Bucuti Beach Resort Review

Positives: Classic boutique-y hotel in the low rise area. Beautiful beach that feels exclusive (even though all Aruba beaches are public). Very peaceful property due partly to the fact that they discourage children. Rooms feature well-done contemporary decor (though we didn’t think they were as nice as they look on the website).

Negatives: the coordinator missed our appointment (and admitted it was the second she missed that day) and starting room price was higher than most other hotels we looked at making this expensive for guests.

Manchebo Pavillion Review

Positives: LOVED the location – the pavilion and beach. Both looked nicer in person than in any of the photos we saw. Its what I think many think of when they think wedding in paradise. Could be as formal or informal as you want. Also, non-commercial.

Negatives: Unfortunately the wedding planner didn’t give us a lot of confidence when it came to the food. This isn’t to say the food would be bad but we weren’t assured it would be great. We also weren’t sure we wanted to transport people from the hotel to the wedding / reception location and back.

Eagle Beach Review

Positves: Beautiful! Large and open. Expansive sparkling beach with no crowds.

Negatives: No ‘facilites’ (bathroom and concession were not available) and shade is limited.

Passions Restaurant Review

Positives: Wonderful outdoor setting! We’re told the food is great and that we could probably rent it out for the night. Its so charming we wanted to go back the next night for dinner (however we went to the Westin’s beach restaurant instead which was awesome!)

Negatives: No back-up location in the case of rain.

Westin Aruba Review

Positives: LOVED the sales coordinator – had total confidence we’d have a flawless wedding and reception (at least from the hotel side). Best pricing of the three high-rises we visited (rooms and reception) and our guests would all be offered ocean view room. All rooms also have balconies.

Negatives: We weren’t sure we actually wanted to spend the weekend at this Westin. Rooms are clean and contemporary but plain. When in the Caribbean I want to see something more cheery. Also, the pool fell short for us – though large it didn’t look like a fun place to hang out even when we went back again the next day.

Hyatt Regency Review

Positives: Gorgeous hotel with beautiful open air lobby and best pool of all the resorts we saw. Newly renovated. Rooms contemporary with splashes of color – very well done. Loved the Ruinas del Mar restaurant as a reception location.

Negatives: Most expensive of the 3 high rises we visited. Our preferred Saturday date was not available. Does not allow the use of outside vendors for decorating or entertainment. More restrictive room contract and ceremony requirements. Small “french / standing” balconies – not full seating balconies.

Aruba Marriott and Stellaris Casino Review

Positives: Beautiful property that has just undergone a $50 million renovation. Fantastic contemporary decor. Large rooms and all have big balconies. Nice pool area. Glad to work with outside vendors like independent decorators.

Negatives: We didn’t care for the reception options. Really didn’t like the ballroom that would be our back-up location. The terrace / patio they offer is really plain – doesn’t even have any potted plants or lounge furniture. Outdoor lawn space is nice but in the center of the resort.