Aruba - Marriott?

I haven't been to Aruba but I know many people who have and they love it. As far as the Marriott, I have always had a pleasant experience with them. I would assume the one in Aruba would be fine but I can't say for sure since I haven't been.

Here are WW's listings for Aruba honeymoon locations https://www.weddingwire.com/honeymoons/caribbean/aruba

And here is the page for the Marriott there, reviews look pretty good! https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/aruba-marriott-resort-stellaris-casino-palm-beach-aruba/834207d8c73b7531.html

We are staying at the Manchebo Beach Resort on Eagle Beach, it's supposed to the the best beach on Aruba, check it out! Keep in mind this is a resort for peace and quiet, not a lot of nightly activities.

http://www.manchebo.com/

We stayed at the Marriott Stellaris last Memorial Day! We loved it. It's right on the beach and the pool bar has great drink specials. It's in a great location, walking distance to many bars and restaurants. The staff was extraordinarily friendly.

I'd highly, highly recommend it. We ended up staying there instead of the Ritz after our friends told us the Ritz felt too pretentious, and Marriott was upscale but not stuffy.

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@Laura did you do the all inclusive package?

Aruba is wonderful! There is plenty to do and it is an easy island to navigate (only about 19 miles long) so you can literally see just about everything in a week. It is very different than most of the other islands as it is arid and very dry (no natural water sources on the island). It has both a strip of activity right near all the big hotels (Marriott included) that is completely walkable. I can't speak to the Marriott but I stayed in the same area and have a few general thoughts.

You will need a cab or a rental if you want to go downtown or to the other end of the island (Baby Beach is an awesome little snorkeling experience). The little butterfly garden is a great experience and you learn a ton. Go earlier in the morning for less crowds. They will also give you a ticket to come back another day before opening if you want to see the butterflies being born so don't save this until the end of the trip.

One of the best meals I had the entire time I was there was at Zeerovers. They literally are pulling fish out of the sea, frying them up, and putting them in a basket in front of you. Don't be put off by the line, there will be tons of places to sit inside and once you're in, the food is to you shortly and you have a beautiful and chill place to eat. Zeerovers is on the way to Baby Beach so definitely eat there on your way back from snorkeling.

Absolutely LOVED Aruba when we went in February - We stayed at the Ritz Carlton (Only because my boss was paying for it as it was a work incentive trip!! ha!). But, the island was gorgeous and the people were so nice and accommodating. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Aruba is beautiful!! Very safe island. You can walk everywhere. I did all inclusive but if I go back I probably wouldn't do it again. Every night a restaurant would have some promotion. Happy hour everywhere. It's a stunning island. You will love it.

@RAG How could I forget the Happy Hours! OP, it is crazy. If you budget your time right there is literally ALWAYS a happy hour somewhere. After all, it's One Happy Island!

Loooove that resort!

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We've been a few times, but my mom goes every year with her "yaya" girls lol. She LOvES the Marriott and has stayed there a few times. Truthfully she's stayed at pretty much every hotel on that strip over the years. Unless they stay at a place that requires all inclusive (Rui), they typically don't elect the all inclusive package. There are wayy too many great restaurants and bars to make your way to. Both by the hotel strip, and down by the cruise ship port. They typically will buy their alcohol duty free in the airport and bring mixed drinks with them on the beach. If they have partial packages maybe doing a breakfast and alcohol package, but the Island is AWEsOMe. I'm jealous love that place!!

As a 19 year Marriott employee...the Aruba Marriott is pretty amazing. I've never been but my colleague goes there with her family every year.

OP we did not do the all inclusive package. I didn't know it was an option actually! Personally, I wouldn't recommend it. Aruba has so many amazing restaurants (Madame Jeanette's is my favorite) that you'll want to go out at night! It's also incredibly safe unless some other tropical locales, so you don't "have" to stay at your hotel.

I stayed at the Aruba Marriott in Palm Beach a few years ago. We had a time share unit, not all inclusive. Our unit had a full kitchen so we did stock up on a few groceries so we didn't have to dine out for every meal. The pool area was amazing (love the lazy river!) and property is close to the beach.

We were there in late September and the temperatures were 85-90* F with light breezes. A couple of rain showers but no significant weather issues to report.

If memory serves, the stellaris is the largest casino on the island. We went for a while to play some slots and roulette. Had a great time, but didn't win the big jackpot!

Shopping in Orenjestad (sp?) was really good especially if you're looking for jewelry.

We really enjoyed our time in Aruba and hope you have a fabulous time whatever you decide!

Thanks all! I'm feeling pretty good about this option with all your feedback.

My FH has gone to Aruba a lot with his softball friends. We're going in November for a long weekend- I can't wait! He always stays at the Renaissance. It has a private beach and is lovely! He also says the all inclusive isn't work it and really isn't all inclusive at most places. There are too many good restaurants to have to eat at the hotels all the time and it averages to the same cost!

Side note - is there a way to search for a particular forum? I'm not the best at using this site, but rather than make another post I'd rather see if a forum has already been posted about something.

I wanted to add that there is a bit of a process to secure a palapas (beach canopy). There's a certain time of day where you can go down and reserve your spot. I forget exactly how it works, but highly recommend inquiring at the hotel. The sun is very strong so you'll want some shade option at the beach.

My parents stayed there and LOVED it! Make sure you book some tours! They really liked the off roading ones and hiking to secret natural pools!