Hotel Review: Exciting stay at the Marriott in Aruba!

[@norma3848]

Thank you for the review, now was this an all inclusive?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Thanks 😊 glad you liked it! This resort was not all-inclusive, like other neighboring resorts. That being said, the food prices were not outrageous, and we really liked the flexibility of being able to eat and drink at other restaurants along the beach and in town. Aruba is very small, so it's easy to get around! If you're comparing hotel's in the area, feel free to reach out and DM us on instagram or email us at [e-mail]. We have access to great rates and perks at hotel's all across the island!

[@NinaBonita66]

Thank you for the review , I’m loving this hotel ❤️

[@VoyagerGuru]

Aww thanks again Martha!! We hope you have the best time :) let us know if you need anything - glad you love it!

[@emilypeterson10]

Going here next week. Can't wait!

[@VoyagerGuru]

I hope you love it as much as we did! You really can't go wrong with that beachfront. Be sure to grab dinner on the beach one night- it's 100% worth it and be sure to ask for the table right at the edge of the water- it's just stunning.

[@madelinehixon]

Awesome review ! I wish I was in Aruba right now !!!

[@VoyagerGuru]

Thanks so much! Oh my gosh, us too 😂😂

[@reneechristian5625]

Hi Gurus! I enjoyed your Very honest and down to earth. I'm researching for my very first trip to Aruba. I have points at the Holiday inn Resort, but I'm not seeing real great reviews. Maybe it would be worth it to pay cash and stay at the Marriott? Or perhaps both? Any thoughts?

[@reneechristian5625]

oops....enjoyed your videos.

[@VoyagerGuru]

@@reneechristian5625 haha! thank you so much! We try to bring honesty in everything we do. Aruba is amazing- you will love it!! So we did pass through the Holiday Inn as we were exploring Palm Beach one evening and it's on a great stretch of beach. It's definitely not super luxurious, but if you don't care too much about the facilities, the beachfront is spectacular- same beach as the Marriott. It's also across the street from lots of bars and restaurants. The Marriott was incredible all around and you certainly won't regret booking there- one thing we sometimes do is stay at two properties: stay at the holiday inn on points *first* and then book a few nights at the Marriott and go big. That usually helps us book excellent properties within our budget. Let us know if you have any questions!

[@jerrywinter5439]

Tell me about the wind there. We've been going to Turks and the beach is awesome with minimal winds in January. Went to St. Kitts once and it blew, hard, every day. So how was it when you were there and what time of year?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey jerry! Good question. We went in July to the Marriott and then October to a hotel just down the beach. To be honest we never felt the effects of the wind on the beach itself because it is offshore. The hotel buildings really shelter the beach well. We did kiteboard in July and we had to go up to the area of land that didn’t have any buildings so it’s pretty clear to me that there is a massive wind shadow over the hotels. I think you’ll be ok :). So let us know any questions you have!

[@VoyagerGuru]

Have you ever been to the Marriott in Aruba? Or anywhere else in Aruba? Let us know!

[@AnthonyHologounis96]

the hilton

[@VoyagerGuru]

@@AnthonyHologounis96 awesome! did you like it?

[@AnthonyHologounis96]

@@VoyagerGuru yes my family and i went a lot

[@VoyagerGuru]

@@AnthonyHologounis96 amazing!! we will have to check it out on our next trip

[@AnthonyHologounis96]

Voyager Guru I’ll link the information to ur ig mine is anthony_holo96

[@user-is4cp9ot8s]

Would you recommend staying at the Ritz next door? Or is Stellaris better value?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Thank you for your comment! They are a bit different- Ritz is going to be a LOT more quiet in our experience versus stellaris is more families, most activities, music and the like. Stellaris is more modern and ritz is more classic. I would say if you are looking for more relaxing, quiet, go with ritz but lively and fun you'll enjoy the marriott :)

[@SavingtoInvest]

How would you rate the Hilton down the road relative to the Marriott? Looking for family of 4 (teens)

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi there! We have not stayed at the Hilton yet but it does look a little bit older, however they have updated some of the furnishings and it looks like a great resort. Both resorts offer a club level, which we personally always like. The beach is going to be the same. I would recommend looking at the rooms you want to book and deciding based on that :)

[@debadams5602]

Thank you for the review. I will book a hotel here for February.

