PRICE:
Frommer's Recommended

This resort reinvented itself as an Occidental in 2006. The lobby combines Moroccan- and European-style furnishing and fixtures. Guest rooms include tile and marble floors, and private balconies or terraces. The pool retained its bustling feel, so if you're looking for a casual house-party atmosphere with lots of action and organized activities, this good-times place is for you. Most people choose the all-inclusive package, which covers meals and snacks at six restaurants, unlimited beverages (including premium alcohol) at five bars, all nonmotorized watersports, fitness, daily activities, tennis, scuba lessons in the pool, supervised kids' activities, nightly entertainment, and applicable taxes and gratuities. The Royal Club option, which adds about 50% to the price of the room depending on date, availability, and number of guests in your party, is one step above and offers an exclusive personalized experience with 24-hour room service, private restaurant and lounge, and private check-in/checkout and concierge services. Royal Club suites all have balconies and include a champagne welcome, turn-down service, and aqua-massage tubs in some units. The resort is popular with almost everybody: families with kids, young couples, middle-aged folks, and some elderly guests. People staying here work hard for their vacation and make the most of it. About 80% come from the United States and Canada, and most use their rooms for little more than crashing. You have a choice of garden, pool, or ocean view. The ground-floor lanai rooms (next to the pool) have terraces instead of small balconies and are great for families. Facilities: 6 restaurants; 5 bars; casino; 2 outdoor pools; 18-hole championship golf course nearby; 2 tennis courts lit for night play; exercise room; spa; extensive watersports equipment/rentals; children's center/program (enclosed playground); tour/activities desk; car-rental desk; business center; fax services; shopping arcade; salon; room service; babysitting; laundry/dry cleaning service; nonsmoking rooms; rooms for those w/limited mobility.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Portable Aruba, Bonaire, & Curacao, 4th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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