 |
Know Before You Go! |
Have you visited Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive? We'd love to know what you think...
Please write a review with as much detail as possible. Tell us about the amenities, facilities and staff.
Click Here to post your review for Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive.
 Stay away from the Tamarijn! Visited: May 2007 |
| Posted by max7 |
 |
The Tamarijn is an unsafe and unpleasant resort! It's open on both ends of the resort, which allows locals to trespass. The locals do not seem to be happy that we were on their island, and they made it apparent to us guests.
Someone broke into our room through the bathroom window during the middle of the day. They stole clothes, i-pods, hats, and shoes! The hotel management did nothing to compensate us for our loss. In fact, the general manager was too busy to even speak with us.
This type of service was consistent throughout the resort. The wait staff, bartenders, and front desk team acted like they were doing us a favor by waiting on us.
If you go to Aruba, stay away from The Tamarijn and Divi Resorts. If you must go to Aruba, spend the money and stay at the Hyatt or Westin. Or better yet, go to Cancun where the service is impeccable and the area is safe! |
| 15 users found this review helpful. 25 found this review unhelpful. |
 This is one happy island! Visited: December 2006 |
| Posted by gkralick |
|
We have vacationed in Aruba at least ten times. We have stayed at the Tam every time - except one, which we stayed at the sister hotel Divi.
We really enjoy the staff and atmosphere at the Tamarijn. We have been here so many times that the staff now knows us by name. They are always so friendly and happy to see us.
The Tamarijn is a laid back hotel. We like the all-inclusive. All your food and drinks are included. You can also eat and drink at the sister hotel (Divi). Fortunately, you can always find something you like to eat, even if you are a fussy eater.
We really enjoy the drink the Brown Lady. It is a frosty drink that really tastes great on a hot day.
The rooms are comfortable, but not fancy. You have a refrigerator in the room. The rooms do not have coffee makers, though. I would like to have a coffee maker in the room. Even though you can get coffee when ever you want it, it would be nice not to have to leave your room to get it.
All rooms face the ocean. I like to sit and watch the cruise ships come into port. We have always had great weather. If it rains, it just rains for a few minutes and then clears up.
It can get very hot. No matter how hot is gets, the sand stays cool. Everything in Aruba is imported, so it is every expensive. Make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen. Also, if you take asprin or Tums, make sure you bring them. If you have to purchase these thimgs in Aruba, it cost a small fortune.
I would recommend the Tamarijn to anyone who wants to relax, and enjoy friendly staff and nightly entertainment. We are going for Thanksgiving this year. We usually stay eight days, but this time we are staying 11 days.
We can't wait to go back. If you go the Tamarijn, enjoy! |
| 16 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. |
 It was as great as it could be. Visited: November 2005 |
| Posted by www_trncm |
|
The resort was by far the best experience we have ever had. The sevice was outstanding and the beach was great.
We are returning in May 2006. |
| 10 users found this review helpful. 6 found this review unhelpful. |
| As great as it could be. Fantastic.... Visited: November 2005 |
| Posted by www_trncm |
|
The resort was by far the best experience we ever had. The sevice was outstanding and the beach was great. We are returning in May 2006. |
| 8 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was good, but not fantastic. Visited: September 2005 |
| Posted by william19 |
|
I visited the Tamarijn this year. I found the beach, weather,and location to all be really good. I thought the food choices and restaurant standards need to be raised to a higher level, though.
Just remember - casual dress for evening to an American is a tee shirt and shorts. |
| 8 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful. |
| This was the perfect honeymoon spot. Visited: September 2005 |
| Posted by luchdurante |
|
I will recommend the Tamarijn to anyone and everyone.
We received exceptional service, tasted delicious food and met some beautiful people.
Reciprocal with Divi was quite the bonus, too.
Room interiors were average - but we didn't care. You cannot beat the beach and the Caribbean Ocean right at your doorstep!
Go! I wish I could again. |
| 9 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
 Overall, we had a fantastic vacation. Visited: March 2004 |
| Posted by tom1 |
|
I have never been to the Caribbean or any place tropical before, so this review is from the point of view of a first-timer.
Service: great and friendly. Food: average, except at the Red Parrot where the Argentine beef was a marvel of tenderness. Aruba itself: paradise.
A couple of complaints: there were a limited number of thatch-roofed beach umbrellas, and people hung their towels at them to claim them first thing in the morning, even though they didn't actually sit underneath them for shade until hours later. This was unfair and not corrected by the staff.
Also, the bicycles and the tennis courts were in such disrepair as to be unusable.
Recommendation: the bunker bar on the beach for the few hours before sunset. |
| 9 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. |
| They had a very disappointing beach, but very nice otherwise. Visited: December 2003 |
| Posted by kirkinharco |
|
We booked the Tamarijn because of the advertised beach just footsteps from your room.
