We have stayed at the Divi many times since the early 90's. This was our second time
during New Year's. Everyone should experience Aruba for New Year's, they have
fireworks nightly for about 5 days, this year started on 12/27. We were supposed to
arrive on 12/27, but good old Mother Nature had other plans. We did get there on
12/28, but then were only able to spend 13 nights. We were in the Vista I building,
second floor. We had requested the first floor, but could not change until later in
the week and said forget it.
The Red Parrot is the best place to eat, but reservations are needed. The Divi has
changed their reservation policy from reserving the day prior, to reserving on
Saturday for the whole week. This is bad! Next time we go, we are going on a Saturday.
Friday would even be better as you can get your reservations at 8 or 8:30 a.m. on
Saturday and you will be guaranteed the times you want. I am going to be writing or
calling the Divi to address this. (Since this report is over 5 months late, I now know
they have changed this). We arrived on a Tuesday and could only get reservations for
5:30 p.m. or 9:00 p.m., not when we wanted to eat. We also ate at Paparazzi Restaurant
at the Tamarijn. It was not as good as it used to be, and service was slow, so we only
ate there once. The Palm Grill Oceanfront Restaurant, also at the Tam, had a table
that had a heating element in it and you ordered your food, I had shrimp and beef and
you cook it yourself. If you are a couple, they will seat you with another couple. We
ate there twice.
Weather this year was not very good. It rained quite a bit, but we were still on
vacation and it was not as bad as the time we hit the backlash of Hurricane Lenny when
it rained the whole week!
As stated by others, they do not have enough huts, but the beach did not used to be
this big!
I never feel that the drinks are watered down. If you feel they are too week, ask for
more booze! Juanto and Eric are still great bartenders and there were also some new
ones.
Fireworks were great, as usual. Everyone should experience the fireworks in Aruba for
New Year's. Looking forward to our trips in November 2005, New Year's 2006 and March
2006.
L & K, MASS
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