Great Value and a Gorgeous Beach
Written: Aug 11 '04 (Updated Aug 12 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The Beach, The Service, The View, The Help to Guest Ratio, The Overall Experience
Cons: Pool
The Bottom Line: Choose Bucuti for romance, privacy, service and relaxation. They will deliver 100%.
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| chanticleer71's Full Review: Hotel Golden Tulip Bucuti Beach Resort Oranjestad |
My wife and I were married in October of 2003 and we did much research on our honeymoon destination, finally choosing Aruba due to its weather, crime-free reputation and the fact that it is out of the hurricane belt.
After doing much research on resorts, we narrowed it to Bucuti and several resorts in the high-rise area. Fodor's travel guide was very high on Bucuti, and it sounded perfect for a romantic week. Before I made a final decision I actually contacted people that had signed guest books at Bucuti and the other resorts. This was the clincher. 6 out of 6 respondents raved over Bucuti, and several had visited more than once.
When we arrived we were treated to glasses of champagne as check-in went smoothly and quickly. The staff is international, but everything at the Bucuti has a distinct Dutch / Caribbean flavor. That translates to exquisite service and a laid back atmosphere.
As far as the resort goes, I'll highlight each area in the paragraphs below.
Accommodations- Our room was nice and clean. It had a gorgeous view of the beach and we watched the sunset several times. The maid service was efficient, and any need we had was addressed promptly. There was a small mini bar that was kept well stocked, and the rates were similar to any good US hotel. In addition there was a good iron and board as well as a safe for your cash and jewelry. While we were there, Bucuti was constructing the new Tara Wing Suites, and I would imagine these will be newer and nicer than the older wing we were staying in. Bottom line, the older wing is fine. It's not fancy, but it is all you'll need to relax, sleep and whatever else you choose to do. 7.5 out of 10.
Restaurant- We only ate breakfast at the Pirate's Nest, and it was always good. You can order a specific breakfast or get the buffet which includes omelettes, fresh fruit, juices and breads. In addition, the Pirate's Nest will serve food and drink as you lie on the beach. Just put your flag up and they'll take care of you. It is a good restaurant, but there are so many wonderful restaurants in Aruba, I would recommend that you get out and enjoy them. 6.5 out of 10.
Pool- Not a great pool. Pretty plain, but the most beautiful beach I've ever seen is a few feet away. This is probably the reasoning. I rate the pool 5 of 10.
The Beach- Oh, the beach. This is why you come to Bucuti. Eagle Beach is absolutely the most gorgeous stretch of white sand you'll ever see. There was an average of 30 people a day on the beach, which means nearly total privacy. Eagle is a large beach with thatched huts, wait service and near total seclusion. BEWARE, many people will be topless. This is covered in the intangible section below. The high rise area has a narrow beach and pretty water, but Eagle Beach has wide sugary sand and a great swimming environment. It is a 9.9 on a scale of 10.
Other features- A guest shop, workout center, business center and a spa. All very nice. 8 out of 10.
Staff- the staff was knowledgeable and helpful. They: happily arranged a Jeep for us (I highly recommend this to explore the desert side of the island), made perfect restaurant reservations, recommended excellent restaurants, arranged a great snorkeling trip, and even found a cooler for me. They are excellent. 9.5 out of 10.
Intangibles- This is a hotel for adults, couples and/or lovers. This is not a place for children. If you want peace, quiet, romance and great service, Bucuti is the place for you. If you want a family vacation, I would recommend the high rise area. Bucuti is excellent.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
chanticleer71
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Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 0 members
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