Tips for Your Trip to the Aruba Beach Club and Casa Del Mar

When you arrive at the Beatrix Airport in Aruba, there will be several taxis waiting. The trip to your resort should cost approximately $17 plus tip.

Upon arrival at the resort of your choosing, please have your confirmation letter ready to show to the front desk clerk. While the resort already has your name on file as using the unit you have rented, this will facilitate the check-in procedure. If you find anything that is not to your liking (very unusual), notify the front desk, ask for the Manager, and explain the problem.

If you're checking out on the weekend, we suggest getting to the airport approximately 2 hours before your departure time. During weekdays, an hour ahead of flight time should be adequate.

Browsing around the town of Oranjestad is always fun. Visit the Pink Mall and enjoy shopping and eating. The Seaport Mall is also a delight to visit and boasts a variety of Caribbean stores for your shopping pleasure. The Waterfront Cafe offers a delightful cuisine of fresh fish and tantalizing entrees, while potato pancakes and a variety of German food will satisfy your palate at the Villa Germania. Be sure to bring a camera along and take pictures of the beautiful yachts that are harboured there at the wharf and have a picture taken with the real-live tiger in back of the Waterfront Cafe. You may also want to try your luck at the Seaport Casino. The Crystal Casino, situated in the Renaissance Hotel right across the street from the wharf in the town of Oranjestad, is a favorite among visitors, entertaining you in the evening with a great band in a comfortable lounge. A sports arena is there to attract the sports fans. L'Escada is a fine retaurant in the back of the bar and this Casino holds all the amenities for a good time in both the afternoon and evenings.

Browsing around the town of Oranjestad's Main Street is always fun. The little shops on both sides of the street have all the souveniers you could ask for. The buildings in the town have been renovated to simulate a cobblestoned shopping village in Holland - quite charming.

Some of the better restaurants are:

• Chalet Suisse - the ceilings were hand made from 200 year old wood and shipped from Europe. The ambiance is beautiful and the continental food is great. They have the largest and finest selection of wine on the island. Prices are good.

• Le Dome - French cuisine - pricey, but excellent

• Sole Mare - excellent Italian food with a guitarist playing for your dining pleasure

• El Gaucho - a terrific steak place (also for ribs). Can be a bit noisy, but great food. You MUST have reservations (phone 582-3677), making sure you do it a few days in advance as it is a very popular restaurant. Try the Argentine Grill with an order of the Chaurraso steak and a pitcher of homemade Sangria.

If you're not renting a car, be sure to take a DePalm Tour and look around the island. There is a terrific brunch on Sundays at the Hyatt Hotel up on Palm Beach. Be sure to make reservations. The grounds are beautiful and you can walk to all the other hotels up there to enjoy yourself. Most hotels in this area have casinos. Be sure to take a look at the Marriott, as it is considered the most beautiful hotel/resort in Aruba. They offer music in the evening for your dancing pleasure in addition to a casino.