Just returned from a 7 night stay at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Hotel. Our first trip to
Aruba. The hotel is not the newest or glitziest, but it served our needs and then some. We
were looking for a place to just chill out and relax. We did the all inclusive, which we'd
done twice before on other caribbean islands. There were fewer restaurants at the HI, but
the food was always good. Buffet breakfast or lunch, or lunch by the ocean at the Seabreeze grill. Dinner buffet with a different theme nightly outside
by the water, with nightly entertainment. The dancers were fabulous. Our room was
ok, standard, but we got a good deal, so we weren't looking for ocean front. It was very
quiet and non smoking, which we asked for. Everything was kept very clean. One elevator
was out of service for five days, which caused slight delays at times, but nothing to get
upset about. It is the low season, so the beach, restaurants, bars, etc. were not crowded,
which we liked. the grounds are well maintained. This is a renovated hotel, has shops, a
casino, and anything else you might need. There are 3 bars, and great tropical drinks. If
you go, be sure to ask for "Kill me Slowly", a specialty of the bartender,
Domingo. He was great. No skimping on liquor there. The Miramar restaurant provided a more
elegant, relaxing, intimate atmosphere with great service. You need reservations there,
and some of the entrees were a few dollars more.
As far as activities, we took a bus in town, the prices on stuff there are better. We did
a half day mini bus tour with ABC, which was good. Also, the Banana Bus nightclub and bar
tour. It was loads of fun, with everyone shouting, singing, and playing maracas, in the
open air bus. It was from 8:30 to 1:30. Lots of drinking. Finally, we snorkeled with
Jethro, on the Octopus. It is the only non motorized sailboat, and carries only 22, so it
is low key, and relaxing. I loved the snorkeling. Most of the time, we spent under the
thatched umbrella, just soaking up the atmosphere, beauty, and water. The weather was
great all week, very windy, but we were glad of that, because of the heat. My husband
would get up around 7 am, and go reserve a spot for us, then go back to sleep. We got a
little sunburned the first day. All in all, I loved Aruba. lt is not very colorful away
from the beach, due to it almost never raining, but for a vacation spot, it is fantastic.
For $2100 for both of us, including all food, drinks, airfare and room, we felt like we
got a great deal. Flew from Charlotte to Orlando, and then on to Oranjstad. We went
through Vacation Express, and were pleased. I would recommend the Holiday Inn to anyone
who likes to have fun, but not spend a fortune. they have EP or AI plans. You can drink
the water, and not worry about getting mugged!.
Thanks,
Mary Pasterniak
