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 Aruba:
#102129
08/21/07 02:28 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,024
dolebludger
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Some friends have some sort of a time share at Divi Villiage Golf resort in Aruba. They gave us seven nights there next month. The resort appears to be pretty close to Orangestadt. We've never been there except via cruise. What to do there? How about local prices? This resort offers all inclusive packages for $140 pp/per diem. Is this worth it? And hints or advice?
Thanks,
Richard
"It's five o'clock somewhere."
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Re: Aruba:
#102130
08/21/07 02:42 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
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Richard, I was in Aruba on land trips of one week each in the 70's, other than one day on a cruise on the Diamond in maybe 2003. I loved it then, and on my one day there a few years ago, still loved it, although it has grown b/c of the cruise biz, which was not there before. We got off the ship, rented a 4 wheel drive vehicle and went to the end of the island (north) and headed off-road at the lighthouse for a great drive on the beach on the windward side. There is a beautiful natural bridge that has been caused by the wave movement, and on the beach you see those "rock towers" that people build on the beach (well, any place in the world) with stones and pebbles they find. Also a little church which my daughter loved. We sort of got lost trying to make our way back to the ship, and almost got stuck in the sand! Jes got out of the jeep and pushed us out! At night, there are casino's open on the island. It has a beautiful natural beach on the leeward side, with crystal clear water. Not sure where your friend's time share is. If there was one island other than Harbour Island (well, maybe Anguilla once I check it out in November) that I would love to return to, it would be this one. Caveat is that I have not been there on land trip for over 30 years.
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Re: Aruba:
#102131
08/21/07 02:54 PM
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Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,171
KarenS
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Richard, I haven't been there in probably 10 years but I love Aruba! Not much to do in Orangestadt but shop but the shopping is wonderful! The beach further out is beautiful, though. (I forget what it is called, maybe 7 mile beach?)
Like Olivia, we rented a car and went to the natural bridge and then ate dinner at a local place in San Nicholas called Breezes del Mar which may or may not be still there but it was a great place to get away from the touristy restaurants!
Karen
Live long and prosper
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Re: Aruba:
#102132
08/21/07 02:58 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,729
Ray
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Richard:
Sorry I can't be any help to you but after watching the news tonight about your weather, am glad to see you posting as I was concerned about you and the other good Sooner people in Oklahoma.
Cheers! Ray
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Re: Aruba:
#102133
08/21/07 03:25 PM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,079
DenaH
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Richard, we have been to Aruba twice in the last five years or so and we enjoy it. I agree fully with what Olivia and Karen have said. The main attraction of course is the beaches - nice wide/long beaches, good diving and watersports. Also you can take a jeep tour or rent a car and explore the island on your own - there are some interesting sights to see - but sad to say, the natural bridge collapsed last year!
There are lots of good restaurants to choose from and prices are reasonable. If it were me, I would definitely not take the all-inclusive package as you can probably get a wider variety and higher quality of food outside of the resort, and it's easy to get around. If you will have a kitchen, there is a very nice, modern supermarket where you can get groceries, which we usually do for breakfast and lunch. I don't think we've ever spent close to $140 pp for food in a day (and we've eaten quite well) but it may be a good option if you eat (or drink?) a lot!
As others have said, there is good shopping and casinos, if that is of interest. And, I think Aruba is located such that it is not subject to hurricanes.
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any further questions.
Dena
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Re: Aruba:
#102134
08/21/07 03:40 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,991
pwolftx
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Richard, we've also been to Aruba several times, it's one of our favorite places. I agree with Dena, skip the all-inclusive. The restaurants in Aruba are wonderful and enjoying them is a big part of the fun in going there. Otherwise, it's water sports/horseback riding, etc or shopping during the day, and restaurants, casinos and nightlife at night. The Divi resort is on the only decent golf course in Aruba --it's really a very nice resort--out on the end of the island, but not too far from the downtown shopping area. I'm sure the resort will also have activities you may want to participate in. You may want to rent a car or a jeep, at least for a couple days. Otherwise, there's pretty good taxi service wherever you want to go.
Peggy
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Re: Aruba:
#102135
08/21/07 05:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,171
KarenS
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The natural bridge collapsed? That is awful!
