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In this Hotel tip, I will outline the FACILITIES available at the Holiday Inn.
The Holiday Inn introduced a new "Beach Hut" system.
Rules and policies for beach hut assignments:
Guests can sign in at the towel hut starting at 7:30 ( some came as early as 6:00 a.m. )
Assignments of the huts are based on a first come first serve basis.
Guests can choose their preferred hut based upon availability.
Guests are kindly advised to let the beach attendants know when the huts are not in use any more.
Guests can choose an available hut and the attendant will write the room number, hut number and the time of reservation on the sign-in board.
Towels:
Upon check-in you will be given your towel card. You are allowed one towel per person, per day. Make sure when you are checking out that you turn in your towel card, as they might charge you for the towels.
Every All-Inclusive Guest is given a wristband when the check in which entitles them to use the
food and Beverage facilities.
Swimming Pools:
New pools complete with waterfalls and lounging circle.
Also a huge hot tub is near the swimming pools.
Entertainment:
Monday was BBQ night served outdoors
Wednesday they had a Carnaval Show with wonderful costumes
Thursday was Mexico night along with Mexican food in the buffet
Friday was Folklore night
Saturday was Karaoke and a movie
Sunday was Prime Rib in the Corals Restaurant
Twice a week they showed a movie under the stars. Theme: HotelComparison: about averageAddress: J.E. Irasquin Blvd. 230 Palm Beach Aruba
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I booked the Radisson after reading glowing reviews in both guidebooks and websites and while it was a nice hotel, it was a lot more expensive than the midrange hotels and I wished I had saved the extra money and booked a different property as it wasn't a good value for us.
Nothing besides the room was included, we did get a $100 food and beverage credit but otherwise you had to pay extra for all food and drink, no watersports were included, some people were even paying extra for the better located palapas.
The Radisson is in the high rise hotel area in Palm Beach, I liked the beach here although Eagle Beach is a nicer beach, Palm Beaches hotels all have palapas which is a must for me and my fair skin. We were always able to get a palapa but I imagine in high season you have to go stand in line at 4 pm every day to reserve one.
Check in was a little rough, they first tried to give us double beds, then they were going to put us on the ground floor, finally we ended up in Room 3310 in the Curacao Tower with a king bed and our view was the Westin and Riu next door (we paid for a garden view, not sure what view we actually got.) The room was large and well decorated, the bed was a sleep number bed which I didn't care for at all. The refrigerator was broken in our room and others, I think this might be intentional so you don't store things in your room. Minibar was removed, one of the lamps didn't work. Room had an ironing board, cheap hair dryer, in room safe.
Bathroom-toiletries included soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion plus bathrobes. Towels were OK but not fluffy. Water pressure pretty low but plenty of hot water. Bathroom door wasn't solid, had slats, so you didn't really have privacy in the bathroom.
The grounds and pool were probably among the nicest in Aruba, lush grounds and a zero entry pool that went on forever. Very few people hung out at the pool so it was very quiet.
There were many restaurants in the Palm Beach area, restaurants in Eagle Beach or Oranjestad are a short cab or bus ride away. The best restaurant we ate at on this trip was at our hotel, The Sunset Grill, and so was the worst, Gilligan's. Theme: HotelPrice: US$180 and up » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: Palm Beach
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Hans and I checked out the HOLIDAY INN SUNSPREE RESORT ARUBA by reading reviews and comments by other VT'ers who stayed here. Overall the reviews were good so we went ahead and booked our one-week, all-inclusive vacation with Sunquest Tours.
Located in Aruba's Palm Beach area, ( on the best beach in my opinion ), 20 minutes from the airport and a 10 minute drive to Oranjestaad, The Holiday Inn offers 600 rooms, in three Towers - Bonaire - Curacao & Aruba. We were in Curacao Tower, Room 7232.
