My first hotel was Windcreek Renaissance Oceanside for 5 nights it was excellent. I was bump off my flight leaving on Sunday afternoon so I needed a room for one extra night. The Hyatt is right next to the airport which was perfect for me because my flight was early on Monday.

I stayed downtown because it was easy from the cruise ship and I only had 2 nights. I thought there would be more shopping and restaurants and such … but it was either super high end jewelry or tourist trinkets. Obviously most people go out to the resort hotels. For my purposes it was fine … my hotel was nice, with good facilities and I did a nice island tour. I would not stay there for longer than a night or two … but for that it was great.

Aruba has really nice spots: the beaches, and the dramatic surf at Arikok National Park. Oranjestad, though, is populated mostly by American tourists, and everything in the city (except the parliament, I guess) exists primarily for these people.

The local restaurants of downtown Oranjestad were excellent with reasonable prices relative to the NY/NJ area. These restaurants were a quick (10-15 mins) and safe walk from the Renaissance Wind Creek marina property. Among the best restaurants on Wilhelminastraat: Yemanja Woodfired Grill; Restaurant Anno 1877; Wilhelmina Restaurant; Taste My Aruba; El Gaucho. Caya was an amazing restaurant in the Palm Beach section a short cab ride ($15) from the Wind Creek marina. It's easy to access some good shopping in the marina resort and directly behind the property.

Oranjestad is central there are many things to do from there. Close to the airport, shopping area, the beach if you don't mind walking. It's not quite like the tourist area but it has its own flair. 1 bus ride can take you into that hustle and bustle then return to a more lighter side of vibes.

The architecture and atmosphere was amazing! The City has an great diversity! Beautiful beaches are close by. Most importantly, the people were very welcoming. Oranjestad promises an unforgettable Caribbean getaway.