We were very upset to see that the beach in front of the 2300 block was about six feet wide and even less in many areas. It was not even large enough to put a beach chaise chair. The rest was covered with large chunks of rock, concrete and coral. It was almost impossible to get in the water and very few people chose to try here.
We did find great beaches between the Tam and the Divi and just beyond the Divi. We also rented a car and drove to Baby Beach which was wonderful.
The food was good overall, but I would recommend making reservations at the Paparazzi and the Red Parrot for your dinners. The buffet was plentiful, but just okay. The staff was as nice and friendly as they could possibly be and the bartenders never left us waiting.
One other disappointment was that they only had draft beer, Miller Lite, Amstel and Balashi, an Aruban Beer. On balance, for the money, I think it was a good deal and we would go again. |
| 11 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| This was true paradise. Visited: October 2003 |
| Posted by tholland39 |
|
My boyfriend and I went to Aruba for the first time in October 2003. We stayed at the Tamarijn and had a wonderful time.
The staff was friendly and always willing to do whatever it took to make our stay as perfect as it could be. The rooms were kept very clean at all times. The beach was a little rocky, but once we were in the water we were at complete ease. There were floats we could use daily, and they were great. What more could we ask for? The beach was only steps from our patio! We stayed in the 2200's, which was spectacular.
The food was good, although we did try a few restaurants off the resort such as El Gaucho and Valentino's- which were fabulous.
The Tamarijn, overall, was a great place to stay, with such a relaxing and comforting atmosphere!
We look forward to vacationing at the Tamarijn again, this October. |
| 5 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
 They had good food and great beaches, but something was missing. Visited: October 2003 |
| Posted by mondino |
|
Having been to other all-inclusive resorts such as Sandals, Club Med and the Hyatt, we looked for the same "formula" for our first visit to Aruba.
Having read extensively about the island and the resorts, we chose the Tamarijn given its proximity to the beach and the generally favorable reviews that it received.
Unfortunately, we had mixed experiences for this hotel. Like its sister resort (Divi Aruba All-Inclusive, which was within walking distance), it was undergoing a much needed face lift. The rooms tended to be small and tired. But the lovely sand litterally at 30 paces outside our door step made up for this disappointment.
As for the food, whether you dine at the buffet restaurant at the Tamarijn or the Divi, you will be very pleased notwithstanding the very impersonal service at the Tamarijn. Beyond the food and the drinks, the "all-inclusive" formula was lacking in atmosphere as it did in activities.
Given this, we fortunately created our own:
A lovely three- to four-mile round-trip walk from the Tamarijn through the adjacent properties (do not be shy to do this...it is quite acceptable) to the end of Eagle Beach. This was by far one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
A round of golf at the Tierra del Sol course about ten minutes away.
We rented a car to drive around the island to see the natural bridge, desert sands and caves, but best of all, many other beaches that ranged from popular to secluded...Baby Beach, Boca Grandi, Fisherman's Hut, Boca Catalina and Arashi Beach. Do not forget to bring your sunscreen, a hat, water and an inflatable matress.
Most important of all....just relax! |
| 5 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. |
| Why was everyone so happy? Visited: August 2003 |
| Posted by maugust |
|
Let me tell you why everyone was so happy. First off, I must say that our travel agent, Liberty Travel, strongly advised us against this property. How wrong they were! My fiance and I stayed at the Tamarijin from August 18th until August 24th of 2003. It was truly unbelievable. We are avid travelers and cannot rate this resort high enough.
The food was out of this world. It was not your standard all-inclusive fare. You can opt for the buffett or make reservations at different restaurants.
The first night we were here, the buffett actually had filet mignon cooked to order, as well as offering different types of fish and wonderful salads. We were extremely pleased at all of the reservation restaurants - with the exception of the Papporizzi. We are from New York and we know good Italian food - they're from Aruba and don't.
You will never go hungry, though. You can always get food at the snack shack that has very good bar food (pizza, chicken fingers, etc.).
The drinks were excellent as well. We are heavy drinkers and were tickled pink when we saw the Myer's Rum and Stoli Vodka. Bartenders were always on the ball, never leaving you waiting for a drink.
The service was friendly and helpful. The staff really just want you to have a great time. Everyone we met had the same wonderful things to say about them.
The beach was very nice. It was not as nice as many of the other islands for it was a bit rocky. This was not a big deal and we were in the water constantly - snorkeling, kayaking and swimming.
Compared to all of the other places we have been, I would recommend this place before any of the others because of the food, drinks, and service.
Oh yes, and I read all the reviews commenting that the rooms were so-so. No, they were not the Ritz, but they were clean, all right on the water and the air conditioning did the job it was supposed to do.
