Zach K here... I’ve been to this resort 24 times... the one thing I cared absolutely NOTHING about was internet access... I left my cell phone home. Now, the “mission” coming down to Aruba is absolutely to kick off your shoes, sit in a lounge chair by the beach or pool and do NOTHING for the amount of time you are here... you want to venture out and see the island? Awesome...That’s up to you... but if you want a “do nothing and unwind” vacation, where you can drink the water , have great staff waiting on you and just want to forget about the traffic and the challenges waiting when you get back home? Aruba is the place... ❤️❤️❤️...
Dude... who cares about the internet when you are trying to ESCAPE REALITY FOR a few days??? I’ve been here over 20 times and never, EVER had a bad experience ... 🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃
Very good video. However, he is mistaken about the shopping area across the street. They should have gone down a couple of blocks to the left and they would have come to a mall and shopping plaza. Two blocks to the right and there is another shopping plaza. Downtown Oranjestad have dozens of shops and places to shop and eat and including the Royal Mall. Also 2 of their own casinos and a Flea Market.
Great review man. We are planning our honeymoon and have been looking at videos for all different places, and nothing is as simple but comprehensive as yours.
The wife and I have been to Aruba 20 times... its one of the best places to relax and be worry free .... for your duration... Food, water, weather, atmosphere.... it’s the greatest”do nothing” but relax place ever... I own 2 time shares in this place...
Thank you! The only Bar outside is the bar by the pool. You can either swim up to it on one side or walk up to it on the other. There are also plenty of staff walking around taking orders.
Who cares about internet... you are trying to escape from “normalcy”....I have 2 time shares here and have visited this wonderful island 24 times... never had a bad day, never had a bad experience; even the airport on our way home which is a pretty lengthy process was not so bad...
I am going to Aruba May 6-11th, 2018. Were you there in May of 2017? During this time of year did you think it felt super busy at the resort? Just curious if they have busy seasons, or is it pretty steady all year around?
Thanks for checking out the video. We went May of 2017. When we were there it was closer to the busy side. How ever, there were always seats available, just not in the “prime” locations. IE... Next to water, right by the pool. It never felt to crowded.
Light jazz, singing in bar area next to Casino every night. Also there are big live performances each night. Then you have the option of hanging out on the strip and going to different hotel casinos or nice restaurants
I would rank them in this order 1) El Olvido (Mexican) 2) Zen (Asian) 3) L'Olio (Italian) 4) The Palm (Buffet) 5) Beach Club (Buffet) Make your reservations right when you get there. They “book” fast. I say that because it was tough to get into restaurants but when we went to eat, there was a lot of open tables.
Hello Max do you remember if they served any type of grilled chicken at the all day buffet? Also how much in advance do you have to make reservations for the restaurants? Thank you
Yes they did serve grilled chicken, Make the reservations when you first arrive, generally you can change the time even the day of the reservations. They are very flexible. Hardest one to get Into is Japanese
Max Angus I’m not sure if you would know this or not but do they stock Grey Goose or Tito’s vodka there when giving out drinks? Starting to get nervous with all the people dying in the Caribbean islands lately.
Aruba is the only place we have been that we felt safe leaving the resort. When we were there it was called the Occidental and we loved it. And the "strip" is bigger than you describe. Aruba is worth the money. What a hidden gem!!!
Crime rate is very low, we took a Jeep around the entire island and never felt like we were in any danger. Even at the full service gas station in middle of island, the attendant didn’t try ripping us off, actually was generous with exchange rate
Thanks for the review. We have only ever vacationed in Mexico before. Looking at another place to try like Aruba. How was the entertainment at the resort and how does Aruba compare to Cancun/Riviera Maya if you don't mind me asking. Thanks.
Aruba is the best kept secret in Caribbean. Ultimate place for relaxation and fun. Entertainment is great on site and off of site. We have been to Cancun a few times and stayed different resorts. Aruba has a better, calmer, safer feel and you don't feel like people are trying to scam you.
We stayed in the “Deluxe” room. I went with lowest level because I wasn’t goi g to spend a lot of time there anyways so it didn’t bother me. The photos on the site are actually what you get. Nothing was broken or damaged in the room and in excellent condition. Hope this helps. Have fun!
Hi Max, just came across your review and it was extremely helpful. I am looking to book here and was wondering how all-inclusive it was? ie; were drinks/the buffet free when booking here? Thank you in advance.
Hi Brooke, thanks for checking out the video. Completely All inclusive. Even included beach rafts, snorkel gear, paddle boarding. All restaurants are free, need to make reservations. All drinks are free any where in the resort. Tipping always recommended and never mandatory.
Max, been going to this Hotel for 17 yrs... It is exactly as you say; Great staff, great weather, the greatest “do nothing place” or do something place in the world; relaxation, weather, and great people....
Thank you so much for posting this...We just made reservations at this resort - first time to Aruba - and I am so glad to see it's such a lovely place!
Good day Ms. xJoanne. Please read my comment on Aruba. I've been 4 times and we plan on going again this year for a week. Be safe and have lots of fun. Lol.
It is good for very simple use. The hotel gives you 1 hour for free and then anything after that you pay for. It was to slow to stream, download, upload videos.
Nate Chorney same here lol its between this resort in the Riu Antillas both places look nice its hard to choose. One thing i’ve notice base off other videos this resort seems more laid back and riu antillas seems like a “party” resort which is why I was leaning more towards the Riu
Nate Chorney nice I think i’m going to go with my first choice and book Riu Antillas I believe is next door to the one you booked. Hope you enjoy your trip. I will be there for my birthday in June.
