Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort Oranjestad

We stayed in the Divi Dutch Village in Aruba last week, as a timeshare exchange (originall in St. Martin). Since this was our first time to to Aruba, I had read the ENTIRE Frommer's and Fodor's, not to mention...frequented this website and others daily.

The usual check-in is 4pm, but upon arrival we were checked in immediately, not to mention that we were also upgraded to a one bedroom suite. The corner suite (131) had a view of Druif beach, and it truly is a "garden path" away for anyone who's skeptical. the repsort is very clean, and even w/ out getting maid service, they emptied the trash daily and changed the towels! For two people, there is absolutely no need for the maid service.

Our favorite features included the private patio and adjacent grill, perfect for eating in, and location....believe me, it does not matter that the Tamarijn is in front of you. This is important, once you see all the other hotels/condos NOT on the beach. We would not even consider staying on the other side of the street (1A/1B). This is mainly b/c the terrain of Aruba is not "pretty" if you are not on the beachfront. Not to say that it is ugly by any means.

To say more about grilling, it's windy so don't get frustrated when your match blows out trying to light it :) Also there are atleast three foodstores in walking distance, and selld some great meats.

We recommend renting at car for five days or so....it's nice to kick around the island at your own pace, exploring the things they do not mention in the tourist's magazines, etc. Which is the REAL Aruba, not the westernized Aruba...BORING!

The Dutch Village is much, much quieter then it's all-inclusive (down the boardwalk) neighbors. Although, it was conveinient to have the option to stroll down there some nights, when we got the itch for live steel-drum music, and socializing at the bars.

Personally, and maybe b/c we live in a city, we prefer to relax on our vacation. The all-inclusive hotels seem a bit too hedonistic...or great if you are traveling w/ children with ADHD, who can't occupy themselves building sandcastles and such, or your the kind of parent who dumps their kid(s) at camp ALL summer. Also their a bit too much like an all-you-can-eat restauaunt at the all-inclusives....people get that bracelet on, and must feel like they have to get the most bang for their buck....which can be gross to watch. Not to mention, when you buy mixed/frozen drinks at the all-inc. beware, they do not put a lot of liqueur in the mix, and way too much ice. Don't blame the staff, blame yourself for not realizing that's part of the all-inclusive business.

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! Take the opportunity to eat at the local restauaunts if you really want to experience Aruban cuisine.

All in all, we arrived w/ the knowlage that this was the most re-visited island in the carribean, and couldn't understand why for the first couple of days.....but once the middle of the week hit, we were dreading going home, and planning on coming back. So, we are still not sure what exactly it is about this place, but we love it too!

I have to recommend the Mermaid Dive Center, the Flying Fishbone restauraunt (in Savenata), and snorkeling at Arashi / Malmok beach, which had stunning schools of squid!

As a final note, we felt safe the whole time, and thought the people of the island were the nicest and most geuine of all the other islands we have been too.

Have fun if you stay here, and please feel free to contact us w/ any questions!

we stayed at the divi dutch and was clean and the housekeepers were pretty good, the only fault we really had was it was really hard to find a place for us to eat and drinks, for we were right next to the tamijrn, which is all inclusive, so we had to buy meal tickets,drink tickets,etc to be able to be a part of the resort or go to the golf and beach where you could charge it to your room,like most places which their pool was so far from us! the maids could have kept the rooms up a little better,wiping off tables sinks in bathrooms etc,but overall not bad just should be more accomdating for divi dutch customers who arent all inclusive,or if we didnt understand how things work have someone @checkin be able to explain it, no one @ check in spoke english very well at all.People in aruba were great, beautiful place i know why people dont want to come home!! Everyone was so nice and accomadating,went out of their way to help you out, for anything, overall couldnt ask for a better place to vacation.

My family and I have been to Aruba well over 30 times since I was a young lad. The people there are almost always more than freindly and very accomodating, I cannot say enough about the genuine niceness of the Aruban people. The island itself is small, but with no lack of beautiful sights and activities to keep anyone more than busy. The weather is always gorgeous, and the beaches are incredible. The sand is like sugar and the sea is crystal clear. There are so many fine restaurants that we are still experiencing some for our first time on each trip. The casinos are small, quaint and quite relaxed, with never a need to want for a drink. There are many to choose from although I recommend the Alhambra. I am also a golfer and there are two fine courses on the island-The Links at Divi is an impeccably conditioned 9-hole course with lots to offer including a wide array of shots including water,many fine bunkers and an island green. The other is Tierra Del Sol and it is a challenging, championship 18 hole course, with many beautiful sights, including views of the ocean. Also always in great shape...As far as accomodations, i've stayed in many of the hotels on the island including the Hyatt and Wyndham, which are both fine hotels, but I would recommend to anyone to try a stay at any of the Divi Resort properties and take a look at some of the timeshares they have to offer. Their slogan I beleive is "Barefoot Elegance" and i couldn't think of two better words to describe the experience. We are owners at the Dutch Village, where a few steps from your terrace is a pool and literally a few more steps and you're on one of the finest beaches on the island. No elevators to ride, no waiting in lines for towels or beach chairs, no crowds. Whatever your desire-they have it right there for you and all the staff is like family, at least thats how they always make me feel, up to and including the G.M. Mr.Griffith, who is always around and always concerned that you are enjoying your stay to the fullest. We just got home from a ten night stay last night and i can't wait until next year to do-it again. -Enjoy Aruba.

