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Aruba Trip Report - Aruba Beach Club
December 30, 2000 - January 1, 2001
Sent in by: Lori Abrahams
For all those who helped me plan our Aruba vacation and those planning
to go soon, here's my report...
Air to Aruba on Trans Meridian charter from Apple from O'hare Chicago,
disappointed we left 3 hours late already on board, because they
couldn't get the luggage on board in time to be de-iced before the rush
of other airplanes. Had to wait for another truck to de-ice us.
Airport in Aruba easy to get through got luggage, took the coupon
packets being passed out as you leave the terminal. ( got some great
coupons and ideas from it)
Taxi was found in less then 5 minutes, took only 20 minutes to get to
our timeshare, taxi driver went around the back of the town, because she
knew traffic downtown would be heavy at that time, so we saw how the
Arubans lived. Homes were decent, saw some schools.
Checked in easily at the Aruba Beach Club timeshare we exchanged for.
Rooms were not what we expected but clean, comfortable, gorgeous view
from the second floor balcony. We did get two rooms, so our son had his
own little suite and bathroom. We didn't need two mini kitchens though.
We had traded a two bedroom, two bath condo and go two hotel rooms
connected, each with a galley kitchen and bathroom. It turned out fine,
because we didn't spend much time in the rooms. The grounds were
gorgeous shared amenities, pools, beaches, stores, exercise room with
the Casa Del Mar. We're told that many people have returned year after
year to this timeshare for 12-20 years. Casa Del mar seemed newer and
more luxurious. Everyone who worked there was very friendly, eventually
we met some people and most important my son met some teenagers to hang with, it was hard
to do though because all the families had known each
other for so many years. Beach was great, just enough waves, great
"chicka dee huts" at the pool and beach to keep shaded when needed.
Always enough chairs. We liked the Casa Del Mar pool better, lots of little kids at the
ABC pool, but the beach was wider by ABC. We walked the whole hi rise beach and loved it
and yes near the Buciti and Manchebo there are several women who sunbathe topless. There
was bingo and happy hour and a few nights musicians, but would have like volleyball on the
beach and some evening type activities. We went to the Allegro to visit friends at night
or go to eat, more activity in the lobbies by the hi rise hotels, Allegro , Hyatt and Even
found internet terminals at the Radisson.
Dinners we loved: French
Steakhouse, Madame Janettes, Pirate's Nest,
(son only ate at Le Petite Cafe and like it) Iguana Joes was great for
the family, Tony Romas was OK, casual and a nice change from the
expensive. Did not like the Cafe at the Seaport, although the sunset
from there was lovely.
Casinos that were fun, Allegro had entertainment and free bingo twice a
night, Royal Cabana
Casino I won big at a 5 cent slot and laughed
hysterically at the Jewel Box Review, Crystal Casino downtown was OK,
Seaport had 3 dollar blackjack table that my husband liked. Alhambra
casino was OK, ate the first night at their sport's bar and the sandwiches were fine and
we watched some football on their big screen TVs.
Activities we did included driving one day in a rental Corolla almost
everywhere even on the dirt roads to the Casibari rock
formations, Ayo
Rocks, Ruins, Natural
Bridge and through Arikok National Park to the
Fontein caves, to Baby
Beach where we picnicked and snorkeled. I had
brought along sandwiches in a blow up cooler I brought in our luggage.
Not much was open and nothing was open that day since it was Christmas
day. It was good I had drinks and food. Saw lots of jeep tours going on,
but I don't think the three of us would have been comfortable in one. It looked like fun,
but seemed hot and dusty even with the tradewinds. We did fine in the Corolla and only
missed the Natural pool and being able to drive on the dunes.
Christmas Eve the
Miniature golf course was open and since we didn't
want to abandon our son who hadn't met teens yet, we all went miniature
golfing. Locals were lighting off fireworks and it was fun, something to do.
We also snorkeled one day on the Octopus, It was very nice, only 20 people, good food,
snorkeled at the Antilla
and Catalina Bay. It was nice morning.
We drove one night up to the lighthouse and looked around, checked out
the golf course and Marriot resort area. I think my son would have preferred the timeshare
there. Lots of kid and activities, but I liked the serenity of the Eagle/Manchebo area. My
husband, who golfs, didn't care to try golfing against the trade winds.
We only had a car for three days, which saved us money because we spent
a lot of time and ate at several restaurants close to our resort. Took the bus downtown
one day to shop and had dinner (that's the night we ate by the seaport) took the bus back
for only 2 dollars round trip. Otherwise taxis were reasonable and easy to find and for
our needs easier than paying for the car. We even let our 16 year son go downtown to
Carlos and Charlies with some other teens one night. It was very safe.
Didn't doing any great shopping, almost bought some jewelry at Little Switzerland,
otherwise the normal souvenir stuff.
We would definitely return to Aruba someday. We had great weather (only
rained one morning for 10 minutes) just enough sun and clouds to keep you from burning and
the winds made the heat bearable. The beaches were great, there was entertainment to find
at hotels or casinos in the evening, great food, great relaxation.
Unfortunately due to snowstorms out of Chicago, we were delayed in
Aruba, but unfortunately at the airport not able to stay at the beach.
Sorry we're back at home, wish we were in Aruba.
Lori
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