Expert: Andy Mendyk - 1/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Andy,
I'm looking for a place to stay in Aruba, 4 star and most relaxing!! My Husband and I will be traveling sometime in March from New Orleans. My husband will be making the big 50 and just wants to relax.. Thanks


ANSWER: Hi Maria!  For relaxing, and hitting the 50 mark, the best place I can recommend is the Marriott Renaissance Resort in downtown Oranjestad. First, it is gearde for  adults, so you will not have too many, if any, children running around!
Connected to Arubas largest mall for shopping, and plenty of resturants on premise and within walking distance. They also have a private island for guests, with shuttle boat operations right from the canal in the lobby. I. myself stay at this property in August. I find it clean, quiet, and quite relaxing. I am now 57, but have been staying here since i was 45. Go to www.marriott.com,  click on Aruba, and then the Rennasiance and you can get further information, and plenty of pictures right from the Marriott site. I am sure you will love it!!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again !
I have taken your advise and went to a local Agent and here's what I have planned.. 6 Night stay  at  the Renaissance in an Ocean Suite.
Here's my question should I take the All inclusive $2112 p/p or the No food $1360.00 p/p? How many Restaurants and what else does the All inclusive cover.. Also should we stay on the Marina side or the Ocean side? Don't want to be Bothered with children....
Thanks in advance for all your help!
Maria

Answer
Maria..the answer is a big NO !!  Too many resturants and eateries near the hotel. With the all-inclusive, you are limited to where you can go, and the price is just way too high compared to what you will spend eating on your own otherwise. A-I is usually good for heavy drinkers ( if that is included) and even still, you can buy/make your own a lot cheaper. I did an A-I once in my 26 visits, and it was a waste of $$$.  Also.. very important!!! >  Take the MARINA side..thats where it is quiet. The Ocean suites are mostly timeshares, tons of people and lots of kids running around!