|
|
Holiday Inn Beach Resort
February, 2001
Sent in by: Mo
Dear Friends,
I read the posted comments with enthusiasm before I went to Aruba, so it's
only fair that I share my experience with you. I stayed at the Holiday Inn
in Feb 2001 for 5 nights and 4 days. Although I am a Priority Club member
and requested a king sized bed, my request was not honored. Since I arrived
later in the afternoon this is somewhat understandable. My first room reeked
of Lysol so bad that I requested my room to be changed. I had to stand in
line and wait for the 1 clerk to finish with the customers in line since the
phone in that room did not work.
My second room was neat and clean, but the bathroom was moldy. Looking back I should have
insisted on getting moved to the A or B tower since I recall
reading online that they had recently been renovated (I was in the C tower.... and this
was farthest from the front desk). My balcony plastic furniture was so dirty that I would
not sit on it without a towel.The front desk clerks were nice and friendly, butnot helpful
with information about the buses, phones to the US etc. My best advice is to buy a $9 card
at the front desk at the Holiday Inn and use the phone in the lobby. $9 gets about 6
minutes to the US.
On the positive side the manager sent a lovely cheese and fruit plate! It was
a nice surprise!!
The bus stop is right outside of the hotel and costs $1.50 one-way to town or
$2 round trip. It runs about every 20 minutes. I took a 1/2 day island tour that I highly
recommend. The last stop was Baby Beach,
and they provided snorkling gear. Not a whole lot of interesting fish, but it was fun. I
think it cost $37.50 for box lunch (eat ahead of time :-) and sodas.
The best thing I liked about Aruba was how SAFE it is. I walked every night
without apprehension. Several of the hotels are connected on the beach with
a "boardwalk" and it's lovely to walk after dinner. A great place to eat is
right next to the Holiday Inn at the Playa Linda (timeshare). They have dinner specials
for $18-19 including soup, salad, entree and dessert.The local paper was running a special
for a glass of free with dinner! Right next to the Playa Linda is Le Petit Cafe. The have
a very nice breakfast buffet for $6.95 (approx). Across the street is an Italian
coffee/pastry shop. Never did eat there, but the goodies looked great!! Another good place
for sunset drinks/dinner is the Pelican Nest. It is located on a pier in the water right
next to the Holiday Inn. Walking toward the Marriott is a little local restaurant which
serves inexpensive but good food. BEWARE----many flies around.
In town, Chez Matilda, is a delightful French restaurant with excellent food.
If you MUSt check your email, you will be happy to know that the Radisson
hotel has 2 computers in the lobby and any one can log on and check email (if you don't
mind standing and waiting). With the phone situation being less
that desirable, this is a GREAT way of staying in touch with your family.
Happy Travels!
Mo
|
