Aruba and Sunsets

[Arubalisa]

Totuga is located at a timeshare resort, the Aruba Beach Club. In that type of setting they do close early because people are not generally around hanging out. After they leave the beach they head to their own "unit" mix their own drinks and sit on their own balconies. Why spend $$$ on drinking if you can go to the supermarket, buy the stuff much cheaper and serve yourself. The timeshares are just a little different from a "regular" resort. Some people, because they have their own kitchens, will not even bother going out to dinner, will just cook something up, or bbq and eat in their unit. Resorts have more of a "captive audience".

 

On Palm Beach: from south to north are:

Phoenix, Aruba Beach Resort (former Wyndham), Riu (closed up for year long renovations), Radisson, Occidental (newly opened after renovations), Hyatt, Playa Linda, Holiday Inn and then down the beach about a 5 - 10 minute walk are the Marriott Vacation Club timeshare resorts and Marriott hotel.

 

All of the resorts with the exception of the Marriott's are connected to one another along the beachside by a concrete walkway. You could very easily have a taxi drop you off at the Aruba Beach Resort (former Wyndham) and work your way north (walking) ...gambling and drinking :D I personally have no preference on the casinos...just know they all like taking my money :cool:

[FinelyRetired]

This restaurant has been recommended to us. We are cruising in December. Where is it located in proximity to where our ship will be docked? Walking distance? Taxi distance?

 

Thanks

[Arubalisa]

This restaurant has been recommended to us. We are cruising in December. Where is it located in proximity to where our ship will be docked? Walking distance? Taxi distance?

 

Thanks

My husband and I have eaten dinner there on 3 occasions and it is a once in a lifetime experience. It is expensive though and quite a distance from the pier. A GOOD 15 -20 minute ride.

 

Here are some threads on the forum in regards to the FF...

Flying Fishbone is terrific!

Best Place for Dinner in Aruba?

Looking for a restaurant for dinner/sunset by the water

Flying Fishbone

Dining in Aruba

 

According to http://www.taxiaruba.com/farelist.html the fare would be $19 each way from downtown Oranjestad and the Savaneta area where the FF is located.

[Arubalisa]

another point for Palm Beach- now are these places to get a nice drink located ON the beach.

 

How about chairs?> will there be chairs out at 5pm?

drinks? are they the frozen stuff.. yummm

serene- Found these pics this a.m. and thought of you :D

http://www.arubabound.com/photos/htl/wyn/rest/tambu.jpg

http://www.arubabound.com/photos/htl/wyn/rest/tambua.jpg

The red roof building is the Tambu Beach Bar at the Aruba Resort (former Wyndham)

[serene56]

argh-- decisions decisions... (LOL) i have til next weekend to make up my mind--coz once i am onboard I cant look up nothing no more.

 

and with my computer down at home it really cuts into my researching--lol which could be a good thing.

[63galaxie]

serene- Found these pics this a.m. and thought of you :D

http://www.arubabound.com/photos/htl/wyn/rest/tambu.jpg

http://www.arubabound.com/photos/htl/wyn/rest/tambua.jpg

The red roof building is the Tambu Beach Bar at the Aruba Resort (former Wyndham)

I just want to thank you Arubalisa for the recommendation The Flying Fishbone. I've been working extra just to pay for the dinner there, but I think my husband will be pleasantly surprised when we walk in and sit down in (LOL) the ocean!!! I can't wait to see his face. I'm going to surprise him (if I can hold it in)!

Karen in Kentucky

[Arubalisa]

I just want to thank you Arubalisa for the recommendation The Flying Fishbone. I've been working extra just to pay for the dinner there, but I think my husband will be pleasantly surprised when we walk in and sit down in (LOL) the ocean!!! I can't wait to see his face. I'm going to surprise him (if I can hold it in)!

Karen in Kentucky

Well Karen, thanks for the kind words. I am in Aruba with my family right now. We have my 10 year old with us so will not be getting to the FF this trip but be assured EVERYTHING about Aruba is just as wonderful as it always has been!

[serene56]

Lisa: Back from our cruise and Aruba is everything you said.

We made our way by cab who dropped us off at a cab stand beside Aruba Resort Club. (he told us he cant drop us off at the hotels since we were non paying guests)

We went to the beach at the resort-- and took 3 chairs that were sitting on the beach, We were afraid the guys would tell us we cant sit there as the chairs were for paying quests.

The hotel was setting up fancy chairs with small tables with wine and cheese for guests for the sunset.

Spectacular. The beach is not crowded at all. We arrived by 4:15. THe water was so warm. The beach so beautiful. People were friendly.

We decided to make Aruba our land vacation for Feb 2008

[serene56]

I came home and was looking for hotels and most places have the name Resort in their name---arghh.

 

When walking onto the beach from the cab area--- Mt Doshi pier is sticking in the water.. facing the water we turned left. THere is a hotel there with a clock facing out to the waters...

 

in the ocean there is a dock where kids were jumping off into the water.

 

What is the name of this hotel???

[Arubalisa]

Glad to hear that you enjoyed Aruba serene56! Funny I was speaking to a couple at happy hour tonight and they first visited Aruba on a cruise, vowed to come back and are now here on a land vacation for the 10th time.

 

We too are enjoying Aruba every bit as much as we always do. The water is always warmer in September :)

 

The hotel with the clock facing the water and the little swim platform is the Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino (former Wyndham) will be a Westin by the end of the year. We have stayed there three times and liked it very much. Also check out the Radisson though. We have returned here for a fourth time after 3 times at the Aruba Resort and the Radisson is a notch above the Aruba Resort. Our pocketbook usually dictates where we stay ;) , but definitely worth checking out.

[serene56]

Is that what all that construction is doing?? Building a Westin?

 

I know I cant afford a Westin so thanks for the heads up and will check out the Raddison.

[Arubalisa]

All the construction is the former Aruba Grand which is going to be a Riu All Inclusive. IMHO, don't go all inclusive in Aruba because there are WAAAYY too many EXCELLENT restaurants in EVERY price range. If the Westin or Radisson are not in your budget check out the Holiday Inn SunSpree or Manchebo which is located along Eagle Beach. I will be home from Aruba late Saturday. Email me and I can send you some more resources for planning your trip. :D

[serene56]

An all-inlcusive is way out of budget- 400+ per night difference. I know we both can eat for less then that per day..(didnt I see a Wendys somewhere...lol)