I'm the non-diver in the family, but I can recommend Unique Sports right next to the hotel. Hubby and I were at the Aruba Grand in Mid-September, and somehow we both managed to forget his C cards (uusually I ask for one of them to carry in my wallet, separate from the others). Unique contacted our dive shop the next morning, had the info faxed over, and he only missed one dive. They were very professional and fun, and didn't hold an experienced diver like my hubby back. I went out two afternoons with him and snorkeled the Pedernales, which was tremendous.
The Aruba Grand is quiet, but a great hotel. If you haven't booked the upgrade and you can spring for it, stay in one of the rooms with the adjustable beds/Tommy Bahama furnishings. The adjustable firmness on the mattress (two controls, one for each side) gave me some of the best nights sleep I've had anywhere. Those rooms are large and very nice. The pool is quiet but still a great place to wind down and talk to people. The pool bar has great drinks and foods. I can't recommend the other hotel restaurant. Its rather bland and there are other great choices on the island for the same money. You can walk along the hotels and access a number of great restaurants. Our favorites: Sunset Grille for a fancy night out, and Gilligan's Beach Bar at the Radisson for good, casual dining.
From hubby's report, diving is better than you may expect. He got some of his best underwater photos ever in Aruba, and just took first prize with one octopus photo at his dive club's annual photo contest. Its a wonderful island for a non-diver too. As in Grand Cayman, I had plenty to occupy me as he was off diving. ENJOY!!!
The Aruba Grand is quiet, but a great hotel. If you haven't booked the upgrade and you can spring for it, stay in one of the rooms with the adjustable beds/Tommy Bahama furnishings. The adjustable firmness on the mattress (two controls, one for each side) gave me some of the best nights sleep I've had anywhere. Those rooms are large and very nice. The pool is quiet but still a great place to wind down and talk to people. The pool bar has great drinks and foods. I can't recommend the other hotel restaurant. Its rather bland and there are other great choices on the island for the same money. You can walk along the hotels and access a number of great restaurants. Our favorites: Sunset Grille for a fancy night out, and Gilligan's Beach Bar at the Radisson for good, casual dining.
From hubby's report, diving is better than you may expect. He got some of his best underwater photos ever in Aruba, and just took first prize with one octopus photo at his dive club's annual photo contest. Its a wonderful island for a non-diver too. As in Grand Cayman, I had plenty to occupy me as he was off diving. ENJOY!!!
