Holiday Inn SunSpree Aruba Beach Resort & Casino

May 18-27, 2006 by DVC Think

Tink’s Trek --- Awesome Aruba Adventure

Cast

Tink and Hook, 40ish couple, married three children that should be leaving never land soon but seem to have a peter pan syndrome, (go figure) however this adventure is the first without them. Hook a dive master and Tink a beach master.

May 18

We flew US air via Charlotte. Hook’s dive gear always sets off an alert so getting through security is always a process. ( better safe then sorry) The flight to Charlotte was packed but only about 90 minutes and was on time. Yippee! We only had a 45 minute layover. Usually international flights depart from this really nice terminal with a tiki bar and huge waiting area stocked with the "Destinations" magazine, next to duty free shops. Not this time, just a regular terminal but they did have the magazine. We tried to upgrade to first class as they offered $100 upgrades, which is cheaper than using 20K flier miles but someone beat Hook to the desk. Oh well, no problem as that was cutting into Tink’s casino fund. The flight left on time and there were plenty of empty seats, so I spread out for a nap and Hook had a Jack and diet coke and watched King Kong.

Just a observation on US Air. I know all airlines are struggling, however….. The planes seemed old and the cabins are in poor condition. The movie rarely works and had to be restarted several times, a few seats could not move to the upright position, etc. The flight crew resembled crypt keepers and had the personality to match. The plane was still ascending, and they threw drinks and a bag lunch( the lunch actually was decent) at us and sat down for the remaining three hours. Oh they did get up once to sell duty free, push US air credit cards, and pass out immigration paper, ( no pens though) and if you asked the Pen Nazi for one she lambasted you for five minutes about "how the airlines don’t supply them and all the cuts and I am happy to have a job blah blah blah" Guess I’ve been flying Jet Blue and Southwest and have become spoiled by the happy crews and new planes. It’s just I remember US Air was a class act. The only redeeming qualities were the sky mall book and getting there safe, which in the scheme of things is the most important. Enough on US Air, we are on our way to the happy island. The plane descended under the clouds and we now have a view I love of the island and the blue waters, as we landed you could see Renaissance private island. Here at last!!!

We breezed through customs, stopped at duty free cart, and headed for luggage. Wow can feel the heat now, and my hair instantly curls and frizzes and morph’s into Aruba hair, which can only be contained with a hair clip. ( add the wind on the beach and I have dread locks, but who cares…. I’m on vacation). Since we didn’t have a long lay over the luggage came promptly and in good condition except for Hook’s Dive gear which had the TSA lock cut and the zipper cut. Nothing was missing and we tried to question why they would have cut off a TSA lock, ( not to mention ruin the bag ) we will deal with it when we get home, as we weren’t getting much help and were anxious to get on with the vacation.

In the cab we go and arrived at the holiday inn by 3:45pm. No line at check in and Selena was pleasant and helpful. I had requested the Aruba Tower but of course it was full, but she felt bad so she upgraded our standard room to a top floor full ocean view room, no charge, the down fall was it was in Curacao Tower. It was a nice room. Basic furniture, clean and the view as great. Also had a frig no charge. Just a word about Holiday Inn. We stayed at the Radisson our last trip and I was kind of worried about the Holiday Inn however the price difference made me gamble. As the children weren’t coming and Hook is diving all week, why pay all that extra money. Also Pelican Dive pier is right out the back of the holiday Inn so it would be easier for Hook to drag his gear a short distance. I was pleasantly surprised at the holiday Inn, it was clean, nice and not at all a dump, as folks have reported, no it’s not the Marriott or the Radisson but it was fine, the pools were ok, the beach huts were nice, the pool, beach bar had very friendly bartenders. I would definitely stay there again. The only problem with being Curacao Tower is that the rooms that over look Moombas will have loud music at night. It did not bother me, but for those who are sensitive, it might.