[@VoyagerGuru]

Deb adams that’s awesome! So glad you will book there- we hope you love it. We recently posted a top things to do video as well for aruba - you should check it out! There are so many amazing activities 👍🏼

[@nikkib6604]

Great video! Has this resort re opened since Covid?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi Nikki! Thanks for your comment! Yes, the resort does appear to be open and totally bookable :). I've seen a few bloggers and such stay there from following their IG stories so you should be safe to book! Let us know if you have any questions.

[@terryfarriss9723]

hi loved the video we are thinking about area this winter How is the diving there we go to bonaire and want something close to the in shore diving

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey Terry! Thanks for your comment! This is a perfect winter escape! We did some diving in Aruba and we loved it - they have some great wrecks and we had one of the best night dives of our lives here in Aruba. There is a great dive center down the beach from the hotel at the RIU - you can also book through the hotel. I hope this helps!

[@robertflint7261]

Hi guys looking to go to aruba when is best time to go

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey Robert! Thanks for your comment. To be honest, there's really no bad time to go to Aruba. They have about consistent 85-88 degrees with sun and heat all year. There's over 310 days of sunshine, on average. It's outside the hurricane belt, making it the PERFECT getaway any time of the year :). It's almost comical to look at the weather report! Let us know if you have any questions

[@zakenannie]

Hey!!! Thanks for the detailed review! Thinking about taking my son here for his 5 yr old bday. Are there water slides in this property?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey Annie! That sounds awesome!! I believe there is a kids club with some fun activities and small pool for kids, but I'm not sure that's the type of water slide you are looking for -- but I would definitely reach out to the hotel to find out what is open during COVID

[@baccanal773]

is it all inclusive?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Sadly, it is not all inclusive but it’s beautiful. If you need any help let me know

[@bhattman1709]

Good info 👌🏾

[@VoyagerGuru]

Thank you so much!!

[@gillynova]

I hope you guys didn't stop making videos!

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey man!! Thanks for your comment!! Of course not! Sorry for the delay- we have had a WILD month and we're renovating our website and been traveling like mad- but we're back in action with a new video!! We hope you check it out- let us know any feedback :)

[@erikchotinermdfacs7726]

Hyatt vs Marriott. Which is better?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi Erik! In our opinion, the Marriott is better because it’s brand new, they’ve got a gorgeous property and there’s a lot “going on” in terms of activities, facilities etc. the food was also excellent. The Hyatt is definitely going to be on the quieter side and it is a bit older. If you’re looking at points, I don’t think that Hyatt is a great value for the points either.

[@leslieehorton]

Hi! Enjoyed the video. Quick question... is this the same hotel as the Marriott Surf Club?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey Leslie!! Great question. No- The Marriott Stellaris is a separate hotel. There's actually 4-5 Marriott's that are all right next to eachother. This is by far the nicest and newest of them all. The ritz is on one side and the Surf Club is next to it on the other side (there is one or two others next to that). The surf club and sister properties are a bit older, but they all have the same exact beach front and you can walk between all of them and access the different restaurants. Let us know if you have any other questions!

[@courtneyeng2208]

Hi! Is this all inclusive?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey Courtney! Thanks for your comment :). No, the Marriott is not all-inclusive and food prices are pretty much US-prices if you went out to a nice meal. There are tons of restaurants in the area and on the beach, however, so it's easy to explore and get reasonable food. If you're looking for all-inclusive, there honestly aren't too many, especially that are as nice as the Marriott, but you could check out Barcelo or Riu.

[@GabrielFereira]

Hi guys, great review. Quick question, how are the prices of food and drinks? I am planning a trip with my wife and two teens boys, and I am a bit concerned about high prices... Thanks

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey Gabriel! i hope you have an amazing time :). The great thing about this location is that you don't just have to eat on property. we did find their prices to be standard hotel pricing for food, which is a bit higher than what you'll find at local spots. Their location is SUPER convenient to walk to other restaurants- for example, our favorite spot is MooMba on the beach. For the toes-in-the-sand spot, it has good prices and lots of great options. When you walk down a ways toward the center of the hotel strip, you'll find tons of other great options!

