Expert: Andy Mendyk - 11/13/2004

Question
My husband and I are planning a trip to Aruba in 2005 when would be the best time to go and furthermore, is the Renaissance, a good place to stay.  This will be our first time away from our kids and we want a nice enjoyable time.  Any suggestions for must eat at places?  We love to eat.  We have about $3500 to spend.  Help us plan a vacation of a lifetime.  

Answer
Hi Rochelle!  (thats a pretty name!) Sorry about the delay..all-experts notified me, as it never got to my e-mail for a quicker response. I stay at the Renaissance myself. Beautiful facility either at the Marina side (where i stay) or the suites (closest to the water. As you may know..they provide shuttle boats to their private island. Food...got to go to "El Gaucho". Its an Argentine grill...a 5 minute walk from the area you will be in..Great Churasco Steaks. I dine there at least once when I visit Aruba. Also..the resort has "theme nights" They have Italian, seafood, chinese, barbeque, and others. Its nice outside dining with nusic provided. Not too expensive either. You will see the fliers on your bed daily on what they have.  At the Seaport Village next to you..try the Waterfront Crabhouse. A well known and ultra-good seafood resturant. Check out www.aruba-bb.com for trip reports and other areas as resturants and places to go/things to do. Follow the links. Plenty of information there. However...if you have any other question in particular you need to know...please do not hesitate to contact me again. I also have no problem sharing my screen name if you need to get extensive info either thru e-mail or instant messaging if you so desire. Anything I can do to help....I will be available!!!