I'm glad I had the chance to visit, but I wont be returning...
Written: Jun 27 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Guaranteed sun, Excellent beaches, Luxury Resorts, Outstanding Food, No language/Currency barriers
Cons: The L-O-N-G Flight, Too Windy, Excessive Hotel Taxes, High Drink Prices
The Bottom Line: From the Midwest and East Coast, a great escape from the winter Blues. From the West Coast, stick with Maui, Moorea and even Rarotonga.
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| doninsocal's Full Review: Aruba |
For me, Aruba is a bit of a paradox to review. On one hand I want to give it a glowing review for its spectacular beaches, world class resorts, tasty restaurants, warm and friendly people, and constant sunshine.
On the other hand you have to deal with the constant 20+ MPH winds blowing sand everywhere, the somewhat excessive 17% hotel tax and automatic 15% surcharge with most meals, people harassing you with timeshare offers, and less than inspiring landscape.
Being from Southern California we had about 8 hours of flight time (LAX to San Juan to Aruba) before arriving in Aruba then the $17.00 taxi to the Wyndham Resort and Casino. The Wyndham is one of the first hotels you come to on Palm Beach. We then spent 5 nights at this wonderful resort before returning home.
Here are the Highlights from our stay:
The staff at the Wyndham was outstanding. Being Our 7th anniversary (I had called ahead to ask about any arrangements) management sent up roses for my wife upon arrival and Champaign later that evening with a fruit plate, all at no charge, can you say nice first impression!
The view from our 9th floor room was beautiful. We could see the marvelous free form pool, Palm Beach and the enticing calm blue waters of the Caribbean.
I would highly recommend El Goucho if your in the mood for beef and spend some time in their cigar lounge with a nice drink and a good Cuban cigar, the service and atmosphere are both outstanding. For a casual meal try Iguana Joe’s. The Jerked ribs and glazed pork are to die for. For breakfast I would recommend Villa Germania, great potato pancakes.
Breakfast ran about $10 per person, Iguana Joe’s about $15 and El Gaucho $30.
Here are the low lights:
First off, the wind. Now I realize that without the trade winds it would be a bit toasty. I don’t care, i hate the wind and I don’t like having sand blowing in my face so we spent most of out time poolside instead of on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. I would rather be too hot then sandblasted.
The cost of drinks is a bit excessive in my book. What is up with $3.00 for a 8.5 ounce bottle of locally brewed beer. How about $5-6 for a mixed drink in a small plastic cup. Keep in mind that there are supermarkets fairly close by where you can pick up the same $3 beer for 75 cents.
The food at the Wyndham is marginal at best, we tried the breakfast and a dinner at the Italian restaurant and I would have preferred Denny's and Domino's pizza myself.
All in all I did enjoy my vacation in Aruba, it beat the hell out of being at work. For those of you from the Midwest, east coast and south I would definitely recommend Aruba for a safe vacation that guarantees sunshine and doesn't run the risk of being hit with a hurricane during your stay.
For those of you on the West coast, stay with Hawaii (Maui is my choice), Tahiti, and perhaps the Cook Islands for an out of the way vacation. The flights are shorter, the price is lower and the scenery is unmatched.
Good-Times!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
doninsocal
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Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Reviews written: 35
Trusted by: 8 members
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