Marriott & Hyatt

March 2 - 8, 2006 by Kevin

Aruba Forum Profile: kaygee

Sorry this took so long. Things have been crazy at work since I got back from my favorite place. As with most, I am already planning my next trip back. We had a phenomenal time...here are some of the highlights:

Thursday, March 2nd

I flew from Minneapolis through Charlotte on US Airways. After all the problems I had with my return flight (see previous threads...they sent me two $125 vouchers by the way), the flight to Aruba was fine. We arrived and checked into the Marriott. We would be staying at the Marriott for three nights and the Hyatt for three nights. We went for a walk on the beach and somehow wound up at Piet's Pier :). After a few drinks and watching the sunset, we ate at the Marriott and gambled a little before calling it a night.

Friday, March 3rd

We spent most of Friday on the beach and floating in the ocean. Couldn't be more relaxed. Weather was perfect. We went back to Piet's for happy hour, and them to Moomba's Beach Bar for dinner. Since I made reservations, we got a table right on the beach. Food was good (not great), but the atmosphere was perfect. After dinner we stayed for a while listening to a band, and the went over to The Sopranos Piano bar. Great live music...I was pleasantly surprised. It was a typical piano bar (you tip the piano player to play your request). We stayed there until closing.

Saturday, March 4th

Spent most of the day at the pool reading and relaxing. Hit the bar and casino early, and then headed downtown. We ate at the Waterfront Crab House...very good food. They also had live music outside, so the atmosphere was perfect again. After dinner we went to the Seaport casino and hit a few bars downtown before heading back to the hotel.

Sunday, March 5th

Checked out of the Marriott and into the Hyatt. This is my favorite resort. Great facilities...great service...great food. Its a little pricey, which makes it difficult to stay the whole week, but worth every penny. We relaxed at the beach and pool all day, and rented a car from Avis. We drove to Flying Fishbone at night and had a phenomenal dinner. Our table was at waters edge, so we had the best view of the sunset. After dinner, we drove back to the Hyatt and spent most of the night at the casino.

Monday, March 6th

We decided to tour the island in our Jeep on Monday. Last year, we did the Jeep tour, so we wanted to go to the different towns and check out the true Aruban culture. I definitely want to do more of this on my next trip to Aruba. Its a good break from the beach. On Monday night, we went to El Gaucho. As usual, a great steak and great dessert. After dinner, we went to the Cigar bar across the street and had a few after dinner drinks with a nice Cuban cigar. The live jazz was great. After a few hours (and a few more drinks), we took a cab back to the Hyatt. We went to The Soprano's Bar again and had another great time.

Tuesday, March 7th

Our last full day in Aruba was devoted to the beach. Of course, we went to Piet's to enjoy our last sunset, and start talking about our next trip back to paradise. We had dinner at Ruinas Del Mar...what a treat. We had a table outside...I had the Surf and Turf...and I am still thinking about it. Again...a little pricey...but worth every dollar. Hey, you only live once!

Wednesday, March 8th

We spent our last morning by the pool and lunch at the pool bar. We made it through the airport in no time at all, and spent the night in Philly before flying back to Minneapolis on Thursday morning. I'm leaving out a ton, but I think you get the picture. Just a great vacation. This trip confirmed that this is my favorite spot to get away from it all, relax, have fun, eat great, and enjoy some time with the ones you love.

Thanks!

Kevin