I've been to Aruba twice...(Just got back in July 2004) and I would actually pick the Radisson. I pretty closely "investigated" all 3 hotels (Marriott, Hyatt and Radisson) and stayed at the Radisson both times. All three are nice and I don���t think you will be disappointed no matter what you pick...they all have wonderful pools, nice beaches and cabanas, beautiful accommodations ...but the Radisson feels the least crowded. Both the Hyatt and Marriott have chairs stacked around the pool so you feel like you are right on top of each other and the pools are crowded. I was at the Radisson when they were sold out...and sure there were a good number of people...but you never felt like you were overly crowded. At sold out capacity you could get a chair around the pool all day...as for a beach Cabana ...well at all the resorts you have to get up pretty early for a front row spot.

The Hyatt has a very "Mediterranean" feel. They Marriott has a "new condo" feel and the Radisson has a "Caribbean color" feel.

I think all 3 have comparable beaches.

And the best advice is to not limit yourself to eating at the hotels..there are so many really good places all over the Island. Don't let the "inland" places scare you away. Some of the places inland from the beach have the CUTEST courtyards with lights and pools and fountains and wonderful food and service.

We have been to Aruba 7 times and mostly have stayed at the Marriott. (we have a time share there) I think for a honeymoon I would stay at the Hyatt. We have always enjoyed going there for drinks, etc. and it is beautiful. It is centrally located amongst all of the highrise hotels and a close walk to many great restaurants. Be sure to have dinner on the beach at the Marriott at Simply Fish. It is great! Make a reservation before sunset! Another great and romantic restaurant is Papamiento. It is a poolside setting with little white lites in the trees. A great steak place is Tango's which is across the street from the Hyatt. The famous steak place in Aruba is El Gaucho, but we think Tango's is even better! For casual fun dinig in the downtown area, try Iguana Joe's. Everyone loves their food and drinks. If you want to try windsurfing, the place is right next door to the Marriott. Aruba is the perfect place for a honeymoon!

For a honeymoon dinner no matter where you choose to stay you HAVE to dine one night at RUINS CAFE in the HYATT, asked to be seated outside, you will dine amongs black swans and it is lit only by torches atop tall brick pedastals! It is very romantic.

Call ahead for reservations and dont forget to be seated outside!!!!

Enjoy!

Wish I was going on my honeymoon again!!! LOL!!!!

Congrats!

I've seen just about every hotel on the island. I like the rooms at the Marriott (especially the king executive), but I think the property is too far away from the rest of the resorts on Palm Beach. Hyatt's nice, but I wasn't horribly impressed. I love the Radisson. If you choose this property, do not book the lowest room category. You could end up near Laguna Restaurant and the breakfast noise is no fun (speaking from experience here).

If you want something small and romantic, I suggest Bucuti. It's a nice property and the staff in wonderful. AND the intimate dinner on the beach with the tiki torches is a sight to see.

Best wishes and enjoy!

Jacquelene Clark

Liberty Travel

Dear MemyselfandI

be sure to try and find an ACE agency..(Aruba Certified Expert) they have the best connections on island and know it the best. Frequently we are on a first name basis with reservation managers and can get the best upgrades, etc. Also, we've got access to the best packages, pricing wise,

go to www.aruba.com and find an ACE agency. (and try to find an agent that offers a 24 hr emergency phone number)

Roe

Westwood, NJ 07675

the most romantic setting on the best beach in Aruba, Bucuti Beach Resort.

Beautiful new Tara Suites on Eagle Beach.

Excellent! www.bucuti.com