Tipping was not expected, but the service was so good that we tipped everyone. We wanted to get to the kitchen staff just so we could give them a few bucks as well.
This resort was an excellent value and the best all-inclusive we have ever been to.
My only advice is this: do not get your hair braided and do not go to De Palm Island! |
| 8 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was very clean with friendly staff - had great time. Visited: June 2003 |
| Posted by spageti2001 |
|
It was not very modern. However, they provided very clean rooms and the staff was friendly. The Divi Divi, the sister property you could visit, was more modern, but would be more expensive.
We wouldn't mind staying here again. There was some repetition of food, and there were some foods I didn't like. However, guests could go to the pizza place - they offered good food there.
Make sure to ask more than one person a question regarding directions. I wanted to know where the post office was and was told very far, then found out there was one right downtown. Also, if you have to go to a meeting for activities, wait for the bus, they might be late.
On Sunday, all the shops downtown closed, and cabs charged $2.00 extra on Sundays -we found out hard way. Take the "Shake and Bake" tour, it is an all day tour, where you can see most of Aruba. It was very fun. We also went to Palm Island for snorkeling with all food we could eat. It was very much worth the money.
For food, go to Paparazzi restaurant, but you have to make reservations. And if can to go Divi Divi, go to Red Parrot.
The pool was very relaxing and was just the right temperature. There were always shows at night at the hotel. Guests could go to both hotels and see them.
Just don't expect an exceptional hotel. But like I said, it was very clean, and everyone was very helpful. Make sure to bring pop, snacks, etc. to the airport. It was very expensive to buy things at the airport.
Aruba was a very safe and beautiful place. We would definitely go back. We had a great time. There were many, many activities to take part in. I hope you enjoy your trip as much as I did mine. |
| 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Experience complete relaxation at Tamarijn Aruba. Visited: May 2003 |
| Posted by whw1011 |
|
This was our fifth year to Aruba and our fourth stay at at the Tamarijn. No other resort on Aruba can offer the beach within ten yards of your hotel room for such an affordable price.
We always upgrade to deluxe accommodations which allows us to frequent the restaurants at the Divi Aruba Beach Hotel. It's a ten-minute stroll or five-minute shuttle ride to the Divi. My wife and I spend a lot of our time at the resort as we feel we're here mainly to relax.
For about $60 you can rent a car to drive to Baby Beach for snorkeling or into town for shopping. The town is a short five-minute drive. It is safe to take the local bus to town. It stops right outside the hotel and costs $2 roundtrip. Aruba is a very safe island.
The restaurants at the Tamarijn are diverse. If you want to eat well, the Paparrazzi mirrors an elegant Italian restaurant, with an accordian player and white glove staff. There is a buffet every night at the Palm Court with standard foods, and a Pizza bar for when you had enough of eating fine foods.
If you upgrade to the deluxe, you can eat at the Divi. The Red Parrot Restaurant is the premiere eatery of both resorts. You will need a reservation a day in advance. I always make a reservation each morning for the next day and cancel if I chose. I do leave a small tip for service, although you don't need to.
The Divi also has an excellent Brick Oven Pizza bar in a quiet section. The bars at both resorts open at 11:00 am and close at 1:00 am. Certain bars (such as the Bunker Bar that graces the Tamarijn's web page), close at 7:00 pm, right after sunset. During May, I can always get a seat at any of the bars anytime.
Generally, there isn't much of a dress code at the restaurants. At breakfast, a tanktop and swimsuit is fine. Same with lunch. At dinner, you might want to wear a clean tee shirt to the buffet or pizza bars, or a collared polo shirt to the Red Parrot or Papporazzi. Cargo Shorts are acceptable for guys at every restaurant.
The rooms are adequate. There's a TV and tub/shower. Most importantly, the beach is right outside your door. Although it's a little rocky to get to the water, it is accessible. A lot of people like building 19 as it's close to the Bunker Bar and has the nicest beach. We stay in building 17 as it has a small private beach.
For my wife and me, this is a great place to relax. I never feel like I have to go anywhere else. |
| 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was great! Visited: February 2003 |
| Posted by tunderwo |
|
We just returned from our second stay at the Tam. Once again, it was a great time! We just love this resort- the staff could not be nicer. Our room was great, and the food, too. Do not miss dinner at Papparazzi. Bring the kids, as they will have the time of their lives. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| For relaxation, the Tamarijn is perfect! Visited: February 2003 |
| Posted by arubalee |
|
This was a return trip for us (our fourth!). We hadn't been to the "Tam" since the "it never rains in Aruba"- vacation in 1999 that was 9 of 10 days of rain (due to storms off coast).