We had purchased the beverages and breakfast package which is A/I for drinks and breakfast only. This worked perfectly for us, as Hook is gone for lunch everyday and dinner we prefer to dine at different places. So after the luggage arrived in our room we were off to the beach/pool bar, as we refer to as "the big hut". Five minutes into our frozen rum concoctions I felt myself melting into island time. The warm breeze, the Latin music and the view of the Caribbean…..Kids? What Kids? Job??? I don’t work , do I? Stress? What’s that??? Ahh vacation.

We met our bartenders Louis and Domingo who were great! Never waited for a drink and always had a laugh and a smile. We also met a couple and their adult sons from none other than our home town. They had been down since Sunday with a charter group. So we got talking and closed the bar around 7ish and watched the sun drop into the sea.

After all the drinks we decided it was time to eat and wandered ( staggered) over to Moomba’s. Had dinner on the beach. Romantic yes, food ok nothing to get that excited about but decent. I had chicken fajitas ( huge portion was big enough for two) and Hook had some steak special. The service was good. We realized we were tired from traveling and headed back to HI and fell into bed.

Day 2 Friday May 19

Slept in till 8am. Wandered down for breakfast buffet. Now I have had better but it’s typical buffet food, fresh fruit was good. All kinds of breakfast items, from cold and hot cereal to bacon, eggs, bagels, pancakes. Coffee was good. Egg station was good and could have eggs to order. Pastry and bread selection rather blah but again, a typical buffet. The Radisson has a much nicer breakfast at Laguna. After breakfast, Hook and I wandered to hut reservation place. No luck, we have to stand in line at 6 am with the other crazy people. So we found a chair by the pool and left our towels. We walked down to Pelican pier and Hook signed up for his diving. Did the unlimited dive package for a week. Jackie remembered us and returning divers get 10% discount so that was cool. Hook is starting his dive at the 1pm boat so he goes to gather gear and I head for my chair at the pool. 50 sun screen today. I spent the afternoon going from pool to beach to the "big hut". I met an older couple who offered me their hut as they were leaving for the day. They also gave me about six books she had finished with which was really sweet.

Hook returns from diving around 5pm and we head to the big hut for Happy hour. I introduced Hook to all my new "big hut" friends I had met during the day. I ponder why on earth I feel comfortable to be at a bar in a bathing suit and small cover up in Aruba, when if anyone suggested we go to a bar at home dressed like this, I would be horrified. Let alone with Aruba hair. It must be a combination of the rum and sun. We again close the bar and wander up to room to shower for dinner. We decide we are never bringing children again, and it is very fun to go to happy hour(s).

We walked across the street to Texas De Brazil. I had been emailed a coupon for my birthday that entitled me to a free birthday dinner 39.95 value when one was purchased. Normally I do not like the all you can eat meals, even if they are served by men wearing leather chaps. But since I couldn’t turn that down we headed up the stairs. Our waiter from last year remembered us which blows my mind with all the people they must see. The dinner was really good but the sangria was the best I ever had. I treated myself to two glasses and enjoyed every drop. I could have drank a third. The meat was good, the house cut ( I think it was some type of strip loin) was the best. Hook tried everything but fried plantains ( bananas). The potato casserole was good that they served was a treat. We also had the salad bar. The service is outstanding, when you want the gauchos to come with your meat, you flip a disc to the green side and when you want them to slow down you flip it to red. Be prepared when you flip to green they come flying out of the kitchen with large spears of all different cuts of meat. Very friendly place. But unless you can eat a lot or get a birthday coupon, I would go to another steak place. If you are a meat eater, it’s a paradise. Our table was nice as well. Overlooked the street and was in a quiet corner. No dessert for us.

We walked back to HI and went to casino. Our new friends were playing black jack and doing quite well. I played a few slot machines with 20 dollars I won 400 quarters which is 100 dollars so I cashed out and we headed up to bed, 80 dollars up.