Our room was spacious, clean and comfortable with mini-fridge, balcony, cable TV, King-size bed ( rooms with 2 double beds also offered ), three-piece bath, in room safe ( no charge ), iron & ironing board, coffee maker ( but no supplies ). We had a nice partial view of the beach from our balcony. Theme: HotelComparison: about averageAddress: J.E. Irasquin Blvd. 230 Palm Beach ArubaPhone: 011=297-586-3600Directions: High Rise Hotel area of Palm Beach ArubaWebsite: www.aruba.sunspreeresorts.com
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I chose Bucuti for our vacation because it appeared to have everything we wanted - fantastic beach, low rise accomodation, restaurant on site, and swimming pool. The beach was for my Mum, the pool for me (as I don't like sand!). I was therefore most disappointed to discover that the pool was under reconstruction when we arrived! I cannot describe my disappointment and it did colour my opinion of the holiday throughout.
Apart from that, the Hotel is indeed lovely.
The rooms are spacious and twin rooms contain two generous queen beds. There was plenty of storage space in wardrobes and drawers and the balcony was furnished with a table and chairs. All ground floor rooms also had two sun loungers, which was fantastic (especially if, like us, you had one of the four sea facing ground floor rooms). Initially we had a room on the top floor, which commanded terrific sea views, but we asked to move downstairs as the four flights of stairs were too much for my Mother. There is a lift, but it was at the other end of a long corridor and the stairs were more convenient to the beach access.
The hotel has some nice little touches - offering a glass of champagne to each guest on arrival, showing a romantic movie on the beach (free of charge) twice a week, and offering great welcomes to return guests.
There's a complimentary continental breakfast and though many people thought this was great, I thought the selection was poor. Eggs are available in the Pirates Nest restaurant at an additional charge of about $5. We preferred to eat breakfast at the Tara lounge as there were no flies there!
Dinner in the Pirate's Nest was a good experience, and I will write a seperate tip on that.
The Tara suites, situated in a seperate building, are aimed at couples only which, I think, is a pity. Mum and I would have been happy to pay the upgrade to the more spacious room (and indeed would have preferred the comfort of a couch to sit on) but as these rooms have only one king bed it was unsuitable.
The staff at this hotel are beyond reproach. As we left we went from place to place hugging the staff like old friends. In particular I would recognise Nakarid and Lulu in Pirates Nest, Margeurita in Tara Lounge, prince at reception, and Alexe at the Concierge desk. In all my travels I have never experienced such friendly and helpful staff. Theme: HotelPrice: US$180 and up » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: Eagle Beach, ArubaDirections: In the lowrise area of the island.
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 Amsterdam Manor Resort, EAgle
Beach by amapola66
The hotel pitches itself as "A small hideaway with all the luxuries of a large resort, located on a premier beach, Eagle Beach. Warm, friendly personalized service, fine facilities and amenities create an unforgettable vacation".
The hotel was designed by a famous Dutch Architect named Jan Hubert. Several of his designs can still be viewed around the island.
We have booked a one-bed suite, for myself, BB, the Small Person and the Sister. (2 Beds in bedroom, and a double sofa bed in lounge). The rooms come with kitchenette and dining table.
In high season (Dec-end March) - this hotel is not that cheap, but looks perfectly located for our needs. (Clean, not too 'full on' in the way of cheesy entertainment and on Eagle beach).
I will let you know our experiences as soon as we're back!
Smaller, more European Hotel.
Garden Gazebo
Sunset Upperdeck Bar
Tropical Beach Bar
Mango's International Restaurant
Free High-speed Internet Access
Kid's playground & kiddy pool
Fresh water pool with waterfall
Extensive non-motorized watersports
Free beach pool lounges
Courtesy bathing towels
Mini-market & Gift shop
Guest laundry § Dry-cleaning service
Car rental desk
Activity desk
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 Playa Linda Resort by fitbod
The restaurants were nice, food was good to very good.
The beach area was narrow, but there were lots of chick-a-dees and tall palm trees to keep the sun off of pale bods!
I would recommend this resort....great staff, clean, good restaurants and fun activities!