Karen
Live long and prosper
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Re: Aruba:
#102136
08/22/07 06:57 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
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Yes, that was sad to hear and see
http://www.flickr.com/photos/85943352@N00/sets/876498/
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Re: Aruba:
#102137
08/22/07 07:28 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,024
dolebludger
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Ray:
A bit off topic, but thanks for you concern about Oklahoma. Saturday night, we had a hurricane. Wee are used to tornadoes and droughts this time of year, but a hurricane with up to 10" of rain is unknown here. The lake behind our home is a city water reservoir, and is usually almost dust this time of year. Now it has flooded out some roads around it. Our house sits high enough to avoid any flood problems, thankfully.
Now, back to Aruba. Carol is concerned it may be too much "party central" for us -- though we are going after all the "kids" are back in college and high school. Glad to hear price there are reasonable. Is anybody specifically familiar with Divi Villiage Golf Resort? Pictures look good (but they always do). It lists its location as Orangestadt, and supposedly has a private beach. There are also several other Divi resorts on Aruba, and transport to them is supposedly included. I shouldn't "look a gift horse in the mouth", but I am looking for assurance that this resort will be up-scale enoughg to at least be enjoyable (considering the $0 cost for us.)Does Aruba become "too crowded", especially when the mega ships come in -- or do they even come to Aruba in September?
"It's five o'clock somewhere."
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Re: Aruba:
#102138
08/22/07 10:59 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,991
pwolftx
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Richard, we haven't stayed at Divi, but know people who have. The Divi Resorts are more or less "nicer" timeshares -- not upscale like a Ritz or a Four Seasons, but nice for timeshares. You don't have the same service as in a hotel (e.g. maid service every day), but you do have lots of extra space--it's like a small apartment and they allmost always have balconys. I think the Divi Village Golf Resort is even one of the nicer Divi resorts. All the Divi resorts in Aruba except one are located together just past Palm Beach which is the major tourist area in Aruba. I think there's also a Divi resort on Eagle Beach, just outside of Orangestadt in the "low rise" area. If there's more than one large ship in Aruba, the downtown area (Orangestadt) and probably Palm Beach will be pretty crowded--you may want to stay away from there. Your resort is large enough and probably has enough amenities that you won't need to leave it unless you really want to anyway. I'm sure you'll have a good time there, but if you decide you don't want to go, we'd be really happy to take your place :D
Peggy
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Re: Aruba:
#102139
08/22/07 11:48 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,917
ssclbc
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I went to Aruba on my honeymoon. I loved it. The snorkeling was great, if you dive it would be even better. Renting a car for at least a day or two is really fun. The maps are (used to be) horrible; we'd get lost all of the time but it was part of the fun. How lost can you get on an island where you can almost always see the ocean? It's too bad about the natural bridge, but there are caves with primitive carvings on the North shore as well. The food was very good and not too expensive; I'd skip the all inclusive plan. I have in-laws with a timeshare at one of the Divi resorts, it wasn't my favorite place but there are other very nice places to go for a meal or a drink. If you mostly just sleep there and use the beach; it doesn't really matter.
Lauri
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Re: Aruba:
#102140
08/22/07 12:10 PM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,079
DenaH
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I agree not to worry about party central. The cruise ships being in port won't affect the resorts, and you will probably not experience a "wild crowd" staying there. We've stayed at the Marriott timeshare properties twice and that was our experience. Cruise ship crowds will be noticeable in town (Orangestadt) when large ships are in port. We actually used CruiseCal to figure out when to avoid the town, and everything was fine. There are places like Carlos & Charlie's which will draw the party crowd. I'll put in a plug for my favorite restaurant, Madame Janette. There are also some good places to get Argentinean steak, and lots of good seafood restaurants. There are a few good message boards for Aruba - maybe you can find more specific information on your resort at one of these: www.aruba-bb.com bb.visitaruba.com Karen, we were sad about the natural bridge! It was a neat little place to visit. It collapsed a few months before our last trip there, and we probably would have driven over there anyway, but we were busy with scuba diving certification and didn't have the time. Dena
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Re: Aruba:
#102141
08/22/07 12:12 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,024
dolebludger
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pwolktx:
From what I can understand from our "benefactors" as to this resort condo, it is in the "low rise" area. What does being in this location do to us in terms of large ship crowds, availability of stores (where I can buy beer, of course!) and proximity to good beaches?
"It's five o'clock somewhere."
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Re: Aruba:
#102142
08/22/07 12:51 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,991
pwolftx
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Hmm, I must have my Divi's mixed up ;) . I was thinking the Golf Village was out by the Divi Phoenix resort and the golf course out there, but I guess not. The "low rise" area is much closer to Orangestadt, but you wouldn't see a lot of cruise passengers in that area because they all go to Palm Beach further out. That area is much more centrally located, so easier to get to restaurants, etc. The beach in that area is great and not nearly as crowded as Palm Beach. I still think you'll have a great time.
