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Marriott Beach Resort
November 8 - November 15, 2000
Sent in by: Diana, Janyce, Sami and Diana
I guess the most important thing I can say about my trip to Aruba is...I just
made reservations for a return trip in March! We started our journey in
Southern California and needless to say it was a long one. I will spare the
details of the flight (delays, delays, delays) because it has nothing to do
with the destination. I had done lots of research on Aruba and was thankful
for all the trip reports that were very informative.
We arrived at the Aruba airport approximately 19 hours from our California
departure and were delighted by the friendliness and expedience we
encountered. Took a cab to the Marriott Resort which was quick and
uneventful. Checking in was a breeze and the staff was wonderful! I stay at
Marriott's frequently and was pleased to find we had been upgraded to ocean
view rooms. The rooms are very spacious and the balcony is unbelievable!
First day started unfortunately with an eight am phone call, however, who
wants to sleep on vacation? We headed to breakfast and were seated outside, I could not
get over how beautiful the grounds were!
Our party consisted of four women and we each had our "wish" list for an
excellent vacation and all were fulfilled! We had several pool and beach
days, never had a problem finding sun or shade and always were able to get a
hut at the beach. Two of us went on the kayak and snorkel adventure and that is
definitely a "must do". The guide Nelson was wonderful, and incredibly
helpful. I had kayaked before, however, my friend had not and they ended up
towing her when she couldn't keep up. The snorkeling was great!
The other two went on the 1/2 day island tour and had a great time and
brought back loads of pictures. All four of us went on the Kukoo Kunuko
Party bus and had the best time! On our last night we went on the Tattoo
Party Boat and had a blast! We highly recommend the Driftwood Inn, the
lobster was huge, the service was excellent and the staff very friendly. We
had dinner at El Gaucho
and it was the best steak I have ever had, just go
HUNGRY the steaks are giant!
I had been in Cancun in January and it just cannot compare. I would have not
gone out alone at night like I did in Aruba, the snorkel trips were not as
good and the people certainly not as friendly. We took cabs when we went
shopping in town the fares are regulated so we never encountered the rip off
that occur in other places. The only downside that I had not planned for
were mosquitos, they love me and if I did not have Benadryl I would have
suffered because my ankles were covered with bites.
The best tip I got from the trip reports that I will pass along was take the
new gold dollar coin for tips! The staff loved them! I had the pit bosses
at the casino's buying them from me and the cocktail servers were definitely
more attentive. I actually had to chase the maid down and assure her that
the coins were for her because she wouldn't take them! They were a
surprising hit and I will be taking several extra rolls with me on the next trip.
Have a great time in Aruba!
Diana, Janyce, Sami and Diana
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