Day 3 Saturday May 20

Hook was up and went to book a hut for me for the day. He was in line by 5:55 am. He has now named it "the breakfast club" and found he can hear all the scuttlebutt going on at the resort standing in the hut line. He also has a name for the people who don’t wait for the huts, but try to move in on someone’s hut, they are the "hut squatters." Wow. In any event an hour later hut 40 is ours. It is the perfect location between the big hut (bar) the sea, the pool, and the bathroom. He has to get up early anyway to catch the dive boat so he doesn’t mind reserving the hut. However I would never get up that early on vacation to go stand in line. Hook also stops in lobby bar and picks up coffee and pastry and returns to room to say goodbye for the day. Off he goes …. I get dressed and ready for my hard day at hut 40.

I had packed those spring open floats that require very minimal inflating, and kind of spring open and then you inflate the pillow and around the edge. Well that came to hut 40 today. It works very well, and floats to rent are only $3 per day, but hey that’s $30 for 10days. The only problem is the wind is increasing ever so slightly so I have to make sure the float is secured under chair or it will blow away.

I spent my day floating and sitting except for two walks down to the Wyndam and back. Oh and a few trips to the big hut. Again a 50 sunscreen today. Spoke with the friends we have met, most are leaving tomorrow am.

Hook returns around 5pm from a long day of diving. Thrilled of course we get a drink in the big hut and pull our chairs down to the water and enjoy the sun sinking. Hook has many stories to tell of what he saw today. I am deathly afraid of fish, seaweed, crabs and anything else that might be in the water ( hence the float and the swim shoes) So when he tells me of the creatures he encounters it’s my worse nightmare, but to him it’s nirvana.

Dinner tonight is casual, we walked over to sabarro pizza and ate pizza and beer on the patio. We had our picture taken at the little stand with the parrots. Well parrot, the blue bird was nice, but the red one was "agitated" or so said the men working the stand. Actually when the blue one returned to it’s perch, the red one approached him and I think we saw the courtship dance or whatever they used to call it on Mutual of Omaha’s Animal Kingdom.

After dinner did some casino time at Hyatt and Radisson. Party Lite home party candle sales were having some convention at the Hyatt ( I am going to start selling candles) so it was crowded, but the casino was nice.

Walked back to the HI and had a drink in the lobby bar. I did not like the lounge at the HI, every night was karaoke or some awful singer. The lobby bar had a wonderful breeze and you could talk. The HI does have nightly entertainment by the pool, either dancers that perform in elaborate costumes or some nights they had a movie ( kind of like a drive in) outdoors by the pool. We weren’t really interested but it did seem nice if you are into that type of thing.

Day 4 Sunday May 21

You know the drill, Hook up at the butt crack of dawn, gets hut 40 brings coffee to the room, goes on boat. Our friends from our home town are supposed to leave today, but all flights cancelled due to a volcano that spewed ash into flight pattern. Yippee they get to stay one more night. Also some ladies who were on the same charter who were my next door hut buddies get to stay as well. No charge to them either, the charter company picked up the cost or had insurance.

Hook came in at 130 from diving today, so we spent the day floating and talking to our friends in the sea. They were bringing drinks out on a tray from the big hut. I began referring to the sea as "the lake" and knew it was time to get out of the sun and slow down. 30 sunscreen today.

Dinner tonight was again casual, at Gilligan’s at Radisson. The manager remembered us from last trip, saw the AI bracelets and asked why we were not staying with them again. Easy -Price, and guess what, they were at 30% occupancy for the week. Gilligan’s was empty maybe three other couples but it was late. We had cheeseburgers that are the best on the island and fries and beer. Yum. We never eat like that at home, so it was a nice treat.

Walked the beach back to HI and met up with our friends in casino. Their son was up 2k playing black jack. I played for a short time and won $50. We celebrated our winnings and said good night.

Day 5 Monday May 22

Hook took today off from diving. Plan was to go to baby beach and downtown to do some shopping. We were off early, it was partly cloudy today and tried to rain but never did, in fact no rain the entire trip. 30 sunscreen today. I did a little snorkeling, but due to my fish phobia ( fish are my friends, fish are my friends) I really did not enjoy it too much. It was fun playing mermaid with my fins on, Hook enjoyed that too!

