Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

June 30-July 8, 2003 by Meg

After a fairly simple flight from Philly via MIA to AUA, my mom and I arrived at the Marriott about 9PM June 30th. We were shown to our oceanview room, also overlooking the pool. Not a bad view, but it was partly obscured by a wall which actually contained the service elevator and a stairwell I think.

We went down to La Vista for something to eat. The restuarant was being renovated so lunch and dinner are served outside near the pool. We had a turkey wrap and quesadillas which were not bad for Marriott food. Incidentally, I was using rewards points so this stay, and the flight, were free. (Ok, so Marriott got lots of my money, now I was getting something in return).

The next day we moved to a room with a better view, on the other side of that wall. This was perfect. I did nothing on this vacation other than sit in the sun on the beach or by the pool and take a short tour.

Tues nights there is a managers reception with hot hors douvers and free rum punch. Yipppee!! That was our dinner that night. They are pushing time shares, but they are in NO WAY as annoying as the people in Puerto Vallarta. If you say no thanks, they leave you alone.

A must try restauarant is Tango. See the restaurantsaruba site for my review of this. We went twice it was so good. And, they are really nice to kids. (The ones we saw-I have none). Ricardo is a doll-would have liked to bring him home!!!

If you want a tour, check out Wix Tours. We used them after the mean people from DePalm wanted nothing to do with me. I only wanted an island tour, no snorkling, boozing etc. The guy in the Marriott's lobby (at the DePalm desk) scrunched his nose at me. I am not kidding!! I called ABC tours, they were full but said they would find me something. 5 minutes later, Wix called me back. We can't say enough about Marc. They are small but mighty . He offers Jeep tours and an island tour in a little van. He was only going to charge us what ABC would have, but we told him we would pay a little more. He was really nice!

Be advised that there is a 16 or so dollar resort fee, and they tried to charge me $50 per night for my ocean view room. They removed that charge. Because of my platinum status, I am supposed to be upgraded. Taxis are expensive, the bus is great. There are supermarkets you can go to for snacks and soda. Do not touch the mini bar or the basket of goodies!!! These are not free, neither is the Aruba Aloe suntan stuff! (You can get it at the factory-all the tours stop there!)

I saw some great deals on Tanzanite in town, booze is fairly cheap depending on what you want to buy. Eat before you go to the airport or take something to go from the hotel. There is only a Sbarros there, and when you get to the gate there is only a hot dog stand. You have already cleared US customs at this point so there is no sense in going back.

The Aruban people are very sincere in making you welcome. US cash is accepted all over, just stick with $20s. Traffic will STOP so you can cross the street!!! GO figure!

We had a great vacation and want to go back, maybe on a cruise next time. There are other places I want to go first, but I would not hesitate to go back..

If you have any questions, email me. Please put Aruba in the message line.

Thanks!

Meg