[@GabrielFereira]

@@VoyagerGuru Good afternoon. Thank you so much for the super duper fast reply. I do relly appreciate it. I am in between this Marriot, or the. Hyatt, next to Playa Linda. Have you stayed at the Hyatt? If so, how do you compare with this Marriot property? Again, thanks again, and stay safe... :)

[@VoyagerGuru]

Anytime!! Happy to help! The Hyatt regency has a similarly great location - it’s on the same beach technically so the same water, same beautiful beachfront - I do believe the Hyatt us a bit of an older property so your boys may not have as much fun. The Marriott has sooo much happening and I think the Hyatt is a bit quieter and probably better for couples, to be honest

[@GabrielFereira]

Voyager Guru Great... So Marriot it is.. thanks a lot

[@VoyagerGuru]

Gabriel Fereira I hope you enjoy it! We did also stay at the Barcelo which is all inclusive (review on KZbin) in case you’re interested in going that way, but the food was not good so I think you’re making the right choice. Feel free to email me or DM me anytime!

[@ssd1453]

Hi did you look at the Renaissance Hotel as well? We are trying to decide between this one and the Renaissance in Aruba!

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey! The Renaissance is not in the best location, to be honest. It’s a couple minutes from the airport and they do not have a real beachfront. You have to take a boat to their island and their island is right under the airport. I would recommend staying on palm beach as it’s absolutely stunning and you have easy access to restaurants and activities right outside the door and the beach is truly majestic. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@ssd1453]

Voyager Guru we have a two year old. What do you recommend? We won’t be doing any water activities. Just relaxing by the pool and beach! Thanks!

[@VoyagerGuru]

@@ssd1453 Then i definitely recommend the Marriott because the rooms are pretty sizeable and the pool and beach are right next to eachother. there were sooo many kids there when we were there and it looked like they had a great time! since you'd have to lug your stuff and your two year old onto a boat to get to the beach at the renaissance, i can't say it would be ideal. you can't go wrong with the marriot

[@ssd1453]

Voyager Guru are you getting paid by the Marriott??

[@VoyagerGuru]

No, we’re not :) - they did host us for the weekend but we have no affiliation with them - I just genuinely think they have one of the better, newer hotels in the area

[@forbo327]

Is this place all inclusive. Thank you

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey Alex! Thanks for reaching out - sadly the Marriott is not all inclusive and it can be quite pricey. However there are some great restaurants within walking distance to the hotel :). There’s honestly not a lot of good all inclusive in Aruba and we really liked this Marriott property, if it helps.

[@forbo327]

@@VoyagerGuru thank you for your reply. Your videos are the best. Wife just booked Aruba for the week of July 4. Hoping to see you on the strip. 👍

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey Alex! That sounds awesome!!! Have the most amazing time - it’s so beautiful there!!

[@dewaynewestmoreland3773]

I want to visit Aruba. It looks amazing and beautiful. 😁😁💙💙 is this an all inclusive?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey Dewayne! Aruba is truly outstanding - such beautiful beaches and the hospitality is so great. This Marriott is not all inclusive, unfortunately :(. There is a Riu and Barcelo that are though! We have a review of the Barcelo as well :).

[@dewaynewestmoreland3773]

@@VoyagerGuru 😁😁 ok thank you. Hope to visit Aruba oneday

[@cjm3997]

Booking our honeymoon here, probably won’t do the all inclusive option though

[@VoyagerGuru]

Omg congrats!! How exciting!! And yea there are multiple amazing restaurants in the area so it’s exciting to go out and explore the other options :). I like the option of eating on site, but the beach has so much to offer! Let us know what questions you have :)

[@Brazconj]

All you need is just 2 “ Aruba Ariba “ drinks 🍹 and trust me you will Not survive Happy Hour . 😀

[@VoyagerGuru]

🤣🤣🤣 that sounds intense

[@Brazconj]

@@VoyagerGuru Let me tell you we just came back from Aruba and I tried this drink 🍹 for the first time and OMFG it seriously sneaks up on you with just 2 .... Aruba is the BEST

[@VoyagerGuru]

@@Brazconj hahaha!!! that's hilarious - glad you had a great time!!

[@Brazconj]

@@VoyagerGuru - The lady at the airport terminal goes “ Hello passengers are you carrying any liquid because you can’t bring them on the plane ✈️ “ .... so I looked right at her in her eyes and I said “ Excuse me miss I do have liquid and it’s liquid from my TEARS 😭 because I am leaving your beautiful Island 🏝 and going back home “ lol 😂 ... The lady laughed so hard and said “ OMG Sir I Understand “

[@VoyagerGuru]

@@Brazconj Hahaha!!! that's amazing!