Aruba Travel Forum

Hello,
I'm trying to figure out what's the best place to stay in Aruba for a group of 30 somethings. We like the beach and want all the amenities, but also want to be close to nightlife. I'm confused as to the best location - Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, Oranjestad. Please help! Thanks.

You might want to check out Manchebo Beach Resort. I have been to Aruba six times and stayed at the Marriot, Tamirijan, and Manchebo. Once we stayed at Manchebo that was it. We knew we hit the nail on the head when it came to meeting what we desired.

The biggest beach on Aruba with plenty of elbow room and convience to your rooms. All the rooms have been done over with new beds, flat screens, etc... and they are always kept clean. They do offer a meal plan, but we never do it. We enjoy heading out to the local places to eat. They also have one of the best resturants on the island called The French Steakhouse.

At Manchebo you have central location to all the nightlife. Your are just 2 minutes from the downtown area which has Mambo Jamboo's, Carlos & Charlies (be prepared that gets a little too crazy as tequila is basically shoved down your throat the minute you walk through the door), and many casinos. Take a 5 minute drive toward the high rise area for more clubs & casinos. What is nice about Manchebo is you're not far away from the hustle and bustle, but at the same time you have your piece and quiet also.

I must warn you that if you do choose the high rise section of Aruba to stay, the beaches are narrow and over crowded.

I would agree with most of the previous answer except that I can't speak for Manchebo Beach resort. My wife and I have spent a week in late December the last 3 years and have stayed at La Quinta Beach Resort and La Cabana Villas. LCV is now known as Aruban Resort & Casino and is located behind La Cabana Beach and Racquet Club. All of these are on Eagle Beach which is by far better than Palm Beach where the high rise hotels are.

LQBR has very few amenities of its own but has a nice pool & bar and 2 nice restaurants within the block (owns one of them) and nice units and service. Also onsite car rental office (Econo, not Economy).

Assuming you stay in unit(s) with kitchens, shop at Ling & Sons supermarket on the way to your resort (or later) for any food, snacks, and/or supplies needed.

I don't know what you mean by "night life" but there are casinos, lot of great restaurants, etc. We don't (as yet) go in for any glitzy shows but there are a few from time to time.

Walking is enjoyable and there is very good public bus service between Oranjestad and the beaches, and you can take DePalm tours around the island, but a rental car or jeep might be what you want. Although the island isn't that big, there are quite a few interesting things to see all over.

If you bring laptops and want free wi-fi, go to the Little Caesar/Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins in Oranjestad or perhaps Salt & Pepper restaurant opposite Palm Beach high rises. There are also relatively inexpensive Internet cafes around, and most resorts have wi-fi for a price.

Our favorite restaurants: Madam Janette's, French Steakhouse, Suwasdee (Thai), Iguana Joe's, Eet Cafe/The Paddock, and the restaurant in the Key Largo casino (behind La Cabana and Aruban Village).

US$ are accepted everywhere but some of the smaller merchants give change in local coins (currently $1 = 1.77 or 1.8 Aruban Florins).

Bernie

For a group of 30-somethings I would stay at one of the resort hotels on Palm beach. Palm beach is the area where all the High Rise hotels are, but it is also right in the centre of the main nightlife, shows, bigger casinos, and shopping area. Eagle beach is more beautiful but it's definitely a quieter area. That saying, it's just a short taxi ride to the city centre. We enjoyed the peace of Eagle beach by day and took our taxis every night to wherever it was we wanted to eat or drink.