Expert: Andy Mendyk - 6/15/2004

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hello andy,  thinking about taking our honeymoon in aruba. high priorities are beaches which we can have to ourselves, even if it takes a little exploring off the beaten path.  good snorkeling is a plus.  basically i want seclusion when we want it and the option to be waited on when we want that as well.  casual dining is what we want, nothing fancy.  my wife to be wants to make sure we can have margaritas on the beach...beach service i guess is what she means. also, we'd like to stay away from high-rise type places where families might be more likely to be.  anything you can give me will be great.  thanks so much.     josh
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Hi Josh!  All you requested can lead me to think of one place to go. The Marriott Rennasciance Hotel in downtown Oranjestad. It is not a beachfront hotel, but they operate a private island with shuttle service to Rennaisciance Island. It is not crowded there, they have beverage and food service, and a dive shop  on the island for snorkeling. I go to this place every year 3 days prior to my timeshare time so I can relax and have a bit of privacy. To give you more info, go to www.marriott.com  and punch in "Aruba" as your hotel info. There, you will get pics and info. Also..they will give you a choice of "Marina" or "Tower" rooms....take the Marina, as it is a better facility, connected to the Seaport Mall and Crystal Casino. I am sure you will like it, however, if you have any more questions about this hotel, or need any other info...PLEASE do not hesitate to call on me again!!

hello again andy, we are hesitant about the resort you suggested not being on the beach.  the private island sounds nice, but what to do when we want a night stroll on the beach or any quick little jaunt to the beach or splash in the sea will have to be preceeded by a tedious shuttle ride.  we are just not sure we want to be obligated to taking a shuttle everytime we want to be on the beach or near water.  we also want all inclusive which this resort does not seem to offer.  if i am wrong on any of this please correct me and point me in the right direction.  if you can think of any other resorts which may better suit what i am looking for please include them. i really appreciate your time in answering these, this is a great service.  thanks again.....josh
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Josh..they do offer all inclusive..but you were right on one thing..the stroll on the beach thing. So, for a large beach, close to a casino, quiet, and the like..try The Manchebo Beach Resort (operated by Best Western)  or where my timeshare is (Aruba Beach Club) visit them at www.arubabeachclub.net   Both have resturants on premises, and Aruba Beach Club also shares facilities with the CAsa Del Mar resort next door. In my opinion, i never did an all inclusive, as you have to eat at the same places, and food in Aruba is not too far out of line with prices. I am a heavy eater, and i usually spend around 175.00 tops for food in the course of 10 days. Also, ABC has a kitchenette area in each room, and a small store in the lobby if you want to prepare someting quick in the room. Also has full size fridge, micro, gas stove amd all utensils. They do rent rooms even though they are a timeshare facility. Prices and pics will be on the site i gave you. As always..get back to me with anything you need!

hello again and thank you for all your time in these responses.  good point you made on all-inclusives often mean eating in the same place all the time.  we are not looking for all inclusives amymore. also, i wonder if you could recomend a few of you favorite places to eat on the island, (we love mexican, seafood..all kinds of food).  casino is not an interest of ours so if there were any resorts you were not considering because they do not have casinos, please incude them as we are not at all interested in gambling. what do you think about renting a car on the island...where to rent?  also if you could tell me about walking or hiking to secluded beaches or inland streams/pools.  i understand it is an arid island but just want to see what you know about it.  are there any "must do's"?  thanks again, you've been so much help.          josh

Answer
OK..!  Nix the Casinos...all the larger hotels do have them!Car Rental...You can rent a car right across the street as you exit the airport. You will enjoy a ride to the east side of the island. No hotels or traffic, kots of shorline. A must see is the natural bridge. I can go on and on about places to see. Before I ramble on..go to www.aruba4u.com,  www.arubabound.com  and www.visitaruba.com  On these sites, there is a wealth of info of where to go and places to see. Brisas Del Mar is my favorite for seafood, and a must go  to eat is Iguana Joes in downtown Oranjestad. There are so many resturants on the Island, and I never had a bad meal in any of them! On the hotel issue, these are good places for the dollar. There are some dives there, but if you want to upscale, my choise is the Hyatt or the Marriott upwards on the island. Beautiful places, top notch facilities, but as you check, they are a bit pricey. The though of food just hit me...for the best "churasco" steak...ya gotta try El Gauchos in Oranjestad. All Argentine style/prepared beef. But, get to these websites..browse..and any questions..please get back to me!