Holiday Inn Sunspree – Aruba

Author: donasab
Date of Trip: June 2010

Hello: We recently returned from an all-inclusive trip to Aruba at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Hotel. Beware of “good deals”. THIS was a good deal, but we thought because it was last minute, that was why. “NOT”

The Hotel itself and the rooms were spacious and clean. However it is a large hotel (660 rooms in three seven story buildings)….. so there was a lot of walking to get anywhere in the complex as the three complexes were a fair distance away from each other. The food was under-par, with breakfast being the best meal, and let’s face it, it is pretty hard to screw up breakfast!! lol The lunch and dinner meals were mini buffets with little choice. This is the first time we have ever come back from an all-inclusive vacation LOSING weight.

But worst than the food, or lack thereof, was the pools. There were two pools at the very end of the property, the better pool being for children only. The adult pool was teeny weeny and was a disgrace for the size of the hotel. But no probs. really, for the Caribbean was calm, restful, beautiful, warm and uncrowded, so that is where we spent out time, after trying the adult pool only once for once was enough. The hotel staff were not very happy people so guess they must hate their jobs or something. Who knows?

But the worst of it all, and I have not seen this comment on Trip Advisory Comments – although it is all inclusive you must sign for your drinks, snacks, meals, etc. as posted by them re price…… although you are never charged. I suppose it is their way of keeping track of what is being used, however, it was a bit of a pain. I made sure when we checked out to make sure nothing was added on to our Visa (not very trusting, eh?) as they ask for your Visa upon check-in.

Three good things though: (1) The snack bar (open 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.) the food was awesome with pizza, hot dogs, hamburgs, awesome chicken wings and nachos and cheese. It helped supplement our meager meal days. (2) There are great stores within the complex with varied prices plus a Casino. (3) The rooms were large, excellent tv. and clean with balconies.

I cannot comment on the night life, as my husband is handicapped so usually after supper, we went back to our room. We also did not try the a-la-carte restaurants on-site, but were told that it was not so hot. Was it a good holiday? In spite of it all, it was. One must make the best of it, after all, or all you ruin is your whole holiday. But I would NOT recommend it. Happy Travelling donasab