Expert: Andy Mendyk - 7/28/2003

Question
we are looking to stay at the radison aruba. can you give me some insight on how the place is. what kind of room should we get or should we get a suite? what are the casinos liike in all the hotels. which one is the best? what are some great restuarants to eat at for lunch adn dinners? are there any tours you would recomend to us. (we are in our mid twenties. thank you. any other info woudl be great
JEana

Answer
Hi Jeana! The Radisson is one of the better hotels there.
386 rooms...each hotel there has their own casino, but you may want to visit the Copacabana Casino at the Hyatt, and/or the Stellaris Casino at the Marriott. A suite is just a bigger room on the upper levels of the Hotel. They normally offer an ocean view. It is a matter of preference with the escalated price, and naturally, at night you can't see the water anyway! Resturants...there are so many good ones. I usually recommend The Palms, at the Hyatt, El Gaucho in the downtown area, and the French Steakhouse located at the Manchebo Beach Resort. For lunch, don't miss Iguana Joes at the Royal Plaza Mall in the downtown area. Since you are first timers to the island, I would recommend any operator that gives "Island Tours" You will be given handouts with all the brochures as you leave the airport. There is the Natural Bridge, the gold mine ruins, the rock formations, the Natural pool, bird sanctuary, Indian and Bat caves. I am sure once you reviewed the brochures, you will find plenty to do. Also, please be aware of the potential of the sun there. It is at its hottest between noon and 4pm. Use a good SPF sunblock, as a burn can come very quickly. If there is anything else in particular I can help you with, plese do not hesitate to contact me again! I will be on the Island 8/20 to 8/30, so you can contact me before or after those dates. In any event, have a great trip!!