Best Things Nearby:
Resort located between downtown Oranjestad and High Rise hotel area. You will need to take a taxi or rent a car to explore these areas.

Best Things About the Resort:
Nice units, large pool, nice bar, beautiful beach, great maid service (cleaned every day).

Our unit was oceanfront and had a spectacular view of the ocean.

Resort Experience:
We took the kids to Aruba for our 15th wedding anniversary; we wanted something more spectacular than our normal beach vacation this year.

I have to admit, we got really lucky to get an Ocean Front unit (1523 see layout on their website). Most units overlooked the pool with upper units having a partial view of the ocean. I probably would have been happy with one of these, but you should get an oceanfront if possible. You can't beat the proximity to---and the view of---the ocean.

My first impression of the ocean was a lot like Destin Florida. White sand and Emerald Blue/Green Ocean. Then I realized, they don't really get seaweed and the weather is always the same. I mean 87 - 92 degrees with no rain and a constant 15+ MPH wind, 24/7/365. It's out of the hurricane belt too. Where else can you go and be guaranteed good weather?

We rented a car and explored the high-rise hotel area, the lighthouse, baby beach and took a cruise on the Jolly Pirate Ship.

The Low-rise area where we stayed was much more laid back with fewer activities. A few kids, mostly older crowed. High Rise area seemed to be nicer for kids with lots of activity. The Marriott looked really nice for kids.

The lighthouse at the south end of the island had a nice view of Aruba. Great photo opportunities here.

Baby Beach was great! A long trip to the north of the island so you need to rent a car but definitely worth it. A large cove with water only about 2-3 feet deep. Bring your snorkel gear or rent a pair of fins. Big colorful fish can be seen. My whole family loved it, especially my 9 year old.

The Jolly Pirate ship was the best! It took you snorkeling at a couple of places including an old shipwreck. The final stop was a rope swing off the ship. A must for everyone!! The crew kept things fun and entertaining and were great.

The food in Aruba... Gosh, it was very good. But very pricey! Even the grocery store was expensive (about 30-60% higher than the States). Alcohol was the worst. A 10 oz can of beer was $2.25. No discounts for quantity either. But visit the Duty Free store at the airport. Great buys here!! Buy some good rum there and the tropical drink mix in the freezer at the grocery store. Wow, those were much better that the bar drinks. Fix them virgin style for the kids. Sit back and watch the sunset.

Aruba will not disappoint you!

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Good
• Service: Very Good

Best Things Nearby:
Nothing

Best Things About the Resort:
Nothing

Resort Experience:
Unfortunately, I don't have anything nice to say about Aruba or the resort. We will never return. My son was unable to enjoy the pool because the kiddie pool didn't allow children with diapers (even swim diaper) in the pool. The staff was not friendly. You definitely need a car to get around. We were at least able to visit calmer beaches and see local areas. The one-bedroom accommodations are not on the beach. The food was OK; our best meal was at Hooters!! The resort definitely lacked any activity. I'm not sure if it was the wrong time to go to Aruba or not, but I will never go back.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Poor
• Amenities: Poor
• Unit Satisfaction: Fair
• Family Friendliness: Poor
• Service: Poor

Best Things Nearby:
Alhambra Casino, beautiful beach at your doorstep.

Best Things About the Resort:
This is a very lovely and luxurious timeshare resort. The rooms are beautifully appointed, and they try to think of everything you might need. All the units have a nice view of the pool or the ocean or both. The pool is lovely. The atmosphere is family-friendly but also quiet enough for couples enjoying a romantic getaway.

Resort Experience:
Casa del Mar is located midway between downtown Oranjestad and the high-rise hotels.

It is adjacent to its sister resort, the Aruba Beach Club, and next door to the Divi Divi. Casa Del Mar (CDM) is newer and more elegant than Aruba Beach Club (ABC). But both have nice pools, and you can use either one.

The suites at CDM were large and nicely furnished. Our two-bedroom suite had a king bed in the master, while the second bedroom had twin beds. The living room couch opened to a queen-size bed. There were TVs in the living room, master bedroom, and second bedroom. They had cable TV.

The living space was open concept, with separate living, dining, and kitchen areas. The kitchen was larger than most timeshares and had a stove, microwave, full-sized refrigerator, and all the comforts of home. Our third-floor unit had a balcony with table and chairs, overlooking the pool and out to the sea.

The resort has a small but adequate fitness center, hair salon, beach shop, members' lounge, and general store. CDM and ABC share a minimarket.

The two sister resorts are located on an absolutely beautiful white sandy beach. The past few years, there have been problems with beach erosion in front of the resorts, bringing the water closer to the seaside restaurant. But they fill in the beach, and Mother Nature takes care of filling it back in from time to time. You can walk the whole stretch of beach up to the end where they hold the windsurfing competitions in early June. It's just gorgeous.

There aren't water sports available right at the resort, but you can make arrangements for them and for sailing and catamaran cruises at the desk. There is also a car-rental facility in the lobby.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent