Radisson

[bling19572010]

Does anyone know how far the Radisson is from the Pier? How much does a taxi cost for round trip (to and from the pier)?

 

Thanks!

[Arubalisa]

Depends on traffic in downtown Oranjestad, but should take no more than 15 -20 minutes max to take a taxi to the Radisson. Fare from the pier to the Radisson. Taxi should be $10 each way http://www.taxiaruba.com/farelist.html

[bling19572010]

Thanks Lisa. I wondered when I'd be hearing from you! You've been very helpful to me in the past and I do appreciate it!

[PhillyTom]

Just came back from a week in Aruba. Be prepared for strong winds 24/7. Stayed next door to Radisson. Had breakfast there one morning. Very nice Hotel. Liked it better than the one we stayed at (Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino). Lisa was correct, depending on traffic, it can take about 15-20 minutes into town. Downtown traffic is heavy at times, especially on Tuesdays & Friday's when cruise ships are in port.

 

Take the City Bus into town from your Hotel. It costs $2.00 round trip ticket and drops you off right in the center of town (last stop). Buses are clean and nice. Very convenient. Ask your front desk where closest bus stop is located. Tell bus driver where you want to go, they are very helpful.

[bling19572010]

PhillyTom....you're a busy guy...just answering all kinds of questions for me. I'll be in Aruba for a day (cruise ship) the first of November and for a whole week next April. Can you tell me the must see and do's? I'd also appreciate any other info you can give me about your time in Aruba. Thanks!

[PhillyTom]

Dear JMAT,

 

Our group was in Aruba for a week of fun, sun, sand & surf. We really weren't interersted in doing a lot of sightseeing. Here are some of the things we did, with my comments:

 

Konukukoo Bus Tour - $59.00 per person. Crazy open air bus picks you up at your hotel around 6:00 pm and tour last until midnight. Highly recommended. We all (7) had a great time. Nice dinner at former Ambassador's residence, then a stop a three local bars, with first drink included with admission charge. Not cheap on quantity or quality of booze. Bartenders were very generous. You start off the tour by not knowing anyone on your bus, but in a short time, you're singing and dancing with total strangers on your bus. By the end of the tour, were were all hugging and taking pictures of one another. The crazier the outfit you were the more fun you'll have.

 

Tattoo Party Boat - $39.00 per person (reservations recommended). This tour is geared more towards younger crowd (20's). Okay dinner on deck #2, the partying on Deck #1. Deck #3 is for relaxation and sightseeing. Boat leaves from high rise area to sailing to downtown area, then back. Start boarding at 7:15 pm only on Wed. & Friday's. Arrive back to starting point at around midnight. Tarzan rope and enclosed tube slide in back of ship for taking a dip into ocean at end of tour. Lot of crazy fun swimming in ocean at midnight.

 

Carlos & Charlie's bar - very near where cruise ship docks. In fact you can see the sign from docking area. Lot of fun.

 

Harley Davidson Motorcycle Tour - approx. $150.00 to rent hog and tour island with tour guide. It's a four hour tour around island. Heard it was fun. Member of our group did this with passenger on bike and had fun.

 

Smokey Joe's Bar & Grill - center of high rise area. Good food and can get very crowded. Don't order any apps unless you have a huge appetite, because dinner is plentiful.

 

There is a flea market with many native souvenier huts in shopping area between center of town where ships dock and high rise hotel area. Supermarket is on site with huts on adjoining property. Huts are only open on Saturdays and Sundays. Some good souvenier shopping. It's near the Harley Davidson dealership. There are some add'l souvenier huts very near cruise ship dock area. Walking distance.

 

Remember, Aruba is very windy 24/7. temps are warm, but wind makes things comfortable. Loved the crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. Tropical paradise.

 

Hope this info helps.

 

ps. don't stay at Aruba Resort, Spa and Casino in "high-rise" area. We stayed there, but can't recommend it.

[bling19572010]

PhillyTom....thanks so much for all the great info!! Sounds like an awesome place.

[Cruiseaway05]

Have stayed at the Radisson before and they have by far the nicest beach - in our opinion. Any idea if they might sell a day pass - going in November- so not peak season. Or other hotels that would do so? Would like chairs and umbrellas or palapas?

[sunshine3360]

We stayed in Aruba for a week and it is windy. That's why the trees stand sideways. If you go down beyound the Wyndham, it is less windy. We stayed at

the Holiday Inn and it wasn't so bad.

[Arubalisa]

We've stayed at the Radisson 3 times, 3 times at what is now the "former" Wyndham and also the Phoenix. The southern end of Palm Beach, the Wyndham especially is windier than the Holiday Inn, Playa Linda, Hyatt or Occidental. Never in 12 trips have we had problems being stung by blowing sand except when we stayed at the Wyndham and Phoenix.