Divi Aruba All Inclusive

I was attending my friend's destination wedding and that alone made the trip special. The hotel is older and shows it's age. Parts of my faucet and shower kept falling off into my hand. The wait staff was friendly and accomadating but there was one girl at the front desk reception who was totally unpleasant. She did not make a good "face" of the resort. I have never stayed at an All Inclusive and this reinforced many of the negative conceptions I held. Some members of my group who have stayed at other all inclusives insist this experience is not the standard but it will be a while before I stay at another

2nd time, but not as great as the 1st. The beach is AMAZING and all the staff are wonderful. As for the food-not the best. The restaurants are middle of the road and selection limited. Would I go again? Yes, with a group of friends but not alone with my husband-we want someplace a bit more classy!

This is one of the most gorgeous beaches I've seen, and I have travelled through a lot of the Caribbean. However, the Divi itself is in serious need of improvement. We stayed 11 years ago (before kids) and loved it. Now, we came back with kids, and it has lost it's charm. The food is ok, nothing special. The drinks are devoid of rum and the staff is either indifferent or annoyed. Other than a couple of helpful staff members (Albert at the Red Parrot and Javier at the towel hut), everyone else acted as if we were annoying them -- and we tipped (even though it is all inclusive) Pluses: Gorgeous beach, nightly entertainment (a bit cheesy, but fun), sit down & buffet restaurants, comfy beds, not too crowded. If you want a low key place to go w/ kids and relax where everythign is paid for, it's good. Minuses: Drinks weren't good (had to ask repeatedly to put a little rum in the frozen drinks), food average at best, service terrible. Most of the activities and amenities are at the Tamarinj and you have to trek over there to get them or participate.

As soon as we arrived at the hotel, the staff was super nice. We checked in and went to our room. The room was a little dated but clean. We did not spend a lot of time in the room so that did not matter to us. Our room was 5 steps to the beach. Perfect location!! Dinner at the buffet was a buffet. Breakfast at the buffet was great. Drinks were great. Get pizza from Coco's at night. She is super nice and friendly. Everyone on the whole Island was super nice.

Some reception staffs are not good. We asked pre-check out subject to the document that the hotel sent to us. But one of the reception staffs denied to process our pre-check out. She said that she is busy for many paper work. It did not make sense. Also, they did not arrange late check out even though they said in their promotion video they will encourage to do so. Furthermore, loud noisy music that they provided for night entertainment prevented our peaceful sleep. To get a hut on the beach is difficult because huts is short compared to the number of guests.

Overall stay was pleasant, some of the staff (bartenders) were not very friendly.

The hotel staff was very nice for the most part. We had one conseirge that was less than helpful when we first arrived but the next day another very helpful conseirge employee more than made up for the first one's inadequacy. I requested a king size bed but was given a room with 2 queen size beds. The beds were comfortable. Our room was a beachside, which we paid more money for but we would have pretty much had the same room and view if we had stayed with the garden rooms. We went with another couple and their room was much nicer than ours. Their's had been updated but ours was old especially the bathroom. The food was okay but the beach was amazing. Clean and beautiful. We did 2 excursions. The 4 hour landrover tour to th natural pool, a very scary ride and the catamaran snorkle excursion, far more relaxing. All and all it was fun and great weather.

Best thing is location and their beach. the island is small and the hotel is right in the middle of the major roadway which makes it easy to get everywhere. The room and furniture in it looked older and the bathroom very shabby but maid service was every day and it stayed clean. we didn't upgrade to an ocean view but we still had a great view from our balcony of the water. Most of the staff were less than professional and always on a cell phone but were very friendly. Favorite parts were the bartenders who knew mixilogy well and the fact you can go to the sister resort the tam and use their amenities. Always something to do at either of the resorts during the day or night so you really don't have to leave if you don't want to. We had a lot of fun, felt very safe and comfortable.

Hotel was ok. Room needed a deep cleaning, mold in bath, ceiling had water marks. Food in restaurants was good. Service and staff were ok. Had good location, easy to get to. Beach was pure white sand and lots of it. A 10+ view of the ocean. Good night things, band, dj, shows etc each night. Not a bad deal, but nothing outstanding.

When I initially booked the vacation I requested (and upgraded) to a king bed, non-smoking room. I understand that when booking there is a disclaimer that states they may not be able to always accomodate your requests. Upon arrival I was given a room with a two queen beds and no mention about my reservation for the king bed. After getting settled in I spoke with management and they were kind enough to move us to the room I initially requested. The resort itself is directly on the white sandy beach of Aruba. It is not as luxurious as some of the resorts that I have stayed at before, ie: there is no beverage service on the beach or at the pool or room service. I also noted that employees at the resort almost expected to be tipped and on some occassions you could tell they were providing better service when tips were given. Most all-inclusive resorts include tips and gratuities. I, like many, don't carry around cash when laying out during the day and go to grab a drink. Oh, the alcohol. Not very many top shelf brands available. Most staff members were helpful in providing information about surrounding attractions and the best way to get around town. Overall it was a pleasant vacation. It just isn't a 5 star resort.