Blogging to Aruba

Why Pictures of Aruba Hotel Bathrooms?

Obviously you have seen my pictures of the Radisson including the bathrooms.   Now I also have photos of the bathrooms at the Tamarijn. Yes, quite a contrast.

Keep in mind though, there are two schools of thought.

One is as long as it is clean, the amenities of a bathroom are only "window dressing". 

The second is, even if it is clean, it will not meet one's standards unless there is marble or granite surrounding you. I simply call it glam and glitz.

My family thinks I'm odd, but like I tell them, "that is what people really want to see".

Restaurants at the Tamarijn & Divi Aruba All Inclusive Resorts

When eating at the Tamarijn, we try to rotate restaurants each night so it does not become boring. We consider ourselves "foodies" and though the food at these resorts is not gourment, you will by no means starve to death. Our family has never eaten dinner at the buffets. It is key that you make your reservations as early in the day as possible, or to be really flexible as to restaurant and time. Overall we have been extremely happy with not only the quality, but the portion sizes.

We have eaten twice at Ginger and twice at the Palm Court Grill and multiple times at the Red Parrot and Paparazzi. My personal favorites were the Caesar Salad at Paparazzi and the Red Parrot, the Dutch Onion Soup at the Red Parrot and the Churasco a Moda at the Red Parrot. This steak was served with a delicious, hint of garlic, creamy "almost" mashed potato as well as tomato vegetable relish and orange soy barbeque sauce. These were spicy, which I have a hard time with, so I ask for them on the side. Special requests like that are never a problem.

Tamarijn Aruba Internet Cafe Video

Internet Cafe at the Tamarijn Aruba

Palm Beach Aruba vs. Druif Beach & the Tamarijn Aruba

Dh and I had stayed on Palm Beach over a dozen times before our first stay at a low rise resort, specifically, the Tamarijn. It was also our first all inclusive in Aruba. Hearing a lot of good and bad, truthfully we were not sure what to expect. Honestly it took us a good 4 or 5 days to adjust from the high rise resorts we had stayed in, mainly the Westin and Radisson, to a "plainer" low rise resort. It finally dawned on us, that everything was a tradeoff, and the positives at the Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive far outweighed any negatives. Mainly the oceanfront rooms and a nice family friendly resort with very good (not gourmet though) food.

Tamarijn Aruba Pizza Bar & Swimming Pool Video

Tamarijn Aruba Pizza Bar & Swimming Pool Video

Dining at the Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive

Food at the Tamarijn Aruba is very very good. There is always something for everyone, including the children. Breakfast buffet at the Cunucu Terrace opens at 7 a.m.and is more than satisfying. There is a problem if you could not find something to your liking. Offerings included: yogurts, small platter of meats and cheese, chunks of fresh fruit: pineapple, orange, mango, melons, eggs cooked to order, hard boiled eggs, French toast, pancakes, pastries and breads, corned beef hash, scrambled eggs, sausage links, sausage patties, bacon, grilled tomatoes, Dutch potatoes (baked cubed potatoes with onion) and juices: fruit punch, orange, grapefruit, tomato and cranberry among others.

Tamarijn Aruba Resort Video

Tamarijn Aruba Resort Pizza Bar & Swimming Pool Video

Getting Ready for Aruba

Our family is getting ready for our June visit to the Tamarijn.

There is not much planned as far as activities go this year. The most exciting thing we will be doing besides lounging beachside is taking the South Side Snorkel Lunch Tour on the Tranquilo. 

We did this excursion a few years back and though we could have had better weather, it was a relaxing day of quiet sailing and fantastic snorkeling.

I wrote about our previous sail on Tranquilo here. We are again looking forward to sailing with Captain Anthony. One of our four favorite Aruba excursions. The others being, in no particular order-- the Island helicopter tour, Jolly Pirates & Kini Kini ATV tour.

Tamarijn Aruba Kids Club Video

A game of Simon Says..

Radisson Aruba vs. the Tamarijn All Inclusive

Comparisons

Radisson is non-all inclusive & the Tamarijn is all inclusive.

• If you are big drinkers
  --Radisson drinks are $$$
  --Tamarijn drinks are "free" (top shelf liquor is at least included in what you already paid