Peggy
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Re: Aruba:
#102143
08/22/07 01:38 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,024
dolebludger
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Yes, and to confirm that, the Divi we are booked at lists its address as being in (or near) Orangestadt. Confusing, isn't it?
"It's five o'clock somewhere."
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Re: Aruba:
#102144
08/22/07 03:53 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
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Richard, everything there seems to have a "Divi" in the name! 35 years ago when I went there, I think it was at the "Divi Divi" Hotel probably long since razed and turned into time shares! What I remember is that it was only 5 stories or so, and at one point, someone put on their door a print-out that the DOW had surpassed 1000! Big moment!
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Re: Aruba:
#102145
08/22/07 04:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,024
dolebludger
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jhp:
Yes, I know this Divi resort is a time share. That's why we are hesitant to go, even though the price per night for us is $0! That's why we are asking so many questions. "Budget travel" is not on our schedule -- we'd rather stay home. But some of the information we have received indicates that this resort/timeshare might just meet our minimum standards. Oh, sure, we like different sorts of travel experiences. This weekend, Carol is going to Durango, Colorado where her daughter lives, and stay with her and go river rafting and such. So we are not inflexible, just don't want to stay in a "pit" and be nickeled and dimed" to death.
"It's five o'clock somewhere."
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Re: Aruba:
#102146
08/22/07 05:01 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,641
joannapv
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Too LZ to go back and read all - did you check Trip advisor? Your friend offered it I think? - I would trust my friends assuming we liked same things -
Joanna
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Re: Aruba:
#102147
08/22/07 05:12 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,024
dolebludger
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Joanna:
I am going to show my ignorance here, but who is LZ and who is "Trip Advisor?" I can't find their posts above, but would appreciate their advice.
"It's five o'clock somewhere."
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Re: Aruba:
#102148
08/22/07 05:26 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,641
joannapv
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LZ is short for Lazy...see how LZ I am - google Tripadvisor...major site we have used it for many trips - great advice for us - again, I would trust your friends who are offering
Joanna
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Re: Aruba:
#102149
08/22/07 05:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,171
KarenS
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Richard, I am not sure if I have the right Divi resort but here is what Joanna was talking about. Scroll down the page at this site to read some Divi reviews. There are 247 reviews and most of them look pretty good!
Karen
Live long and prosper
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Re: Aruba:
#102150
08/23/07 06:58 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,447
Sue&TomInGeorgia
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There are two totally different resorts on Aruba that have the name "Divi" in them. :)
The one you are asking about, Richard, is a golf resort.
"Play on the beach, on the green, or at the tables - all in one deluxe Aruba resort. Just steps from Aruba's white sand beaches and sheltered in a tropically landscaped garden, the Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort is convenient to all of Aruba's attractions and activities. The Divi Village is centered on a large, sparkling freshwater pool, with views of Divi's private beach located directly across from the resort. 162 spacious studios, one- and two-bedroom suites which offer fully-equipped kitchens and private balconies with tropical scenery. In 2004, the Divi Village opened the Links at Divi Aruba - a beautifully landscaped 9-hole golf course and golf training facility. The course will surround 240 luxury vacation suites and offer an exclusive clubhouse with two gourmet restaurants and a water view lounge."
The one Karen posted the Trip Advisor link to (Divi Aruba All Inclusive) is not the same resort.
Sue
"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in" Robert Orben
*******
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Re: Aruba:
#102151
08/23/07 08:45 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,024
dolebludger
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Sue&Tom:
Ok, now that we have identified the correct Divi resort, I have some questions. Is it near restaurants and places to buy bottles of liquor and beer (so as to make their $140 per diem/pp all inclusive package unneeded? Also, is it near or in an area where we will have to contend with mobs of mega ship passengers?
Thanks,
Richard
"It's five o'clock somewhere."
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Re: Aruba:
#102152
08/23/07 09:20 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,447
Sue&TomInGeorgia
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Richard I wish I could be of more help, but I have never been there. I only know there are two different Divi's and the one you are talking about is the golf resort due to my job (see my profile). ;)
Sue
"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in" Robert Orben
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Re: Aruba:
#102153
08/23/07 09:36 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,115
cruiseluv
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Richard, As Joanna said, I suggest you go to Tripadvisor and read the numerous comments there: Go HERE Based on some I read, there is the original Divi Village resort ( which gets some bad reviews as being dated) and a newer section next to it, referred to as "The Links". Also, go to the website of the property for details on location, etc. it's 2 miles from town. www.divivillage.com I was in Aruba years ago. I was in some hotel right on Palm Beach. I loved the beach. Aruba is very dry as it doesn't get much rain. More sunny days to enjoy the beach!
