We stayed at the Aruba Marriott Aug 29
- Sept.3 and had a wonderful trip. Out of all of the resorts we saw, we think we made the
best choice. It was beautiful, staff was wonderful - loved everything about it. The room
was huge. We had an oceanview deluxe sweet. It has a partial ocean view and city view
towards the lighthouse. We got up at 6:30 every morning to reserve out hut and then go to
the huge fitness center. Then back to the huts by 8:00 to get our chairs and towels.
Activities we did included:
horseback riding at Rancho Daimari. Had a
wonderful time $50.00 per person. Well kept horses. We rode them to the natural pool and
along the beach. The only bad thing was that another horse bit me while mine was galloping
past his. I still have the scar. We also climbed 550 steps to Hooiberg. We made
it to the top in 25 min. w/a couple of rest stopes and back down in 10 min. Beautiful
scenery. Almost backed out after 250 steps but we rested then continued. Glad we did. We
went to the Natural Bridge. It was a sight, but before we got there, we took a wrong turn
and got our car imbedded in sand. Luckily some young Arubians were nearby. They were half
drunk but still managed to get us out of our fix. We were scared to start with, but they
were very friendly. We did a little shopping, but no great bargains. Just bought some
t-shirts and boxer shorts for our 3 kids back home and a Rum cake. We played a few nights
at the Stellaris casino but we lost more than won. We mostly enjoyed the beach.
We had a rental car from Budget for 5 days $145.00 - used it every day.
As for the restaurants, I have a lot to say.
Thanks BB'ers for all the input, we ate at some really great
restaurants. El Gaucho
(split Churrascosteak, coconut cake, 5 drinks $53.00) was wonderful. Chalet
Suisse (most expensive, award winning seabass, surf & turf, carafe of wine,
toblerone fondue $112.00) was my personal favorite. Awesome food! Flying Fishbone
(lobster tail, grouper w/mango,creme brulee and a couple of drinks $82.00) had wonderful
atmosphere but my lobster was too fishy and the creme brulee was half frozen - a little
disappointed here. Madame Janettes (crabcakes, pork schnitzel style, grouper
almond, homemade cheesecake $70.00) was another favorite. Got a few mosquito bites here
but they presented us with bug spray after the first few. Food was delicious and very
reasonable. Amazonia
wowed my husband with non-stop beef, pork, lamb, chicken and sausage. We also had creme
brulee and cappucino cake and a few drinks $113.00. For lunches we ate at Salt & Pepper (tapas of mahi in beer batter,
terriyake chicken, mango shrimp and grand dessert) $30.00. Okay food. Iguana Joes
(quesadilla, cheeseburger, coconut walnut tart, Brown lady) $31.00. Again, okay food. Hostaria da Vittorio ( linguini w/seafood, pizza margherita,
rum cake, wine )$45.00. Disappointed - soggy crust pizza. Chez Matilde (pan fried
trout, shrimp skewer, choc. cake, strudel, wine)$67.00. Wonderful food and atmosphere.
Moreaffordable for lunch than dinner. LaVista at Marriott (crabcakes, fish
sandwich, brownie sundae) $27.00. Good. We also went to Champions at the Ocean
Club one night for drink and dessert (cheesecake burrito, Babe Ruth Sundae, and a couple
of drinks ) $24.00. Best desserts of the whole trip besides the fondue at Chalet
Suisse. Hope this review helps.
Feel free to e-mail me. Thanks!
Wendy
