faucet77

We are planning a trip to Curacao & Aruba in July (2 adults, no kids). There are direct flights to Aruba, but we'd like to island hop to Curacao as well. Anyone know how to do this? Any suggestions on where to stay on either island? We've checked out Perx, but are looking for some recommendations. We'd also like to do some snorkeling and scuba diving while we're there. Thanks.

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JhAZ

your a douche... glad to see you have a name that fits your *******... talk to you soon brother.. give me a ring when you get a chance.. have some sad news..

Twiggy1

We stayed at the Divi Aruba resort...all inclusive. Very nice! Casino across the parking lot, and you can use the sister resort next door, the Tamarijn. Water sports included, including snorkeling. Here's the link to the resort(s):

Divi Aruba All Inclusive Vacation Resort - Official Website

Hope the link works...if not just copy and paste. Have fun!

upndsky

I've been to Aruba twice, once on vacation and just a couple of weeks ago on a layover.

The first time, when I was still at XJT, we stayed at the Renaissance in Oranjestad, which was the Continental crew hotel at the time (I don't know if it still is). Delta puts us up in the Westin, which is on the west side of the island.

Of the two, I much prefer the Renaissance. There are many more restaurants around plus the hotel has a private island with two secluded beaches. There's also a very nice pool with a swim-up bar. We just called the hotel directly, asked them for the airline discount rate and got a nice room for around $90/night, which came out to be about $120 with taxes. They also have an all-inclusive package but you must stay there for a certain number of nights. We just decided to go into town to eat and drink.

The Westin is also nice, but there's not much around the hotel in way of restaurants. It's right next to the Riu, which the van driver says is one of the best resorts on the island. I didn't go to check it out but it looked nice. It's also all-inclusive, while the Westin is not.

I've never been to curacao so I can't tell you anything about that. I will add that Aruba is not a pretty island. It's arid, sandy and, at this time of year, very windy. Don't expect lush tropical paradise.

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Bill DeBrauwer

ex-XJT CA
DAL 767 FO

irishNJ

Been to Aruba 6 or 7 times. If you like a nice hotel I prefer the Marriott or the Hyatt in Aruba. Both are on the beach and I got the best deal by just calling the hotel, usually in the summer you get great deals and since they are south of the hurricane region then you don't have to be concerned about that. They have water sports available. The diving is very poor in Aruba, wind surfing was excellent. The Sonesta is downtown Oranjestad, didn't think much of it.

Only been to Curazao twice, (you can fly between the two) Diving was MUCH better. I stayed at the Plaza but that was downtown and kind of business oriented - just go to one of the diving focussed places. Curacao Hotels Lions Dive and Beach Resort, a natural stay at resorts Much more Europeans in Curazao whereas Aruba is very American style.

If you want to dive, go to Bonaire, no question, but the only thing to do is diving, pretty much. I spent a week there diving twice a day and could easily have spent another week.

lima_charlie

If you are a Costco member, you should check out the travel website. Lost of info and deals to LOTS of different places. You can also check Tripadvisor.com for info on the places you want to go...

I_Love_Lamp

Holiday Inn Sunspree resort in Aruba. $80 a night after taxes and is located right on the beach. Isn't like a Holiday Inn at all, much nicer.

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They say that the captain stays fast with the ship,
Through still and storm,
But this ain't the Dakota,
And the water's so cold,
{We} won't have to fight for long.

I went down with the ship baby!

XJT Furloughee