Reviewers Rating: 
Excellent
Bucuti /Aruba Trip ReportFlight from O¡¦Hare to Miami-Aruba was simple. No problems. Since both legs of the flight were short, they only served drinks and crackers. Good thing to pack a few snacks to hold you over until you can get a real meal. Arrived safely and breezed through customs. Taxi ride to Bucuti was $14.
The hotel was breezy and relaxing. They really do a thorough check in. Almost to the point of silly after you have been to so many hotels, do you really need to be told about the mini bar and all the items? Guess they are just being helpful. The Bucuti has a nice little gift shop and activities desk. Basic but it works. The room itself was similar in design to many hotels. Very basic but again, comfortable and you really don¡¦t spend a whole lot of time in it with that amazing beach competing for all of your attention.
Room provides free coffee and tea and has a shampoo/soap/lotion dispenser hanging in the shower. The hotel prides itself on being a ¡§green¡¨ hotel and they encourage you to use your towels for a few days etc. They have a very informative channel program that gives you the skinny on all hotel operations. Wow!
Beach was beyond glorious. Sand was powdery soft and the water color was magical. I lived in Hawaii and I know pretty water when I see it. There was only one day where I saw patches of seaweed. Even so, it was nothing at all to worry about. Hey if you have ever swum in the Gulf of Mexico, this seaweed is nothing. Next day it had all but disappeared. There are plenty of shelters and lawn chairs. They also have the sand bar for drinks and hot snacks, sandwiches etc. Pirates Nest restaurant for more hearty meals. Happy Hour from 4-6 at Sand Bar. We ate several items off the menu and they were all passable. I compared it to a Denny¡¦s. It was your basic food although they presented it nice with garnish. Drinks were costly between 6-9 bucks.
There are several topless women for those that care. They inspired me and before long I was swinging free with the rest of them. It becomes a non issue and you don¡¦t even notice after a while. Except of course the perfect breast! (I¡¦m jealous) ƒº
Husband and I are total beach bums and book worms. Since we lived in a tropical environment before we didn¡¦t feel the need to do all the snorkeling and sea adventures. I did read about them and they looked like fun if you¡¦re into that. We basically hung out at the beach and devoured books. Only dragging ourselves away from that intoxicating beach to eat dinner.
Restaurants.
Madam Janette- We ate here twice and each visit was better than the last. I had the most delicious tenderloin ever. It melted like butter on my tongue. The knife sliced through it so cleanly. I picked the mushroom sauce and was not disappointed. Their famous potato gratin was a true winner. Loaded with fresh cheese and perfect once I cracked some fresh sea salt on it. Yummy. Husband tied the pork one night and gave it two thumbs up. He had sirloin the next and again approved. Desserts were wonderful. Each night that we ate there was roughly $69. This included shared appetizer, meals and dessert for each. We didn¡¦t drink other than soda. Service charge not included so tip like normal.
French Steakhouse
Nice atmosphere. We cracked up when they rang the dinner bell and yelled their little phrase. Husband had salmon and was thrilled. I had steak and wasn¡¦t quite as impressed. Side dishes were interesting. They consisted of bits of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots with cheese sprinkled on them. We started the meal with stuffed mushroom caps. Those were divine. Dessert was apple strudel with ice cream for me. (nothing special) and chocolate cake for him (not as good as I make). Over all the food was good and the live music was pleasant but I don¡¦t know that I would go back. Been there, done that.
Iguana Joe¡¦s.
Had drinks here. Good drinks, hearty sizes. Cost was 6 bucks per drink plus tip. Seemed similar to a Chili¡¦s or Bennigans.
Did some light shopping in town at the markets. Basic souvenir stuff.
Over all the island is pretty laid back and not a lot of action but that is just what we wanted. We didn¡¦t want a lot of distractions from the beach. Of course it¡¦s not one of the more beautiful islands but it does have its own charm and grace. I enjoyed the divi trees. Overall it was just what the doctor ordered.
redshoe
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