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Re: Aruba:
#102154
08/24/07 11:03 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,024
dolebludger
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Thanks, all:
I really should have posted this in the "hotels" forum here. But thanks to you I have all the information I need. "Divi Viliage Golf and Beach Resort" consists of several types of resort properties, the oldest being the multi-story building called "Divi Villiage". From the information to which I was referred, this old building is a wreck! (At least what would be called so by those wanting Regent/Silversea level accomodations as most of us on this board do.) The newer properties on the site are reported as being what would be probably accceptable to us.
So to figure out where we would be staying (and to check on the possibility of buying an upgrade), I called Divi's toll free number. I found we were in the "old wreck." And I found something worse. The owner of the timeshare who gave us this week had failed to give Divi our names, and was required to do so by today (August 24) or they wouldn't check us in! The timeshare owner is in Norway until Sept. 7, and we have no idea where to find her! And it gets worse. Our Delta tickets are non-refundable! All we can do is to use them in the next year, and loose $100 each to boot if we chose a different destination.
Life is a series of learning experiences, and I just learned a $1400 lesson. Don't EVER spend any travel money on a "free" vacation. Don't try to make travel arraingments on your own. Always go through a good TA like Ngaire. Do this, and your vacation won't be free (or close to it), but you will have a vacation, it will be as represented, and you'll get your money's worth.
"It's five o'clock somewhere."
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Re: Aruba:
#102155
08/24/07 11:21 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,917
ssclbc
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Yikes!
Can you stay somewhere else? The Hyatt there used to be very nice. Granted, it's not "free" but at least you won't lose your airfare.
Lauri
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Re: Aruba:
#102156
08/24/07 12:56 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,024
dolebludger
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We thought about alternate hotel/resort arraingements, but decided with only a week to put the thing together, we would be better off using the Delta "credit" on flights elsewhere in the next year (which we can do). As this thread demonstrates, it is not particularly easy to get all the info one wants on a land resort -- like it is on a cruise ship. That is because hotels, resorts, airlines, and all the rest (except cruise lines) have eliminated the use of TA's.
Back in the days when hotels/resorts used to book through TAs, it would have been easy for us. One phone call: "Ngaire, our planned resort in Aruba fouled up and we need a weeks accomodations at someplace decent there!" And I'll bet Ngaire would have had the matter handled before sundown. But since land resorts dont use TAs, I'm on my own 3000 miles away, and run a risk at booking at a "rat hole" as was the case the first time.
Unless somebody knows of something I don't, a week just isn't enough time to put this thing together again with us working on it on our own. As I said, I learned a lesson.
"It's five o'clock somewhere."
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Re: Aruba:
#102157
08/24/07 01:21 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
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Richard, as I see it, the big lesson learned here is not to book non-refundable air until you are absolutely sure of your land booking. I don't agree, however, that a TA is the answer to everything. Ngaire and her company are highly specialized, have personally experienced each and every property they sell. Land resorts still use TA's as I know. The TA books you, and receives a commission from the property, but that doesn't mean that the TA has been there, just that you have a "possible" remedy. I think with land travel, there is no substitute for "due diligence" and researching on your own, and with the internet, there is so much information out there! I have booked all my own land travel personally over the past few years, and have never been disappointed. Recent land trips other than cruises through BK include The Reefs in Bermuda, Pink Sands in Harbour Island in the Bahamas, Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys, and a condo in Playa del Carmen. I did extensive research on each, as I know what I want (A Regent experience!). But they were not free!
To answer your last question, I put that thing together in the Florida Keys on my own in two days right before we were scheduled to leave. My daughter Jes had a passport problem, so we couldn't go to Anguilla as planned. She found the hotel (knowing what I look for), it looked great to me, and we had a wonderful time! You are going to be way off season, with openings everywhere! I say go for it and plan something on your own. But you will pay for it. Going back within a year may not bring you a better result than you have now!
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Re: Aruba:
#102158
08/24/07 01:36 PM
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Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,171
KarenS
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Posts: 15,171 |
I agree with Olivia, a week is plenty time to book another hotel. Go back to tripadvisor.com and type in Aruba and the top rated hotels will come up for you to read reviews. As Lauri said, I remember the Hyatt being very nice and it's on the main beach.
