Hotels near Queen Beatrix International Airport - AUA, Oranjestad

careful with the taxi drivers - they dont pay attention to get you to the right destination! also - very disappointed in Zara at the renaissance shops - its a cruise port and hotel and they wouldn't allow you in with a small suitcase - shame on them did have a very nice dinner at wilamena - highly recommend!

The island is very easy to navigate by auto. Many choices for food and shopping at the super market to grill out is a good way to save money for nights you don't desire to eat out. Sunsets are beautiful most every evening. Go to Boca Catalina snorkeling to see the Sea Turtles. If you want to feel young and vibrant go to Moomba Beach Club on Sunday evening.

I enjoyed staying right in Oranjestad because I had many options for dining out in the evening. I rented a car so I was able to go to either side of the island pretty easily from there. The Arubus station is right there so I think it would be fairly easy to take that up to Eagle beach if one didn't want to rent a car. I was in town for part of Carnival so it was fun to watch that also. My photos are of Eagle Beach, Tres Trapi, and Baby Beach. Oranjestad restaurants: Pastechi House, Lucy's - mahi sandwich, West Deck - fish/shrimp, and Dutch Pancake House - Dutch Pancake.

Most visitors are from the cruise ships, and spend a day here. We enjoyed & days of which 3 days were snorkeling on 3 different beaches (more and we would have been roasted by the sun). The town, and especially the museum is very interesting - very Dutch. We didn't do much shopping, there didn't seem much (apart for Dutch food in the supermarket) that we couldn't have bought anywhere. Lots of kitchy souvenirs near the cruise terminal. If you like fresh fish, it is well worth taking the bus (or driving) to the "fish market" at Spanish Cove. It is just a couple of sheds on the waterfront where the fish are landed and sold by local small-scale fishermen, who will also clean and fillet for you.

Oranjestad has a few nice areas for visitors with restaurants, bars and shopping. The water is spectacular! It's easy to get around by taxi or bus. Aruba is very breezy and the sun is hot - so lots of high quality sunscreen is a necessity along with a secure hat. We enjoyed happy hour and small plates at Cuba's Cookin' in the Renaissance Marketplace - try the mojitos!

The architecture and atmosphere was amazing! The City has an great diversity! Beautiful beaches are close by. Most importantly, the people were very welcoming. Oranjestad promises an unforgettable Caribbean getaway.