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jamiemarie12
LIF Adult
Member since 10/09 1651 total posts
Name:
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Aruba
Which hotel in Aruba would you say is best to travel to with a baby?
We stayed at the Riu when we went 2 years ago and had a great time but we def don't want an all inclusive this time around. We loved that the rooms were big with nice balconies and standard ocean views. The Riu I feel is not the best family hotel.
I have been looking into the Hyatt, the Marriott Stellaris, the Radisson and the Westin. I am looking for easy access to the restaurants. I also want to make sure I will be able to get a palapa since I will need some shade for DS, I don't mind if I have to get up early to get one. I want a great family resort overall.
If you stayed at the Marriott, how long did it take to walk to the restaurants? That is my only worry about the Marriott.
Any suggestions would be great, thanks!!
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Posted 1/10/12 12:53 PM  |
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Re: Aruba
I'd suggest the westin or the hyatt. I think the Marriott is too far away from everything and with a baby that makes it harder. We met friends in Aruba who were staying at the Westin who loved it and said it was easy to get their own hut but of course, I love the Hyatt. It's gorgeous there and you can walk around with the baby indoors or outdoors, etc.
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| Posted 1/11/12 6:49 AM |
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MaZz
* Lovin my baby girl!!! *
Member since 2/09 6243 total posts
Name:
Gina
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Re: Aruba
If you want great family resorts, I would stay in the low rise section... They are smaller hotels/timeshares where the beach and pools just arent as crowded as say... marriotts would be...
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| Posted 1/11/12 9:57 AM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17795 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba
I've stayed at all three (well, I stayed at the Marriott Ocean Club).
For location, the Hyatt is the best - it's right in the middle of everything.
I didn't think the Marriott was a horrible walk to the restaurants but, it was the longest and it's easier to do on the road side as opposed to the beach side. We walked down to the Westin a lot since DH preferred the casino there. I also liked their beach the best of the three - it felt a little bigger.
For pool areas - I liked the Hyatt and Marriott the best - the Westin didn't seem to have a good amount of shade and didn't have a hot tub or swim up bar (when we stayed there we had stayed 3 nights at the Hyatt first so it felt like a major downgrade although the rooms are beautiful).
ETA - I would probably recommend the Marriott Ocean Club or Surf Club though over the Stellaris since they are one, two or three br villas with kitchens.
Message edited 1/11/2012 10:14:18 AM.
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| Posted 1/11/12 10:00 AM |
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jamiemarie12
LIF Adult
Member since 10/09 1651 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba
Posted by ali120206
I've stayed at all three (well, I stayed at the Marriott Ocean Club).
For location, the Hyatt is the best - it's right in the middle of everything.
I didn't think the Marriott was a horrible walk to the restaurants but, it was the longest and it's easier to do on the road side as opposed to the beach side. We walked down to the Westin a lot since DH preferred the casino there. I also liked their beach the best of the three - it felt a little bigger.
For pool areas - I liked the Hyatt and Marriott the best - the Westin didn't seem to have a good amount of shade and didn't have a hot tub or swim up bar (when we stayed there we had stayed 3 nights at the Hyatt first so it felt like a major downgrade although the rooms are beautiful).
ETA - I would probably recommend the Marriott Ocean Club or Surf Club though over the Stellaris since they are one, two or three br villas with kitchens.
This is a great response and really helpful!! Which did you feel out of the Marriott and Hyatt would you be more likely to stay at again and which was more kid friendly?
Were you able to get a refrigerator at the Hyatt?
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| Posted 1/11/12 10:28 AM |
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jamiemarie12
LIF Adult
Member since 10/09 1651 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba
Posted by MaZz
If you want great family resorts, I would stay in the low rise section... They are smaller hotels/timeshares where the beach and pools just arent as crowded as say... marriotts would be...
We have considered the low rise but we want to be able to walk around so we decided this would not be the best option for us.
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| Posted 1/11/12 10:30 AM |
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Andrewz00
Look! I changed it!
Member since 4/10 1789 total posts
Name:
Andrew
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Re: Aruba
Posted by jamiemarie12
This is a great response and really helpful!! Which did you feel out of the Marriott and Hyatt would you be more likely to stay at again and which was more kid friendly?
