip we dined at the all afamed "Flying Fishbone". We did not have reservations, but got a table on the deck, which suited us better. It was extremely windy that evening and it looked as though there may be a little cloud burst. At least the deck provided a little shelter from the wind. The view of the sunset was gorgeous, but unfortunately on the beach between the tables there were 2 dogs and a cat running around. At one point one of the dogs started barking at something.

A bit tackey we thought. Don't get me wrong we have a few pets of our own, but don't like unfamiliar animals running around us while we are eating. The food there was gormet, not our preference. Expensive, small portions, you know what I mean, fancy smancy, not what we like at all. Although I must say the mixed drinks were excellent. Very pricey for what it actually was. The staff seemed hurried and unfriendly. Not at all like "Brisas del Mar". But in the same type of ocean front dining.

By day 5 we were I should say played out and payed out! Had a great trip and looking back on the island will probably go back in the future, but we were both glad we were able to come back to the USA.