Just back-Aruba

We returned last night through Charlotte from Divi Dutch Village in Aruba. We had a relaxing time. Highlights include two evening meals at Manchebo's French Steak House. where I had (both nights) blackened grouper, which could not have been any better. The event was fantastic with excellent, friendly service and wonderful jazz piano performances by Eddie, who has played there for 18 years. He sounds much like the late, great Bill Evans, whom we also had the great fortune to see in Ohio many years ago. We spent time (and a small amount of money) at the Alhambra Casino, but did not make it to Charlie's Bar in San Nicolas, as we were either too busy to make the trip or too lazy to drive. Also went to Palm Beach, Eagle Beach (Divi is on Eagle Beach), Baby Beach and Boca Grandi Beach, which takes your breath away. We also had dinner at TGIFridays in Palm Beach and had wonderful servers there as well. This was our first stay at Divi Dutch Village and I enjoyed the location very much, just like you guys told me it would. We had rough flying back around Charlotte, but made it back in one piece. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Ah, the Manchebo steak house!!! We spent our honeymoon at Manchebo, a 'couple' of years ago! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

We have looked at the Divi resort. I'm a bit confused as you said you stayed at the Divi Dutch Village- is this the all inclusive resort? We are looking for a location on the beach and want a beach front room with great views. Not interested in a huge high rise with lots of folks fighting for space on the beach. Also having never been to Aruba we are thinking all inclusive for the first time might be best. Can you walk to the shops and casino? Also to go to town is there easy transportation that is inexpensive to get there? How far is it from the airport and is a cab the best way to make this trip to the resort? I know this is a lot of questions but we are newbies to the area.

Beachgal66 - Divi Dutch Village is a low-rise (three floors) set in three sections, each with a pool, and steps from the beach, they offer a AI option thru Tamarijn Hotel.

There are no beachfront rooms as the Tamarijn occupies the beachfront, you would have to stay there. The Tam is also low-rise.

Shops are in town by taxi or bus except for some at the hotels and casino available to you via free shuttle.

Bus fare is US$2.30 p.p. and is a short 10 minute +/- ride to town.

Taxi fare from the airport to the hotel is $22.00
for 2 passengers and is a 20-30 minute ride+/-. .

=====================
http://www.tamarijnaruba.com/

Under "All Inclusive" click on "suites"
Under "Media gallery" click on "maps"

We just returned from 8 days in Aruba-stayed at Manchebo, again. Nice, small resort with the best staff ever.

We stayed at Manchebo for our honeymoon and several times since then. Magnificent beach! What's the status of topless women being allowed on the beach there? It used to be totally common there, but we havent' been there in several years.

When I go in November I always see some topless women on that beach when I go for a walk.

OK, thanks for the reply.

I have looked at this resort on line and have a few questions. Was the beach crowded- up early to get a lounge on the beach? Where did you go for meals- walking distance to restaurants? Like to gamble so how close is this resort to a casino- again is it close enough to safely walk in the evening? Thanks

Beach is very wide, should not be a concern - casino is a very short walk - Alhambra Casino - many dining options in the casino complex and at the hotels next to the casino all within a very short walk..safe to walk after dark.

Beachgal--if your question has to do with Manchebo, their beach is probably the largest I've seen of any resort I've ever stayed at, versus the number of rooms. It is huge. Lots of restaurants close, including the very good French Steak House on property.

Carol-we have gone the last 3 years, I have never seen a topless or nude person.

This was our third year-NEVER an issue getting a palapa no matter what time you arrive. The beach is always very wide and deep but this year was even deeper. The best part about Aruba is the weather-we asked the taxi driver when they last got rain- he said 2-3 months ago. Sunny and 87-92 every single day with great breezes (maybe a bit strong at times...) LOVE Aruba and I never thought we would be picking Aruba over SXM.

Huhm, ok, guess things have changed then.

Still deciding between SXM and Aruba. Manchebo sounds like it may be a perfect fit. If we decide on this resort, do we need to rent a car to go to restaurants? Sounds like there are many close by that we could walk to. Possibly breakfast and lunch at the resort and dinners elsewhere. If after a few days we wanted to explore the island can you rent a car at the resort? We are now thinking that we would rather not do all inclusive somewhere and be able to enjoy other venues. At the Manchebo if you have drinks, meals etc on occasion is it billed to your room or pay as you go? Also do restaurants add gratuity as some islands do or do you just tip according to bill amount? I know this is a lot to ask but never having been to Aruba would like information before making a final decision.

Many restaurants in the area and can be reached by foot. Many more can be reached by bus or taxi. Bus fare is US$2.30 p.p. one way. Bus stop is not far from your resort choice.

Car rental should not be a problem.

I don't know the hotel policy on billing meals.

Some restaurants do add a service charge of 15%.

USD is used in addition to florins.
===============
BUS ROUTE MAP

L10, ,L10A, L10B service the hotel areas.

I would say there 10 places you can walk to easily. Take the bus to the high rise or Oranjestad-it is so easy, clean and on time. We have never rented a car.
We can enjoy happy hour at anytime and not worry!

Hi Bobcat,

Are they still taking travelers checks in Aruba? They have for the last 8 years I've been going but wanted to make sure? Thanks.

We have had no problem cashing travelers checks in the Casinos.

Kid,

Thanks so much we had the problem in March in St Maarten trying to cash travelers checks but last July in Aruba there were no problems even at the grocery store <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

I once attempted to cash in a travels check at a Sint Maarten bank, but , after a long wait in a lengthy line, was declined because I did not have my passport with me, although I did have my drivers license photo ID.

Robert2

Glad the "Kid" gave you the answer to your question - we don't carry any TC's, just cash CC's & one DC to draw funds if needed and we limit that to one ATM visit maybe two in rare cases. We find CC's do the job well along with cash. Excess cash is kept in the unit safe box along with passports and other items of importance and only amounts needed for the event are taken out.

Enjoy your visit.

Bobcat,

I appreciate the update. Thanks. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

What is the drinking age for my boys? One is 21, and my other son and his friend are 18? Thanks.

18
=============
Additional Information

Glad you enjoyed. We stayed at the Divi over 25 years plus when the Alahambra casino had just opened up. Years later we stayed at the Wyndham which became the Westin and is under a new flag now. I preferred the Divi location for beach and less wind.

[color:"blue"][/color]Hi. We are owners at Aruba Beach Club next door to Divi and Manchebo. ABC in the last few years has made significant improvements to its grounds and infrastructure and has opened one of the best Aruba restaurants named Ricardo's. While other timeshare resorts have been struggling, Abc has been successful in maintaining time share value as well as a spectacular resales track record. ABC is owned and operated by it's owners, not a huge company. That is why we have some of the lowest maintenance fees in the entire Carribean. We <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" /> are also highly traded on RCI. ABC shares the same beach with Manchebo and Divi, it is very wide, fine grained white sand beach. One of the best beaches on the planet. Take a look at arubabeachclub.net. We are one big happy family.