|
|
Holiday Inn Sun Spree Resort
February 3 - February 10, 2001
Sent in by: Don
We just spent seven nights at the Holiday Inn. We stayed in the Bonair Tower. This is not
the old part of H I and is a nice location in the resort. Very close to the beach, with an
entrance right at the beach near the towel booth and beach chairs. We had a nice spacious
balcony overlooking the garden courtyard. We had chosen all inclusive for meals and drinks
because we had never been to Aruba and didn't know where or how far other restaurants
where from the H I . As it turns out a number of good restaurants are close by, including
Tony Roma's for ribs and steaks and Dunkin Donuts across the street.The Holiday Inn food
was expectable. The breakfast buffet was the same every day but what made it good was that
you could have omelets and eggs cooked to order by the egg chef. The juice and toast was
self service. The lunch buffet varied each day. Breakfast and lunch were offered in the
Boardwalk Cafe. The dinner buffet was held at poolside. The menu each night
had a theme like Mexican, Caribbean or Western. The only drawback to the
poolside buffet was the wind. We had wanted to eat at the Miramar Restaurant, but could
never find anyone at the reservation desk and if there was it was all booked up until 9:30
or 10:00.
We rented a car from National. They have a desk in the hotel and their
cars are right outside the casino, it was very convenient. The cost for the
Tercel was $48 and $10 for the mandatory insurance. We drove the car from one end of the
island to the other and to the top of the second highest hill, el.
172 meters. They have cheaper cars with no A/C, standard trans. For other activities we
went on a half day snorkel and sailing trip and an all day jeep safari. Snorkeling
offshore at the wreck of the Antilla
was very challenging, but the calm water locations were great. There are several types
of jeep safaris offered. Ours was in six passenger Land Rover Defenders. These are driven
by one of the passengers, who follow the guide. In all there were six vehicles in our
convoy. We traveled the uninhabited side of the island visiting the natural
bridge, gold smelter ruins, Alto
Vista Chapel and all the way through the Arikok National Park. It was
a long and dusty day but well worth going. The coast on this side of Aruba is rugged and
beautiful.
Departing Aruba was a breeze. The U.S. Customs is cleared at the airport
before departure. The terminal is brand new and clean. There is only limited
food available at the airport. Good luck and Happy Travels!
Don
|