The pool was gorgeous, with lots of fun activities going on all day. You could participate in water aerobics, a sing-along, cards, massages, bingo and many other activities while sipping your favorite mixed drink :)
The pool area was large, with plenty of room to spread out. Many chairs and loungers to please the lazy sleepy-heads. Theme: HotelComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: Palm Beach, ArubaWebsite: www.playalinda.com
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 brian on pool deck
overlooing downtown by ykx86
A private island to the guests. You can take a boat, which is available every half an hour or so, from the main hotel building to the little island in about 15 minutes. It's very beautiful, not too crowded, there are hammocks, lounge chairs, towel service, even a resturant serving food and drinks. This is a great place to tan topless =), as I have done so, it's not so overwhelming like a public beach.
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 Amsterdam Manor Hotel (from
Eagle Beach) by amapola66
Restaurants in Aruba are pretty pricey & average (reminds me of USA food, OK if you want to eat steak or weirdly cooked shrimp for you entire stay) but Mangos restaurant was reasonable in comparison. KB ate a good steak & the 'catch of the day' was fresh.
Reception were friendly. They ordered cabs for us to restaurants & airport and were efficient & helpful.
Breakfast to the room - Don't go there, it is only a short stroll to the restaurant. Room service breakfast is a total waste of money & Sund. morning was terrible. It served us right for being too lazy to walk a few yards to Mangos.
First general impressions of hotel :
Generally very clean, but room not made up for 4 people (they knew we had 4 in our party) had to order extra sheets .
Eco friendly.
Excellent position for a quiet time & out of the high rise (High Rise, don't go there!)
Beach very good, uncrowded etc plenty of sunbeds (without matresses) beach bar & just a few boat trips. There is also a fresh water water cooler (free) so no need to carry any.
Cocktails at beach bar are weak and ready mix a la USA, you'd have to drink at least 3 to notice them. Suggest ordering your usual mix there.
Water in rooms was bad but drinking water in Aruba is the best in the world & is provided at the bars etc.
Internet access to two computers - free.
This is a very relaxed hotel & much nicer than others we looked at in the High Rise area.
All in all, we think we made the right choice.
Small pool (but who needs a pool when you have a beach like that on your doorstep).
Friendly and helpful staff.
(A special mention to the lovely Venezuelan restaurant manager).
The hotel is much more European than most.
Don't stay there if you're looking for Bingo, Dunkin' Doughnuts and Cheesy entertainment.
Do stay there if you want a chilled out vibe right by a beautiful beach.
Tip ; Get up early, take a stroll and watch the birds at dawn when it's not too hot. Little yellow birds nest in the trees at the Amsterdam Manor & Pelicans dive on the shore - Lovely.
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 Room balcony view by hartmany
The rooms are not luxurious, but they are clean and spacious.
The staff is attentive and their is a good variety of food alternatives.
The casino is small, but nice, with live entertainment going late into the night. Theme: HotelPrice: US$120-180 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: L.G. Smith Boulevard # 101, Palm Beach, ArubaPhone: 1-800-223-6388
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 realax in seabreeze by suvaa003
The powner is very nice, and helpfull, the rooms are clean and there are facciliteis so you can cook too in the appartment, and a coffie maker.
In the area are shops and some restaurants. Plus is that the prices are for the locals, so much cheaper than in the tourist area. It would be a good idea to rent a car, but the bus stop is near enough and takes you to the city.
They have a pool much very small, there is a barbeque areaa you can use too, and the teraces have chairs. Lots of cactussen and flowers, that gives you the idea you are in a tropical place The rooms are sufficient, and have all kind of faccitilies, t.v., radio. cofee maker, fridge, and arco
All room have a terrace with chairs so you can sit out side. if you like the quit this is the place to go. Theme: OtherPrice: US$20-40 » Currency ConverterComparison: least expensiveAddress: Malohistraat 5, Pos ChiquitoPhone: 00 297 585 7657Directions: It is near the airport, but when you arive and ring Philip the owner he will pick you up, without a charge!Website: www.seabreezeappartments.com Other Contact: seabreeze@setarnet.aw
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