Just booked my first trip to Aruba! (A little long, sorry)

so excited. DH and I were looking to go away just the two of us somewhere inexpensive- a M-F since the kids can be at daycare and my mom will watch them at night.
We had two free tickets on jetblue and looked to see where we can fly direct. We debated between the bahamas and aruba and we decided on aruba since we have been to bahamas before. (Though a part of me wishes I could take avantage of the bahamas rebate deal that is going on right now)
We gambled and tried hotwire and requested a 4 star hotel and got the Renaissance resort, I dont know which tower but either way I think I got a good price.
Now I am trying to figure out whether we need to rent a car or if we can take buses and cabs where we want to go. I want to do one boat tour trip that will show us some other places on the idland and they will pick us up at the hotel and I want to go the Flying Fishbone or The Old Man and the Sea Restaurant and I know I can take a cab to either. I also dont know how much it would cost to park at the hotel - anyone know?
Any must dos? must sees? I did do a search and I did check out some of the message boards but maybe some of you have more updated info.
Thanks

Re: Just booked my first trip to Aruba! (A little long, sorry)

I am excited for you for your first trip to Aruba! You will love it!

My DH and I have been to Aruba twice and might go again this year. We have been to The Flying Fishbone twice and loved it. The Old Man and the Sea is literally right next door. We heard it was fantastic and are going to try it next time we are there!

Let me know if you want any more info.

Re: Just booked my first trip to Aruba! (A little long, sorry)

i just went to Aruba this past December!!

i have some pics in my album!!

we loved the flying fishbone!! it was amazing!!

we also took the bus tour of the island which was fun too!! it was a nice laid back trip .. i enjoyed it!

Re: Just booked my first trip to Aruba! (A little long, sorry)

We stayed at the Renissance back in 2006 and LOVED It.
They are located downtown and its really walking distance to most things, I think flying fishbone was the only place we took a cab to. We did rent a car for one day but it was more to go exploring on our own.

The Renissance has 2 towers cant recall the names but one is more family suites and the other is your basic hotel rooms. They are not on the beach but they do have their own private island. So each day like every 15 minutes or so a boat comes into the hotel lobby (in the main hotel or there is a dock by the suites) and takes you to the island, which is so nice. There are flamingos walking around, every day around noon there is an iguana feeding, there is a exotic bird area, really just a nice secluded feel.
There are also 2 beaches so there is plenty of room.

I will see if I have pics on shutterfly or something otherwise they are on my home computer.

ETA: food wise El Gaucho was the best steak ever and there is a great cigar bar across the street as well.

Message edited 1/29/2009 9:59:38 AM.

Re: Just booked my first trip to Aruba! (A little long, sorry)

When DH and I go - we mostly travel by bus - either into town or up to the hotel zone/ Palm beach

We took cabs for off the beaten path restaurants in the past but if you get a good deal- get a rental car. It's nearly impossible to get lost driving since it's a small island and people are very safe drivers (we feel)

We took the rental car to Baby Beach and to tour the island.
But mostly we just lay on the beach or by the pool so we just get a rental for 2-3 days and plan to do things on those days