After you figure out what hotel you wart, you can do a few searches at the hotel booking sites to see who has the cheapest and book it through one of them. You can be done with the process by tonight. I even think that Tripadvisor has a doohickey that will search all the hotel booking sites for you.
Karen
Live long and prosper
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Re: Aruba:
#102159
08/24/07 01:42 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,024
dolebludger
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jhp:
Not looking for a "free" hotel/resort to replace the one that got fouled up. Just looking for a good deal. Which I doubt that I can find in Aruba in one week, with no help aside from the internet. Our use of the Delta tickets within the next year does not have to be to Aruba. If we scour around, we may find a good deal (but not free) on a resort that checks out in another Caribbean island. Or maybe Playa del Carman Mexico to quote just two examples. And, we have a standing invitation to visit the home of a couple who live in London (and that would be free) where we could use the Delta credit. And, when our benefactor for the Aruba resort returns from Norway, I am positive that she will confirm that she DID notify the resort of our identity, and get us something else (free) through her time share company. She is not somebody one wants to cross!
But you are 100% correct. I should have called the resort before purchasing the tickets. :mecry: My EXTREME bad. If there are good TA's who handle land resorts, I know of none. I wouldn't expect such a TA to "bail me out" with what I am sure was an error by the intended resort. I would only expect the TA to find me a good deal at ANOTHER resort in Aruba. But, as far as I know, I have no one to call.
"It's five o'clock somewhere."
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Re: Aruba:
#102160
08/24/07 01:45 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,115
cruiseluv
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Richard,
I agree 100% with Olivia's advice. Why don't you go to Tripadvisor and get the names of top choices. Then go to their websites and see what they look like. Another resource is the Fodors message boards ( Caribbean forum).
Like Lauri says, my understanding is that the Hyatt is very nice. My neighbors went there a couple of years ago and loved it.
You already have the plane tickets, the hotel shouldn't be that difficult .
Good luck!
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Re: Aruba:
#102161
08/24/07 01:46 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,115
cruiseluv
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Karen,
My message reads like a copy of yours! Great minds think alike !! :)
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Re: Aruba:
#102162
08/24/07 01:54 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,024
dolebludger
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Posts: 1,024 |
Karen and cruiseluv:
Great ideas. And, I don't have to go next week if I do that. I can wait until the hurricane season is over, for example. And give myself a little time to rest up from som personal messes I've been in lately.
"It's five o'clock somewhere."
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Re: Aruba:
#102163
08/24/07 02:00 PM
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Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,171
KarenS
Moderator
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Moderator
Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,171 |
LOL Maria, they ARE almost identical!
Richard, Aruba is not in the Hurricane zone.
Karen
Live long and prosper
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Re: Aruba:
#102164
08/24/07 02:04 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
cruiser
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cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967 |
Richard, not sure what your friend's deal is, but sometimes these time shares can get you properties at many places around the world. I have a friend with a time share in Key West who we went with to Ibiza several years ago on her allowance, or whatever you call it. It was a nice property, maybe not one I would have rented, but hey, I wasn't paying!
As I think has been noted, this island is not prone to hurricanes, that I remember when I was planning. Richard, all of us get into personal messes now and then!
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Re: Aruba:
#102165
08/24/07 06:01 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,024
dolebludger
OP
cruiser
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OP
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,024 |
Thanks, jhp:
My personal messes have to do with the death of my mother last month, the need to sell the parent's home and personal property, and get my father in an independent living center with "life care" -- all since mid July. It all was completed only this week. I doubt that I am in any shape for major travel right now anyway. I have discussed this with Carol (out for a few days in Colorado), and we strongly feel that the timeshare owner did report our stay and will take care of matters for a later date (when we can use our air tickets.) As I said before, the owner is not a person one wants to cross! Glad she is our good friend.
"It's five o'clock somewhere."
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Re: Aruba:
#102166
08/25/07 07:39 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
cruiser
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cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967 |
Richard, so sorry to hear that your mother's passing was part of your difficulties. Hope it all works out in the end and you have a stress free vacation when you choose to do it.
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Re: Aruba:
#102167
08/25/07 01:11 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,115
cruiseluv
cruiser
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cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,115 |
Richard,
I am very sorry for your mother's passing. Certainly a stressful time. I hope you can get away for some relaxation soon.
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Re: Aruba:
#102168
08/25/07 01:36 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,641
joannapv
cruiser
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cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,641 |
Very sorry to hear that Richard - hope you and Carol find a nice get away soon!
Joanna
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