Aruba HYATT--no wonder everyone loves it!
Written: Jun 29 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful grounds, perfect service, everything to do under one roof
Cons: No room balconies; very expensive.
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| lauren_m's Full Review: Aruba |
I've stayed at the Aruba Hyatt 4 times since it opened, and the place never ceases to please me. Unlike some other Caribbean destinations, the quality of service in Aruba is more than excellent--and the staff at the Aruba Hyatt is always eager to make your stay memorable.
Grounds
From the moment you step into the lobby, you feel like you're in the most luxurious place on earth. The Hyatt has the best lobby I've seen in any hotel, hands down: it's open-air and feels very tropical (there's a roof, but no windows/walls along one side). Ceiling fans and the famous Aruba tradewinds keep the temperature comfortable all day and night long. You can hear the ocean roaring in the distance. Plants and caged tropical birds add to the "outdoor" feeling, and there are tons of overstuffed chairs, couches and ottomans where you can relax and enjoy a drink, people-watch, or just take a nap.
The rest of the grounds are just as beautiful: a VERY big pool area, tons of little nooks where you can catch a few quiet moments, and little ponds where black swans swim. Birds in every shade of pink and peach and white roam the grounds, and you'll be sure to see a lizard or two (or twelve) while you're out and about.
Accommodations
I'm sure the suites at the Hyatt are gorgeous, but for now I can only tell you about the standard rooms: they have two queen-sized beds, drawers, a couch, and a table with two chairs. The closet is adequate-sized, the bathroom is more than big enough, and there is a minibar and television. The rooms are outfitted quite beautifully, with dark wood and shades of gold, green, red, and purple. Housekeeping does a great job, and all you have to do is touch a button and anything you need will be delivered to you.
My one complaint about the Hyatt is that the rooms don't have balconies: there are sliding doors where you can just barely step outside, but no room for a chair, and no more than 2 people can stand outside at once. It would really be lovely to be able to sit outside and enjoy the weather and the scenery.
Dining/Drinking
Although I wouldn't recommend it, you can honestly spend your whole vacation at the Aruba Hyatt and never run out of dining options. There is a buffet-style restaurant where the theme/cuisine changes nightly; a gourmet Italian restaurant; a Mediterranean-themed restaurant; two poolside snack bars; and another indoor snack bar. A joint coffee bar/bakery/TCBY is near the lobby. There is a juice bar on the beach where you can have some yummy fruit concoctions (alcoholic or non).
As for bars, there's no shortage of alcoholic pleasure at this hotel. There's a swim-up bar in the pool, another bar right next to the pool, a big bar on the beach that serves appetizers and has a nightly happy hour, a bar outside the lobby, and a bar in the casino; not to mention that you can have drinks delivered up to your room from room service. There is entertainment at the bar outside the lobby every night, usually a three-man band that plays standards: sounds a little corny, but it's always fun, especially once you've got a drink or two in you.
Casino
Roulette, blackjack, slots, poker--pick your pleasure. The Hyatt casino is always fun, but tends to get VERY crowded. The games seem to pay off pretty well, but not as well as some other Aruba casinos. Still, it makes for a fun time...just get there early or late to secure a seat at the big games.
Pool/Beach
Aruba's beaches are clean, hot, and wonderful. The tradewinds keep you cool even when the temperature is above ninety, so even if you don't feel yourself burning, keep applying that sunscreen. There are plenty of chairs on the beach and around the pool, and towels are available to guests. You can rent rafts for a nominal fee, and there are always guys with boats on the beach ready to take you banana-boating or parasailing. Bring your money down to the beach so that you can buy plenty of drinks: there is nothing better than a strawberry daquiri while laying there, enjoying the sounds and sights and a good book.
My Thoughts
The Aruba Hyatt is truly one of the most beautiful hotels on the island, and it definitely lives up to the hype surrounding it. It's pretty pricey, but if you're up for a resort vacation with all the amenities and comforts you can buy, this is the place for you. There's really nothing that compares to it!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
lauren_m
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Member: Lauren M.
Location: New Jersey
Reviews written: 156
Trusted by: 41 members
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