Expert: Andy Mendyk - 10/10/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello Andy,

I will be going to Aruba Oct 16 and staying at The Westin Aruba Resort, what can you tell me about that place? Also weather forecast say T-storms and showers everyday of that week, how true is that?

Thanks,
Lalo

ANSWER: Hi Lalo!  The Westin justfinished some updating and remodeling. The rooms and property are satifactory, from a few visitors there that I deal with. Some complain about the service and attitudes of the staff, but everyone has their own expectations. All depends on if you want a vacation, or be treated like Royalty! The Westin is basically a resort style hotel. It's not the Marriott or Hyatt, so you will have an idea on what to expect. Weather....since you are in the Carribean, every Island posts " showers & thunderstorms" on a daily basis. You will be getting there a few weeks before the "Rainy" season. Showers & thunderstorms are of a very short duration. It's extremely rare a major part of the day is washed out. I just returned from my 26th trip a few weeks ago. I go every year for a 2 week stay, and I seen rain for the first time in all those visits. (And that was for only 3 hours!) Do not worry ..you will have your sun!

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

QUESTION: Thank you for your response. I will be on my honeymoon but my fiancee and I like to be able to eat out, shop and keep ourselves busy during the day. a nice ocean view would be prefered. Is there a place you would recommend instead of the westin.

Answer
If you prefer to eat out, do not go for any all-inclusive packages. I think they are just too high compared to what you may spend at resturants. There are over 160 resturants across the island, too many to mention, so it is a matter of what you like! Ocean views are usually controlled by the hotel. Many in the high-rise area are right on the shore, so views are there, and its just a matter of availability. Iyou are not renting a car, the best hotel for food/ things to do within a walking distance would be the Holiday Inn. More upscale would be the Hyatt, but you may want to try the Marriott Renaissance, which is downtown, close to everything, and take the boat shuttle to their private Island. ( boats leave from the lobby canal every 20 minutes, and return). Go to the marriot site, enter aruba, so you can get a better idea. Also, check out www.aruba4u.com, and www.aruba.com, and browse those sites to get some other info. If you need me to help you further with anything, please do not hesitate to call on me again!