Expert: Andy Mendyk - 7/26/2004

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hello Andy,

First I want to say thanks for making yourself available for questions from a first time visitor like myself who has spent hours on the internet looking for info and not getting exactly what I need.

The situation is as follows:

There are 20-30 people going all 24-34 yrs of age...

I am the unfortunate soul who is in charge of speaking with the travel agent and booking our resort.  She has come up with packages to The Radisson, Hyatt and La Cabana.  

What I'm looking for is a resort with:

- a spacious pool

- fun atmosphere (not stuffy or uptight)

- the least amount of kids possible

- good restaurants to choose from

- close to any nightclubs or hot spots

- clean

- close to casinos etc

The prices she quoted from Rochester, NY for flight and AI accomodations were

$1635 for a week at the Raddison
$1605 "        " at La Cabana
$1053 "        " at Holiday Inn

Now of course I was excited when I saw the price at Holiday Inn but after reading some of the reviews about the small pool or many kids or no frills I was kind of worried.  It appears that everyone on forums and such love the Raddison but I can't really justify a $500 price differential to everyone in the group.  Is there a place that your aware of that would fit my list of critera but maybe not be as pricy as the Rad.  I want to give a few choices to the travel agent.  Also should I be looking in Palm Beach or somewhere closer to Orinjustead (or however it's spelled).

I would appreciate any feedback you could give me about this and any other topics you might feel noteworthy ie day trips or places to visit...

Once again thanks in advance for any help you can give me!!

Pete
Answer -
Hi Pete! Let me try to get all these questions in order!
Holiday Inn is an older facility , and the Raddisson, along with the Wyndham are Travel Agents regular choices for accomodations. La Cabana is large, on the beach, has a casino on premises along with many fine resturants and eateries. It was originally built to be a timeshare facility, but being huge and with timeshare sales low, it is both for ownership and rental. (good idea on their part).
Your price is good for the flight from ROC. Prices from JFK, BDL r/t are ranging about 650-850 right now, so pricewise, you are doing OK! Nothing in ORANJESTAD except the Rennasciance (Marriott). Nice place, but with a large group I would not use them. ( I am there the first 3 days myself, as I like the downtown area before I get to my timeshare). The island is somewhat slow at this time..thats why i go there the last 2 weeks in August myself. My timeshare does not have too many kids there...they are also open for rentals . Go to www.arubabeachclub.net and check them out. It is right on the beachfront, casino across the street, kitchens in each room. Just a shot, but you will like it if the agent can get you a good price. For a first timer, there are a lot of tour operators, and you may want to take an island tour, to see the "other"side of the island. I found it interesting back in '86, but now i just go there to relax and gamble! Running out of space here!  Get back to me if you need more info on anything else!!

Thanks for the reply Andy!

So your recommendation from her list of 3 is La Cabana?  I will check out the aruba beach club site as well so thanks for that.  Is the Aruba Grand something to consider or am I getting into the same proce range as the Rad.  Lastly, are there any "must do" activities or shopping areas that are worth a cab ride?  

Thanks again for helping me out!  

Answer
Hi Pete! Yes, all options considered, the La Cabana would suit your needs if Aruba Beach Club is not a factor. The Aruba Grand is a "fair" establishment. Not too fancy, and about what you would find at any American hotel chain. It would be near the bottom of my "best 10 list".  Definately have to go to Seaport Mall and Seaport village if you are inclined to go shopping. You will pass by it from the airport to any hotel in the area you will be in. While there, go to the Royal Plaza Mall ( a 5 minute walk up the road) and have lunch at Iguana Joes. I make it a point to eat there the 3 days I stay downtown at the Renaissance. You can have the taxi take you to the Renaissance hotel, and Seaport Mall is connected to it. For a good coffee, look for the canal where the shuttle boats go, and there is a place called Umbrellas Cafe. Sit at a table and enjoy. You can spend a good afternoon in the downtown area. Clean and safe. If you are there 8/18 to 8/20, look for  a guy with tan shorts and a smile..that will be me!! Check back if you need anything else!!