Anyone from the UK who has been in self catering apartments in Europe will find the Dutch Village above average self catering facilities. All Caribbean and US studios are far better than european and this was no exception. The room was big and clean, with daily maid service. The kitchen was fully equiped and with a nearby supermarket we stayed in and cooked a few meals. The Pool was right outside the patio, and the beach only a minute away. It's very quiet and not very lively unless you use the Tamarijn facilities or go downtown. Only$8 for a taxi to town and plenty of restaurants to choose from. Weather was great and we thoroughly enjoyed a days sailing on a catamaran. Not sure i would go back, but nothing to do with Dutch village more to do with Aruba. I didn't find the island very caribbean compared to Brabados and Jamaica. Woudn't suit if you don't want to see a McDonalds for 2 weeks! But had a lovely holiday and enjoyed my stay at the Dutch Village

Went To Divi Dutch the first week of July for a week. Nice room near the pool. Clean and spacious for me and my wife. All the implements for cooking were right there and the ice machine was close. We went to the supermarket for groceries and mostly cooked our breakfasts and dinners. The beach was nearby and as well as the Tamjryn facilities. The staff was friendly and courteous. Went with the hotel staff to a bike tour to the lighthouse and also a snorkel tour. We rented a car at the airport and went all the island on our own. During the week we did not find traffic jams and most people drive safe and courtesly. Fuel is expensive but really you don't need too much to cover the island, I spent $35.00 for the whole week in a Toyota Yaris (same as Echo) Lots of places to eat. Nice restaurant to visit: Marina Pirata, you eat so close to the water and the fish and delite with the sunset. Very special and romantic.

The beaches in the road to San Nicolas are prettier than to the other side of the island. In general it is clean, not too much garbage around. Not too many police present, at least uniformed, but seems unnecesary. We liked it and probably will be back.

We bought pre-construction in Phase III in 1988. The renovations that are being done was needed but much better than we ever expected. We upgraded to a 2 bedroom in 1990 in Phase II. Our unit was being worked on this year so we went into another 2 bedroom that was completed. They have completely gutted every unit and replaced windows, floors, furniture, bathrooms TV's. An outstanding job. Even with many people working in the area it was not disturbing at all. The beach in front of the Tamarjn is all sand and just beautiful. We had a wonderful 3 weeks in Aruba.

My family (wife and two teenagers) stayed at the Divi Dutch Village first week of May. First let me say that we were looking for a quiet, relaxing, no hassle vacation and thats exactly what we got.

The unit was a one bedroom that was remodeled over the last year. It was fantastic. Clean, good size, everything was there that was supposed to be there. The housekeeping staff was great. I called twice for minor things and they were taken care of immediately.

The beach was steps from the room and was just what we wanted, quiet with available huts every day. If you are looking for partying and excitement stay on Palm Beach. Divi Dutch has a very intimate and family feel to it. Complex is being completely renovated but the work did not disrupt at all.

You have access to the other Divi resorts when staying here. We were not all inclusive so I can't comment on the restaurants on the premises. We had no issues all week. It was the most relaxing vacation we have had in years.

I really was surprised at how much I liked this place! We had a two floor, two bedroom. We had a balcony that overlooked the pool. My mother's room had a small kitchen-like area, I had a large closet and nice view of the pool. The bathrooms were nice too. Came with shampoo and shower gel dispensers! There were 3 TV's, kitchen table, full fridge, oven and stove. Fully equipped kitchen, BTW. Comfy living area. TV channels sucked, but what are ya gonna do? There are these jacuzzi tubs on the balconies that were nice, but ours wouldn't fill up. There were also these little red bugs all over, so I was reluctant to use it as it was. The hotel's beach had a lot of coral so we just drove down to Divi and used theirs! I liked that option! We were within a 1 minute drive/five minute walk of the grocery store, three minute drive to the nearest Dunkin Donuts and casino, and 7 minutes at the most from the Radisson, Hyatt, and Aruba Grand....Their bars were great, and the gift shops were acceptable (I'm not a souvenir junkie). I never felt crowded or anything. There were some bratty kids though who annoyed me, but that's anywhere and not the hotel's fault. I would stay here again. I'd actually like to get a timeshare here! I only hestitated to give it a 5 star rating just for the coral-ly beach and not being able to use my jacuzzi.

enjoyed the hotel.felt that they tried to force us into all innclusive as only one bar or resteraunt took cash.ate out every night resteraunts are really good.one problem is they do not have tere own front desk you have to queue at the tamarjin at 3pm we spent first week at caribbean palm and had to vacate at 12noon called at divi village they would not check us in can be confusing.rooms well set out. as in report for caribbean palm K. l. M are crap 2 days without bags and now help at all

Divi Dutch Village is a part of the large Divi complex. There are two restaurants,one being the all inclusive. Within walking distance is two grocery stores. More restauraunts and the casino is about a 15 minute walk. You can take the little schuttle golf cart which carries eight people.The beach is nice but rocky. The surf will not knock you over. The bus stop is near and the fare is $2 round trip to downtown. Aruba is nice but very very windy.