We just returned from spending 8 nights/ 9 days in Aruba and stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort. The hotel and beach there were great. The staff is very friendly. The hotel is located about six-miles from the international airport in Aruba (AUA). Most packages include transfers, but ours did not being that we booked directly with Holiday Inn.
We had the all-inclusive plan. There is an up-side and a down-side to this plan. First of all, the up-side, the plan includes everything, all meal, even from the snack bar right on the beach. The snack bar was great they had everything for a quick lunch, and as many lunches as you wanted. Items from pizza, burgers, steak sandwiches, pitas, etc. The plan also includes all gratuities, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. So, it is really a good deal at $295 US per night, and that rate also includes all taxes. The down-side to the plan is that there are so many decent and eye appealing restaurants in Aruba that you really don't need the plan. Aruba is also quite safe to walk around at any time of the day or night, unlike some caribbean islands.
In the way of nightlife, the hotel has a beach bar, a nightclub open until 2:00 am, and a watering hole right by the front desk. There are three restaurants to choose from, the first being buffet style for all three meals. The food was not great, but not terrible. There are two other restaurants that are also included in the plan, the only catch is that you have to make reservations with the concierge desk early in the day.
The casino at the resort is open until 4:00 am on a daily basis and re-opens at 10:00 am. There are several a couple of gift shops and clothing stores at the resort. There is also a Cartier store, with Cartier prices, but still fun to go in.
I would highly recommned this resort for anybody with vacation plans to Aruba, and the island of Aruba is a great place to vacation.