When we were downtown, went to our favorite tee shirt shop, only to find it closed due to death in the family ( the owners wife) who is very young so we were sad to here the news. Bought a couple Aruba bags and hats 3 for $10. What a deal. We also stopped at Gemari jewelers but only bought a flip flop charm which is adorable. Made a quick run to use our free play at the casino, lost. Then on to the Harley Store to pick up an Aruba Harley tee for our friend at home that just bought a bike, he is an orthopedic surgeon but looks like any other biker. Can’t wait to give it to him. I know he will be thrilled.

After all that we still made it back in time to spend some time at the beach and the big hut. Louis and Domingo we happy to see us and made some "killing me quickly" drinks. We went up to shower early today because we had dinner ressies at Madam Jeanette’s.

I just love Madam J’s! we sat outside and it was light when we got there ( ressies at 7pm) however by the time I had my apple martini or two it was dark and it is so pretty with all the twinkle lights. It was not busy at all and our Dutch waiter was not sure of Hooks sense of humor, but service was great. Hook ordered his pork tenderloin cordon bleu. We really should have shared this. It is definitely enough for two people. I had a filet and we did share our entrees. Again no dessert for us. What a great place. This however was the only place the bugs were biting so if you forget your bug spray, just ask, they will provide it.

We left dinner so full! Went to the Marriott casino, this is my favorite on the island. The had funny nickel slots that featured Jeff Foxworthy. If you got a bonus you had to rub the pigs belly to see what you got for a prize. They also had what seemed to be the most similar to the machines I am used to. We found this place at the Marriott that serves only dessert. I was tempted to splurge but still full from madam J’s.

Back to the HI Lobby bar. I went to the ladies room and heard clicking on the tile floor. To my horror a big CRAB was clicking across the floor. I guess I let out a scream because the staff came running to see what was the matter. "Oh it’s just a crab" said the bartender. " It’s a bush crab, they live in the shrubs." Oh that is comforting… Now speaking of land creature… I did not see one iguana at the HI. Last year at the Radisson they were everywhere. Which was my only negative about Aruba on our last trip. They constantly came crawling around and I told Hook I was bringing a fly swatter with me this trip to keep them at bay. But like I said none were to be found at the HI. A cab driver told us that when they get too abundant, the resorts call some agency to catch them and release them out on the other side of the island. ( take the bush crabs too! Please) This lady cab driver also told us that it is illegal to eat them ( no worry about me eating them), but some Aruban people do eat them because they believe that iguana soup has healing powers and it is also has an effect similar to Viagra. Oh boy don’t tell Hook that!! I can see him roasting the lizards now. The lady told us a story how her brother was in the hospital because he was mentally ill and her mother made iguana soup for him and he came to his senses. Wow, who knew??

We said good night to the Lobby bar tender and the bush crab and fell into bed.

Day 6 Tuesday May 23

Hook sprang out of bed to go to the breakfast club and reserve hut 40. He is doing an afternoon and NIGHT dive so after the hut ressie he came and got me and we walked to dunkin donuts for some coffee and went to our hut to enjoy. We eventually went corals for our AI breakfast and then back to the beach. Sunscreen today is 30 face, and 15 body. Still haven’t burned except for a slight redness to my shoulders ( the snorkeling must have done that).

We spent the morning floating in the sea and relaxing. Then Hook was off for his Dives.
I spent the afternoon going between the big hut, sea and Pool. What a life!! I walked to the wyndam twice to get my exercise for the day. Why is walking such a pleasure here. I went to happy hour and Louis and Domingo kept me company. Did meet some nice ladies and had some laughs. I went up to room to shower. Hook is not returning until about 10 as he is going on a night dive to the wreck of he antilla. I got dressed and headed down to the casino. I played the "can’t lose" slots and was doing well. Played some black jack and before I knew it here comes Hook. " I knew I would find you here" so with the gambling monitor back on shore. I knew casino time was over.

We walked over to salt and pepper for a casual dinner. Hook told me all about the night dive, ( he was the only one with two dive lights, he never did like scary movies so it was beyond me why he would go in the dark sea at night) Shopped the little kiosks and bought a diving tee shirt for hook and some Aruba aloe for me.

