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Aruba Journals

Week in Aruba

An August 2006 trip to Aruba by Hoernigs

Land Rovers Photo - DePalm Aruba Safari, Aruba, Caribbean More Photos
Quote: General information about visiting Aruba.
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Week in Aruba Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Travel Photo by IgoUgo member
Quote:
Don't plan too much. You will want to spend more time relaxing on the beach than you think.

Quick Tips:

When you eat out, you will probably notice a 15% service fee on your bill. If you are from the US, don't think of this as your tip. This gets divided among the entire staff. If you thought your service was good, you should add a tip on top of that.

Best Way To Get Around:

Public taxis are well regulated. They have a set fee from one zone to the next. Don't be afraid to use them. Most of the drivers are very friendly.

Holiday Inn SunSpree Aruba Beach Resort and Casino Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort"

Beach Overview Photo - Holiday Inn SunSpree Aruba Beach Resort and Casino, Aruba, Caribbean
Quote:
We went to the Holiday Inn SunSpree resort for my Brother-in-law's wedding. They were staying at the Marriott next door that was out of our price range.The Holiday Inn is a nice budget resort. It is in the high rise section of Aruba. It is not a "high end" hotel, but it is also not a "flea bag".We didn't want to pay the extra for an ocean front room and were surprised with a top (7th) floor room about 2 rooms from the end. We could still see the beach and ocean from our balcony.There seem to be at least 2 types of packages. We had the "bare bones" package which is just the room. We had to pay for all of our drinks and food. The other is all inclusive. I did see other color...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 28, 2006

Holiday Inn SunSpree Aruba Beach Resort and Casino
J E Irausquin Boulevard No 230
Aruba
297-586-3600

DePalm Aruba Safari Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Land Rovers Photo - DePalm Aruba Safari, Aruba, Caribbean
Quote:
This tour is a lot of fun. You have up to 8 people in a Land Rover Defender. You follow a guide around the island on the back roads. They take you to most of the more famous points on the island including the California Lighthouse, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Natural Bridge and the Ostrich Farm. Afterwords, you go to the DePalm Island for snorkeling, food, and drinks. (All open buffet & bar). They have worked very hard to establish a reef at the island and attract fish. There are quite a few fish in the area, but there are also usually quite a few people. The fish are not shy and will stick around even with all the people. All in all, it is a fun trip, any you even get back to your...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 18, 2006

DePalm Aruba Safari
L.g. Smith Boulevard 142
Oranjestad

Holiday Inn SunSpree Aruba Beach Resort and Casino Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Holiday Inn Beach"

Beach Overview Photo - Holiday Inn SunSpree Aruba Beach Resort and Casino, Aruba, Caribbean
Quote:
The beach at the Holiday Inn is not bad. If you want to reserve a hut, you will need to get down to the towel area by 6:30am. They are reserved for the day each day. Floatation mats are available for $3 per day. The water is clear and never gets above chest deep. In the beginning of August, the water was warm. I would assume it is like that year round. You also get the NE trade winds to cool you off all day long.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 18, 2006

Holiday Inn SunSpree Aruba Beach Resort and Casino
J E Irausquin Boulevard No 230
Aruba
297-586-3600

About the Writer

Hoernigs

Hoernigs
Monroe, New York

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