Were you able to get a refrigerator at the Hyatt?
i would have to say the Surf Club is more kid friendly... they have a whole kiddie section in the main pool.. with fountains and a water slide.. even by the swim up bar there is a section that is a walk in pool (no stairs) plus there is a lazy river and plenty of shade.... we were just there the week before x-mas..
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| Posted 1/11/12 11:55 AM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17795 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba
Posted by jamiemarie12
Posted by ali120206
I've stayed at all three (well, I stayed at the Marriott Ocean Club).
For location, the Hyatt is the best - it's right in the middle of everything.
I didn't think the Marriott was a horrible walk to the restaurants but, it was the longest and it's easier to do on the road side as opposed to the beach side. We walked down to the Westin a lot since DH preferred the casino there. I also liked their beach the best of the three - it felt a little bigger.
For pool areas - I liked the Hyatt and Marriott the best - the Westin didn't seem to have a good amount of shade and didn't have a hot tub or swim up bar (when we stayed there we had stayed 3 nights at the Hyatt first so it felt like a major downgrade although the rooms are beautiful).
ETA - I would probably recommend the Marriott Ocean Club or Surf Club though over the Stellaris since they are one, two or three br villas with kitchens.
This is a great response and really helpful!! Which did you feel out of the Marriott and Hyatt would you be more likely to stay at again and which was more kid friendly?
Were you able to get a refrigerator at the Hyatt?
We travelled there before DS but, I agree with Andrew - the Surf Club (or Ocean Club) are the most kid friendly. I would probably put the Hyatt and Marriott at about equal - but, the one nice thing about the Marriott is that it's a huge compound. Technically you aren't supposed to use the pools at the other resorts but, nobody stopped anyone while I was there.
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| Posted 1/12/12 9:22 AM |
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jerrysgirl
I love my hot dog!!
Member since 6/06 5357 total posts
Name:
E & J
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Re: Aruba
i stayed at the raddisson, when dh and i go back i think we will stay in the hotels next to the raddisson.
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| Posted 1/12/12 1:25 PM |
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jamiemarie12
LIF Adult
Member since 10/09 1651 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba
We wound up booking at the Hyatt because of it's close proximity to everything. Thank you all for your suggestions. We are very excited and can't wait to go!!
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| Posted 1/12/12 1:40 PM |
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caps612
In love with my little guys!!
Member since 8/10 5108 total posts
Name:
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Re: Aruba
the marriott is further, but I don't think its such a terrible walk at all. And you could always get a cab for $6.
They do have the deepest/largest beach area. The other hotel beach are more crowded cause they don't have as much beach.
Also it you can get a room at the time share buildings (ocean club or surf club) you would have a kitchen and some extra room 
I am biased... my parents have time share there, but i truly think its the best!
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| Posted 1/13/12 12:43 PM |
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jlk51496
Mom of 3 - YIKES! =)
Member since 10/09 6758 total posts
Name:
Katie
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Re: Aruba
Been 3 times to the Marriott Surf Club with toddlers (my parents have a time share) it is DEF very kid friendly! The place is WONDERFUL for families! THe full kitchen was great - we went to the super market and stocked up for breakfast and lunch and only ate out for dinners!
The pool, lazy river, slide were BIG hits with my toddlers!
We walked to a different restaurant on the strip every night! It was great we didnt even rent a car (didnt feel the need) since everything is walking distance!
Def would recommend!
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| Posted 1/14/12 8:43 AM |
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Kathy042806
LIF Adult
Member since 5/06 1417 total posts
Name:
Kathy
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Re: Aruba
Posted by jlk51496
Been 3 times to the Marriott Surf Club with toddlers (my parents have a time share) it is DEF very kid friendly! The place is WONDERFUL for families! THe full kitchen was great - we went to the super market and stocked up for breakfast and lunch and only ate out for dinners!
The pool, lazy river, slide were BIG hits with my toddlers!
We walked to a different restaurant on the strip every night! It was great we didnt even rent a car (didnt feel the need) since everything is walking distance!
Def would recommend!
same here
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| Posted 1/14/12 12:01 PM |
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