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Aruba is one of the most dynamic islands the Caribbean has to offer. Throughout the year, great weather permits yearround excitement. Throughout my personal travels on the island, I have visited over 50 restaurants, toured many of the island's sites, stayed at numerous hotels, and been involved in a timesharing plan. What makes this guide best is that it features unbiased picks of the islands best.. no businesses have paid for their entries in this guide. So enjoy, and be sure to take a copy to Aruba and show it to the parties mentioned in the guide! They will be glad you did. Thank you!
La Cabana Beach and Racquet Club: Over 700 luxury condo units, 3 pools, 5 restaurants, and everything you could ever want in a hotel. Many of the units are in a separate section of the hotel known as "La Cabana Villas". This is where I own my timeshare.
Radisson Aruba: One of the older, more established hotels on the island. This hotel has 3 wings which are surrounded by lush gardens. Such stars as Elizabeth Taylor and the Queen of Holland stay here. Also, there are 3 restaurants (rather expensive) on the premises.
Costa Linda: A brand new, smaller (about 130 rooms) luxury resort. All of the amenities, an awesome pool area with lush palms, music, and a bar. 2 restaurants on the premises, and a HUGE beach.
Hyatt Regency: One of the most spectacular hotels I have seen ANYWHERE. This hotel is surrounded by pools featuring black and white swans, there is a 3 level pool complex with water slides and such. Spectacular casino. Brand new hotel.
Americana Aruba: This hotel is looking great after its multi- million dollar renovation. They also offer great all-inclusive packages.
Please note: The Harbourtown Hotel is now Sonesta Suites.
Many established American firms have outlets here (such as Avis, National), however, I recommend a few local outfits which I have used in the past. It is a good idea to contact the rental offices before the trip, this way, when you arrive, a representative is there to pick you up at the airport. Caribbean Car Rental offered good deals (make sure to meet the pet monkey at the rental office). Hedwina is a well established firm with an excellent reputation. Look for their cars with the little yellow bird on the doors.
Most hotels have casinos, here are my favourites:
ROYAL CABANA (at La Cabana): The Caribbean's
Largest Casino.
HYATT REGENCY: Beautiful Las Vegas style casino.
ALHAMBRA: Free standing casino and bazaar, open
late, very unique.
CRYSTAL CASINO: In the Sonesta Hotel Building,
right in the heart of
Oranjestad (the capital).
I was never at a restaurant on the island that did not have top-notch service, Here are my favourites:
WARUNG DJAWA (Indonesian): This place is just GREAT.
EL GAUCHO: This steak house has the best steaks I have ever tasted. Try the chef's platter (5 meats)
MAMAS and PAPAS: Great local food. Try the Johnnycakes.
BOONOONOONOOS: No, not a misprint. Great local specialties.
TWINKLEBONES: A great steak house. Great entertainment by the staff who put on a show two times nightly.
RIGOLETTO: Great italian food.
CHARLIE's BAR: This place is legend. A MUST SEE!
All fast food companies have outlets here (ie Burger King, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell)
CHEERS: Check this new club out.
THE CELLAR: Another new club.
WHYSKEY ROADHOUSE CAFE: Featuring great music and live entertainment.
COBALT CLUB: Upscale club near Wendy's.
Check out EAGLE PALACE or CAMACURI (only 4 lanes) for bowling. Windsurfing is one of Aruba's most well known attractions. The sport attracts many of the best for both recreational surfing, and tournament play.Tennis and Racquetball at most major hotels. A brand new 18-hole golf course (at Tierra del Sol) has also just opened in Aruba. Jet skiing, para sailing, motor boating are popular. I recommend De Palm Tours for all touring/watersport needs. They have an established reputation and clientele, and great service. For the racquet sport enthusiast, La Cabana is a must.
Oranjestad (the capital) offers the best prices on all goods. Shops are clean, air-conditioned, and modern. No tax. Some of the best shops can be found in the 80 store SEAPORT VILLAGE MALL. Other great shopping areas include HARBORTOWN and the ALHAMBRA BAZAAR. Fresh fruit can be found at the ocean-front fruit market (local crafts also available here). Other towns to shop at include San Nicolas and Noord. All hotels also have shops, and the airport ( Aeropuerto Riena Beatrix) has duty-free shops. Prices here are not necessarily lower, except in the free zones. Shopping in the free zones exempts you from duties on the goods. The free zone is located in the capital.
De Palm Tours is widely known, and offers every type of tour imaginable. They also offer Glass-Bottom boat rides, horseback riding (at Rancho El Paso), and para sailing. Several other local outfits run tours also. They run ads in the many local tourist publications and also provide special coupons which you receive at the airport upon arrival.
The island has many great sites. See the rocky North Coast (including the Natural Bridge, and Natural Pool), the sand dunes at California, the lighthouses, the Church at Alto Vista, the rock formations at Casibari, the gold smelter at Bushiribana, Frenchman's cove, and many many more. On the South Coast, try Sea Grape Grove and Baby Beach. Also, for the strong, Mt. Hooiberg offers a 563 step climb to the top. The views are magnificent, I have taken the climb 3 times. Atlantis Submarine offers underwater tours originating from the port of Oranjestad.
American Airlines flies direct from NY JFK and Miami, and from 100 other cities via San Juan PR. ALM flies direct from Miami and Atlanta, and Air Aruba goes direct from Newark, Miami, Atlanta. Also, many charter flights go to Aruba daily.
From Europe, KLM flies direct. Several small airlines fly to Aruba from other Caribbean Islands. Flights to Curacao and Bonaire are only a matter of a scant 15-30 mins.
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