Aruba Accommodations

[willrog85086]

There are a lot of great suggestions here for dive operators In Aruba and they have been extremely helpful. I am traveling with two nondivers who seek additional "adventure" opportunities (snorkeling, hiking etc,).... would they be bored in Aruba? And which hotel would you recommend?? I've seen that the Marriott, the Allegro (Occidental) and the Renaissance mentioned here... some in urban area and others not, but would like reviews from persons actually into diving with families members not.... Thanks

 

[fins]

There are a lot of great suggestions here for dive operators In Aruba and they have been extremely helpful. I am traveling with two nondivers who seek additional "adventure" opportunities (snorkeling, hiking etc,).... would they be bored in Aruba? And which hotel would you recommend?? I've seen that the Marriott, the Allegro (Occidental) and the Renaissance mentioned here... some in urban area and others not, but would like reviews from persons actually into diving with families members not.... Thanks

On Aruba all the hotels are along the NW coast. There is an area called the "low rise area" and (I'll bet you'll never guess the name of the other area) the "high rise area"

The Low Rise area is quieter and has smaller hotels like Manchebo, Bucuti Beach etc.

The High Rise area is much more upbeat, lots of foot traffic on the beach, every water sport you can imagine etc. Along the high rise stretch are hotels like the Marriotts, Allegro, Holiday Inn, Radisson, Hyatt, etc. Also in the high rise area are many restaurants (both in hotel and off property) that are within walking distance.

There is also quite a bit for non-divers to do in Aruba. There is a large shopping area downtown, casinos, jeep safari's, hiking trips, golf, sunset cruises, etc Note, good snorkeling locations are pretty sparse

Hope this helps.

 

[michaelp68]

I agree with the description provided by Fins, but I'll add a little bit.

When I went to Aruba, my wife was a non-diver. Also present were her parents and sister. Her dad was a diver, so he and I dove together. (And if you're asking why I vacationed with my in-laws, it was a no-brainer, since they paid for our accomodations for the full week.)

While we dove, my wife, her sister and their mom lounged on the beach or in the hotel swimming pool. We were in the high rise area, at the Marriott. On at least one of our dive days, they went shopping in town.

There was plenty of activity and watersport opportunities along the high rise stretch.

Regarding the Marriott, the property was beautiful and we enjoyed it. But we thought the beach area was a little small for the amount of people who wanted to use it.

Several of the nicer hotels in the high rise areas have casinos right in the hotel, and a number of good restaurants.

The main city is a short drive from the high rise area, so you would want to have a rental car. The main city has great restaurants, tourist/cruise ship shopping and some gambling, too. There are also some other good restaurants that are neither in the high rise stretch nor in the city. So, the rental car again came in handy, again.

The east side of the island has some natural and interesting areas that many people like to explore. You would take your rental vehicle or sign-up for a jeep tour.

Bottom line is that we thought there was plenty for non-divers.

Have a great trip.

Michael