Hi Pat, unfortunately not going this year Have been twice in July and absolutely loved it. Have a wonderful holiday at the Tam

Hi Starry,

Thanks for your reply.

I'm not a very strong swimmer, and would normally use a pool, but having read up on the Tam I believe it is more so the youngsters that congregate around the pool. Is the current in the sea very strong or is the sea pretty calm?

Many thanks in advance.
Pat

Hi Pat, I'm also not a strong swimmer but cooled off in the sea everyday as it is beautiful. On both holidays we had one day when the waves really got up in the afternoon, especially where the bunker bar is. Other than that, it was usually calm. If it does get rough, it doesn't seem to be all day.

I didn't use the pool at the Tam at all. The infinity pool which is over the road at the Divi Golf was much nicer and you are able to use that

Thanks again Starry.

Another question for you, if you don't mind ...... if we use the pool at the Divi, will it be on an all inclusive basis, or will we have to pay for our drinks?

Also, although we are all inclusive, would still like to venture out a couple of times to eat elsewhere and go on a couple of trips. Did you find it expensive?

Thanks again.
Pat

The Divi is part of the all inclusive so you can use the buffet and bars as much as you want. The Divi Golf which is over the road, you have to pay for drinks etc
The only evening meal we had out was Hard Rock Cafe, which was probably quite expensive for what it was. On our first trip, we went to De Palm island and did the waterpark on our last trip - that was mainly because the children wanted to go. Also did the semi submarine trip. Hubby and kids went on the the hotel bike/snorkeling trip both times (about 6 miles each way), we visited the butterfly farm on bikes and went into town a couple of time by taxi or bus.

Not sure if there is a limit on the a la cartes now, but hubby used to line up to book them from about 7.40 am in reception.

I'm sure you will have a great time.

Hi,

Thanks again for your reply ..... much appreciated.

How did you find the trip ato De Palm Island? Have heard conflicting report about it. Our son is nearly 16 and quite a strong swimmer as his his father, is is worth going there?

Have been to a couple of Hard Rock Cafes (both in Egypt) and found the food to be very good and excellent value for money, but then again I suppose Aruba is a different kettle of fish .. so to speak LOL!

Have read recently on Trip Advisor that guests booked the A La Cartes by phoning from their rooms ..... did you try booking this way at all?

We have always chosen to go all inclusive, even though my husbands does not drink alcohol, and always take £100 per day spending money for any trips, eating out etc. Would you say this amount would be adequate?

Any other tips or advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.
Pat

Hi,
No, didn't try phoning for the a la cartes, just sent hubby to line up Certainly worth phoning then.

Well De Palm was ok but the waterpark is only for young ones. I did do Sea Trek there and there were lots of parrot fish, but if you have been to Egypt it really doesn't compare. I didn't think the all inclusive was up to much.

I would think that sort of spending money would be more than enough.

Only went to buy a t shirt in the Hard Rock in Sharm so can't compare the prices.

If your son and husband are strong swimmers they may enjoy the hotel run bike/snorkeling tour (free). I think it used to be on a Tuesday morning from 8.30 till midday. They stop off at a beach to go snorkeling and I think some of the strong swimmers went out to the Antilla wreck. A truck follows the bikes carrying towels, drinks and snacks.

If I think of anything else I'll be back

Hi,

Was it the food that you were disappointed in at the Tam? I know it's only classed as 3*, but am hoping that we will find something to suit out pallates. Our last 2 holidays in Egypt were in Makadi Bay, and must admit the food was the best we have ever had in Egypt, with the choice of 2 buffets and 3 A La Cartes ...... sounds like we may have been spoilt LOL! I tend to think to myself that if a lot of Americans are going there, it can't be that bad, as they wouldn't put up with any rubbish?

Sorry for so many questions, but what block did you stay in, did you stay on the ground floor, and how did you find the rooms?

Apologies for being such a pest!

Pat

Hi Pat,
Sorry for the confusion but I meant the all inclusive on De Palm Island. The food is absolutely fine at the Tam and Divi. I think I am quite fussy but I always found something nice to eat. If we were eating at the buffet of an evening, we would usually wander up to the Divi one, as the tables were set out nicer with better service etc and this is where we would like to sit of an evening.

The first time we stayed in 1100 block on the upper floor (this was nearest to the pizza bar but we didn't hear any noise) and the last time was block 1300 on the upper floor. We requested upper floors both times just for security and we are not ones to keep going back to our rooms. I thought the rooms were fine. They had been updated the 2nd time with new furnishings and a flat screen tv. The bathrooms still hadn't been refurbished but they are kept immaculately clean.

Hi again,

Thanks so much again for your reply.

Pleased to hear that it was the De Palm Island food you were referring to and not the Tam.

No doubt I will get back to you with more questions ... if you don't mind!

Regards,
Pat

Hiya! I'm heading to the tam on 3rd July for 2 weeks, so I'll see you there!! I'm getting so excited. Sorry to intrude on your conversation, but I'm wondering what currency to take. Someone told me American dollars, is this the case? I really can't wait. We booked over a year in advance. I have so many burning questions that are so silly though. Like what beer is all inclusive? So many things to learn. I can't wait... Hope you have as good a time as I intend to.

Yes American Dollars,if you are looking for some food out of the Complex try Iguana Joe's in Oranjestadt the ribs are to die for.

Hi wally07,

Afraid we will miss you, we don't fly out until the 31st July.

Have you decided on which block to request (if any)? Check out http://www.arubabound.com there is a mountain of info on there along with loads of photos of the Tam. Have you also checked out Tripadvisor ..... loads of info on there too!

Regarding currency, we have also been advised to take USD. Beer at the Tam is Balashi (local bee) Miller Lite and Heineken (all draught)

Best wishes,
Pat

Hi poley,

Although we always book all inclusive we do like to venture out to different restaurants. I've been reading that Aruba is very expensive ..... how did you find the prices in the restaurants?

Many thanks,
Pat

Thanks for the info, and swift reply. I've been checking out tripadvisor everyday or so for new reviews. I haven't decided to request a block, I'd be so pleased to be in Aruba that I won't care where I am in relation to stuff. Something the missus has asked me to ask, is whether the hotel provide beach towels?! Thanks again for your advice.

Hi wally,

Yes, they do provide towels. I think the towels station is situated behind block 1400 and 1500. Been advised to take pegs to secure it onto the sun beds due to the wind LOL!

Pat

Well Pat,

We went in 2008 and the the exchange rate was so good, $2 to the £, that prices for us where very reasonable.

Yes towels are behind block 1400,defo take your pegs..

Thanks poley.

Can you reccommend any decent priced restaurants?

Also did you go on any boat trips, if so, which one, and would you reccomend it?

Sorry for all the questions.

Any other tips would be greatfully received.

Regards,
Pat