Aruba

[Anonymous]

I'm thinking about planning a winter vacation and a couple of friends recommended Aruba. Our boys will be 3 and 5 this winter. If you have been, do you recommend it for this age group? Are there good restaurant options, activities, etc.? What resort would you recommend? Thanks for any recommendations!

[Anonymous]

We went without kids last year (left baby at home with grandma). I think it would be a great place for kids. There were tons of kids everywhere, and lots of stuff to do. Many of the big resorts on Palm Beach had enormous pools and there were always lots of kids there. SOme hotels might also have Kids Clubs/Camps.

As for restaurants, there were tons of American chains within walking distance of the high-rise resorts, and we again saw lots of kids eating at dinner (with the exception of the high-end places.)

[Anonymous]

I just wanted to make sure you are aware that some people are still boycotting Aruba due to the callous/inept response to Natalee Holloway's disappearance. It is a beautiful island , but what happened to her and the coverup by the vandersloot family is definitely a tragedy. Have a happy, safe vacation wherever you choose to go.

[Anonymous]

My husband and I went last year and loved it and can't wait to go back with our 14 month old daughter. We stayed at the Radisson in the Palm Beach Area where there are tons of resorts/hotels that are walking distance to some fabulous restaurants. What I love about it is that it was such an easy vacation with everything so close by and the airport I recall was only a 20 minute drive. It is absolutely safe and family friendly (lots of families with children). Oh- and it never gets uncomfortably hot because of the constant breeze. You should definitely go.

[Anonymous]

PP here. As far as resort recommendations- Radisson where I stayed is nice with 2 fantastic pools. We will probably go back there next time. There's also the Hyatt which is really nice and the more family friendly Marriott. They are all family friendly but the Marriott offers suites with kitchens.

[Anonymous]

I've been to Aruba twice and I think it would make an excellent family beach vacation. The pp is right - it is a very easy destination. Last summer, I was even able to get a direct flight out of DC. I stayed at the Radisson once, and the Westin the other time. Both were great. What I really like about Aruba is that there is not a whole lot to do there - you can go and spend a week laying on the beach and not feel bad that you didn't see the rest of the island. According to the people that did go on tours/excusions, there's not much to see!

[Anonymous]

Another mom considering Aruba - we need a hotel/condo with kitchen facilities and separate bedroom for the kids. Any recommendations?

[Anonymous]

LaCabana was a nice place when I went years ago. Also, the Marriott has a timeshare part that you can rent and it is set up like a condo.

[Anonymous]

I went 6 years ago pre-kids and stayed at the Radisson as well. I liked that it felt a little less like a huge tower with generic rooms and more like a homey tropical low-rise apartment. I saw a few families there but mostly couples.

One thing we did that was great fun and good for kids was a pirate ship sunset cruise. They had a rope swing for jumping into the ocean (your kids may be too young for that unless they had life vests and felt comfortable with it) and the ship itself was neat and the people working it were great. I just found a website for them: www.jolly-pirates.com/

If you're a meat eater, the best restaurant we ate at (which is also highly rated on tripadvisor) was El Gaucho. www.elgaucho-aruba.com I tried conch fritters for the first time and had an array of really delicious grilled meat.