We went to the Radisson for a martini and a brief walk through the casino. Then back to the HI along the beach trail. Stopped in the lobby bar and met some nice folks from London. No kidding I was telling them the bush crab story and I look down and low and behold, what is by feet but another bush crab, smaller than his brother but again the scream. The bartender comes from around the bar and was going to stomp on it. I asked him nicely to just remove it and he sent it sailing back to the bush. Enough for one day. Up to bed we go.

Day 7 Wed. May 24

Again hut 40. Hook attends the breakfast club line. He now feels he has seniority. He is only diving in the afternoon so we eat breakfast together and spend the morning floating. 15 sunscreen today. Hook only is out on boat about three hours this afternoon since we have El Gaucho ressies. He returns triumphant from the sea and we head to happy hour. I had Frozen mudslides this afternoon that were wonderful, but we switch to Bacardi and diet coke and again close the big hut.

We had to race to get ready for dinner. Hopped a cab and made it to El Gaucho for our 8pm ressie. What a great place. I had apple martinis, the fillet and Hook had the porterhouse. El Gaucho runs like clock work. Again no dessert. Try as we might, we just can’t find room. The steak sauce is to die for and when Hook asked the waiter what was in it, he said if he knew he couldn’t tell us, as if he told us he would have to kill us. But it’s for sale in the lobby. We grabbed matches on the way out, something I used to collect was matches from all the places we went to, however now in the states, it’s hard to find places that give out matches.

We went in line to catch a cab back to HI. Up pulls a jalopy van, no air conditioning, rusty and I don’t think the doors closed properly and it wasn’t the cleanest. I told the security guard " are you kidding me" and he said they go in line. Hook said "be quiet and get in". I thought for sure it would never make it back to HI but it did. When we pulled in to HI doesn’t the driver blow the horn and we have to crawl out. Very embarrassed.

We had a night cap in casino and won $180 on quarter slots on 2nd pull so once again we can eat free tomorrow. Saw our new London friends and off to bed we go.

Day 8 Thursday May 25

Well we have been in Aruba one week today. Hook up to stake his claim on hut 40. We eat breakfast together. This is a no dive day. We are noticing moombas is getting ready for the soul music festival. Also the HI is getting more crowded with soul music attendees. The atmosphere is changing and they have set tents up between HI and Marriott. * see pictures. A live DJ starts broadcasting and promoting the soul music festival. They have quite a party and you can hear the music clearly and loudly on the beach. Not as relaxing today.

We spend our day at the beach. Hook snorkels and sees a few barracudas out by the rope. Thanks for sharing that as I was just feeling comfortable.
We chilled out, floated and went to the big hut. We pulled our chairs down by the water and today was a balashi beer day, watched the sunset. The Dj had ended by 4pm so quiet had returned. The soul music folks were headed downtown as the Dj had promoted some event all day.

Tonight we wander over to Iguana Joes for dinner. It was very crowded even though it was about 9pm. I guess every one had stayed late at the big hut. We waited about 20 minutes for a table and had beer and ribs on the patio. The servers at that place earn every dollar they make. They were really running. The ribs were excellent and somehow eating on an open air patio makes things taste better. Cold beer and island life, it doesn’t get better than this. After dinner we walk to the occidental grand casino, boy the place is beautiful ( actually the casino hasn’t changed and needs to be updated, old machines) but the resort is beautiful. We decide to take the time share tour tomorrow, we don’t usually but I am curious what they have done to the place.

After a brief visit we walked over to the Hyatt, then back along the beach path to the old lobby bar. After a quick night cap it’s off to bed.

Day 9 Friday May 26

Hook is only diving a morning dive today ( his last). He does his usual hut booking routine and we are all set for hut 40. We both walked to dunkin donuts across the street I get a coffee and head to the hut, he goes to the dock. I figured I would enjoy coffee on the beach and eat breakfast later.

When hook returns from the boat and bidding a fond farewell to his friends at pelican dive center, we take a walk down the beach to the Occidental Grand, did the time share walk through which did not take long at all. They really have changed and upgraded the rooms and interior. The Pool and courtyard is about the same. They have added more dining choices. The north tower is what they call the Royal Club. It’s about 20K for a week in off season. They have turn down service and a private restaurant. It seems like they are trying to attract a more upscale clientele. The south tower is beautiful as well. The views from these rooms are more of the courtyard. The studios here about 10k for a week in off season. You also have to go AI four of the seven days in your week for an additional chare. It only took about 45 minutes and they were not high pressure at all. We were given our choice of give aways but since we are leaving soon we took the $100 casino credit, we will use that later tonight. Like I said I normally do not take the time share tours as I don’t want to waste my vacation being harassed into buying something, but this one is a nice tour and props to the occidental for the remodel. I wondered why the prices had gone up so high for this resort and now I know, I just think that between Marriott overbuilding ( IMHO) and the occidental that they are pricing themselves out of most people’s league. I also hear Marriott wants to buy the HI and build some more. And then the Ritz is building on the other side of Marriott. I hope HI stands their ground because it really is a nice, friendly and reasonably priced resort. It would be a shame to see them sell out, as you know Marriott would bulldoze it over. Anyway………

We walked back to hut 40 and enjoyed the rest of the day between the big hut, sea and pool. We went to happy hour at big hut and Louis and Domingo amused us as usual. We always meet interesting people at the big hut. Today is no exception. We meet an older couple from Canada that were very nice and we enjoyed speaking with them. We procrastinate leaving the beach pulling our chairs in the water and watching the sun slowly sink into the sea. We stay as long as we can and the chair monitor is getting frustrated as he needs to put the chairs away. We surrender the chairs and go to shower.

We did not feel like a big dinner so we walked over to salt and pepper. It was busy but the wait was not bad. It is a fun little place. Very inexpensive as well. After a light dinner we went to occidental casino to use our credit we were given on time share tour. Played slots and had fun, but did not win anything big. Dang it. We headed back to HI and had some drinks at lobby bar. No bush crab tonight. Up to room to pack.

Day 10 Saturday 27

We have most everything packed so we grab an early breakfast and since we don’t need a hut today we hang by the pool for some final sun and swims. We decide we need to leave by 1pm for airport as it is crazy busy on Saturdays. Bell services pick up our bags at noon and we spend our final hour at the bar. ( I hope I don’t go into DT’s when we leave the island) I have never drank so much in my life.( since college anyway)

We bid a sad farewell to Louis and Domingo and grab a cab to airport. There were lines but not as bad as thanksgiving weekend. We stop at duty free and start the whole customs and departure process. We get to gate and our flight is delayed so we had plenty of time. The flight is full so no spreading out this time, and wouldn’t you know, it’s the same flight crew! The crypt keepers again. Ugh. The plane took off and we take one final look at the island and they we jet off over the Caribbean. For some reason the flight back seems endless and uncomfortable. Several crying children. We get to Charlotte and have to sit on plane for 50 minutes to wait for an open gate. I am sure we will miss our connection, but we find out that is delayed so we have plenty of time. We land back in the tundra and call our middle daughter for a ride home.

Highlights

1. The Holiday Inn is a nice resort, a lot of bang for your buck. Is it the nicest resort I have ever stayed at? No, but very friendly and would return.
2. Madam J’s
3. Hut 40
4. The big hut, complete with Lois and Domingo
5. Sangria at Texas de brazil
6. A trip without children, was very fun and Hook and I enjoyed the time alone.
7. Pelican Dive Center
8. Booking with MCM tours ( thanks Amy at aruba4U)
9. No PHONES
10. Frozen drinks
11. Having drinks brought out on a tray in "the Lake"

Notes to Self

1. Sell Party lite candles, get free trip
2. The soul music festival, attracts younger, more rowdy crowd
3. Price other airlines

Hook’s final thought
"Dive the reef
Take nothing but pictures
Leave nothing but bubbles …..
Kill nothing but time……."

Tink’s Final thought
"all it takes is faith, trust and Pixie dust"

Thank you for reading Tink’s Trek - Tink’s Awesome Aruba Adventure