Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa Rating: 3.0 Pearls

Aruba

Macaws

This is definitely a family hotel, but that's not to say it's ordinary. In fact, with lizards leaping past winding garden paths and a cacophony of parrots (albeit caged parrots), I felt more in touch with the local fauna here that I did at any other hotel in Aruba.

But there is a down side to the exotic atmosphere. Guest rooms are scattered across three buildings -- the main Aruba Building, the partially attached Curacao Wing, and the completely separate Bonaire Tower. All three are connected by garden paths winding over brooks and miniwaterfalls. Pretty? Yes. But it's also a breeding ground for mosquitos. Pile on the bug spray.

View on a Larger Map

On Palm Beach, sandwiched between the Riu and the Occidental resorts, the Radisson is in a line of beachside hotels. On the water, the resort is near the De Palm Pier. There, guests can kick back, get a drink, and take a speedboat for a spin (I recommend doing these things in reverse order).

Just outside the resort, Gianni's Italian restaurant and Danielle Steak and Chop share a building on the other side of the street. There's a strip mall, Arawak Garden, half a block down the street. It houses Soprano's Piano Bar, Tango Argentine Grill, Fishes and More, and Salt and Pepper.

The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Oranjestad. Hop in a cab, or save some cash by just waiting for the bus that comes by about every 20 minutes. There's a bus stop right by the Radisson's entrance.

The beach

The Radisson shares its popular beach with several other oceanfront hotels, like the Riu and Occidental resorts. Guests should plunk down on the first free seat they see, as the beach tends to get busy.

Apart from the standard smattering of water-sport kiosks, this beach's greatest asset is De Palm Pier, a long, wooden gangway into the ocean. The pier has a lively bar at its very tip. You can nosh on some quesadillas at the bar and then catch a sunset cruise around the coast.

The Garden View Room

• The standard, Garden View Room is a bit on the small side, though all can comfortably fit a king-size or two double-size beds.
• Poor lighting: Even with the floor-to-ceiling wooden shutters by the balcony open, the room can feel like a cave.
• Springy, uncomfortable beds
• Large balcony
• Dark, cramped bathroom

The spa's sauna

• The Radisson has two large pools. Like a wavy exclamation mark, the winding lagoon and the circular pool at its tip are separated by a slim walkway to the beach.
• Tip: The line for towels can get pretty long in the midafternoon. Save yourself the hassle and bring one down from your room.
• Large, modern gym with windows that look out over the water and a great mix of cardio and weight-training equipment. It's free for guests, as are the saunas and steam rooms in the adjoining spa.
• The Larimar Spa is a beautiful flagship facility; it's the first in a chain that's set to open at the Radisson's hotels worldwide.

Small and dark, the Radisson's casino looks like an obligatory add-on, meant to keep pace with every other Aruban resort.

Considering the two pools, the hotel's proximity to the beach, and the gaggle of kids and teenagers running everywhere, I was surprised not to find a grain of sand or dirt in my room or anywhere inside the buildings.

A salad from Gilligan's restaurant

• The Sunset Grill, the Radisson's fine-dining option, is open evenings.
• Mira Solo is perched above a fake waterfall with a view from the pool to the beach.
• Gilligan's restaurant, out past the pool and at the far end of the beach, has a lively bar where crowds from surrounding hotels congregate in the evenings. There's even a booth on the beach with an ice-cream cart.
• Right by the casino, the Laguna restaurant floats over an artificial lake between the Curacao and Bonaire buildings.
• Coffee and Cream, right by the lobby, is a tiny cafe open during the day. It serves sandwiches, coffee, and pastries.
• Just outside the resort, Gianni's Italian restaurant and Danielle Steak and Chop share a building on the other side of the street. There's a strip mall called Arawak Garden, half a block down the street. It houses such notables as Soprano's Piano Bar, Tango Argentine Grill, Fishes and More, and Salt and Pepper. Basically, guests won't go hungry.

It's a beautiful beach, but it's far from private.

• Wedding Size: Up to 1,200 guests, depending on location; only one wedding per day

• Wedding Packages: Unlike most resorts, the Radisson Aruba does not offer standardized wedding packages. For just the basics -- a civil service fee ($550), a nondenominational officiant ($300), a cake ($150 to $350), decorations ranging from a bag of rose petals ($25) to a chuppah arch ($550), and the location fee ($500) -- you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.

• Ceremony Locations: On the beach aisle, the beach, the pool deck, the ballroom, and either the north or south Mira Solo lawn

• Photographers and Videographers: Photo packages from $450 (36 pictures, a CD, and an album); video packages from $570 (one hour of filming); no extra fee for outside vendors

• Music: From $250 per hour for a DJ or soloist to $2,500 for a five-piece band (three-hour minimum)

• Food: For a standard dinner, buffets range from $45 to $79 and plated meals (just an appetizer and an entree) range from $35 to $72 (kids', kosher, vegetarian, and gluten-free menus available upon request). Also, unlike at most other resorts, you can opt for a more affordable breakfast wedding ($12 to $21 per person) or a brunch for $38 per person.

• Drinks: An open bar from $16 to $20 per person for the first hour, and $9 to $11 per person for each additional hour (depending on the quality of liquor)

• Cakes: From $150 (one tier) to $350 (three tiers)

• Spa Treatments: The Larimar Spa offers a full menu of services, including bridal makeup and hair styling for $75.

• Honeymoon Suite: The Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba, and Aruba Plaza Club Suites each have an in-room Jacuzzi tub, a private balcony, and an ocean view.

• Airport Transportation: The hotel does not offer airport shuttle service.