The place has undergone several renovations since then and is better than ever! The rooms are plain but very clean due to the wonderful housekeeping staff. And of course all rooms have the view of the ocean- you can't beat that!
The buffet food is good, usually something for everyone, though we felt it had been better in the past. I suggest making reservations for the two other restaurants on site, too! If you go "Mega", you can enjoy all the fun at the sister resort next door at the "Divi".
We will go again, and look forward to the next changes! |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| A fantastic vacation! Visited: November 2002 |
| Posted by todd_walton |
|
This was our best vacation to date. We enjoyed seven days of paradise. Our room was nice and well maintained. The people were very friendly and helpful. The food was very good with a large selection to choose from. We are already planning a return trip. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| A wonderful experience in a wonderul atmosphere. Visited: September 2002 |
| Posted by sng0211 |
|
The hotel was very clean and beautiful, with ocean front rooms. It was not a fancy hotel, but exactly what we were looking for. Opening the slider of our room and walking right out onto the beach was fabulous.
The buffets were non-stop, with excellent food and dozens of choices! The people were very friendly and accommodating. This resort was located close to town with great shopping malls and local shops and casinos. Our favorite restaurant was the Red Parrot, located at the sister resort "DIVI", which was also very nice.
We had no complaints! We will visit the Tamarijn again. Thanks to all staff! |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| A wonderfully inviting, exciting, overall fantastic vacation. Visited: July 2002 |
| Posted by jazzz1977 |
|
My boyfriend and I just recently returned from an eight-day stay at the Tamarijn and we would recommend the resort to everyone.
It was all you could drink and eat without tipping (we did tip but it isn't required). The food at the buffet was awesome, with such variety.The staff and all the island natives were the most inviting and friendly people you would ever meet.
The rooms weren't fancy, but can you complain when you have the beach literally in your backyard? The Tamarijn was the only true beachfront resort. There was great entertainment nightly, shopping on premises, tour arrangments, a casino nearby. Also, the downtown shops, restaurants, bars, clubs were a short 6-8 minutes away in car or on a bus.
The Tamarijn wasn't a luxuriously decorated resort, but it was a fabulous place to stay and worth every penny! |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| A great value for the money. Visited: June 2002 |
| Posted by olsonjm |
|
My wife and I went in June 2002 and loved it.
The staff was very friendly and helpful. Although we have visited more elegant resorts, I feel that this resort did give us the most bang for the buck. Yes, the rooms erre slightly old, but everything was in good working order.
Overall, if you are looking for room service, every little corner covered with marble, this is not it. But if you are looking for a place where you get a more than friendly staff, great food, and a chance on Wednesday nights to taste some of the dishes of the Caribbean, this may be what you be looking for in a resort.
I give the resort three stars in hopes of no one getting visions of grandeur, but don't get me wrong, it was well worth the money.
Now a little about the island. If you are a jungle adventurist, you are not going to find any here. It was pretty much a desert island. There were beautiful beaches and Divi trees were standard. There were friendly people throughout the city.
If you love jewelry stores, there were two on every block - and plenty of other places to shop.
Another big thing down there was the selling of timeshares. Not that a timeshare may be all that bad, it's just that a few of the people here tried to push it on us waaaay too much.
With all said, I would still recommend this resort without hesitation. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was awesome! Visited: April 2002 |
| Posted by reen_regan |
|
We had the best vacation of our lives!
The food was great, the room was clean and very well maintained. Everyone here, especially Carla at Guest Services, was especially helpful.
Pictures do not do Aruba justice. We will definitely be back again! |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
|
| Every hotel, resort, b&b, and villa. That is our goal. Did we miss your favorite hotel or villa? Do you own a hotel or villa? Please let us know. Click Here! |
| Did you find something offensive on our website? Please let us know. Click Here! |
|
| Aruba’s hot spot on the beach, where the fun never stops. Windsurf, sail, snorkel or scale our rock climbing wall. Go exploring on a bike. There are nine great dining choices, seven bars to choose from, live entertainment every night and the nearby Alhambra Casino where you... |
Caribbean Villa Rentals
|
 |
Aruba Lodging
Aruba Travel Guide
Read reviews on YahooAnguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Necker_Island, Anegada, Little_Thatch_Island, Virgin_Gorda, Tortola, Cayman_Islands, Dominica, Dominican_Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Nevis, Puerto_Rico, St_Barts, St_Kitts, St_Lucia, St_Maarten, St_Martin, St_Vincent__the_Grenadines, Trinidad_and_Tobago, Turks_and_Caicos, St_John, St_Thomas, St_Croix, Villa Home Page
|
- Aruba Links
-
|
.gif&contenttype=gif)
More
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino features 556 rooms and suites and the finest amenities and activities on Aruba.