claudiale

Planning a trip in April. Do you get free drinks in the casino and does anyone stand out above the others?One person posted that some were boring and do not expect to win. Thanks

Statia

In my experience, Caribbean casinos are nothing like those in Vegas and Reno. They're much smaller and don't pay as well. I don't really know about the free drinks, though.

amelie

We went to LaCabana's Casino, and yes the drinks were free.

I wasn't very impressed with the casino.

huggybear

Amelie, what did you think of La Cabana overall? We are thinking of going in the fall.
Thanks!

amelie

Hi huggybear, that is funny, I call my fiance hugglebear. lol.

We loved LaCabana, it was a beautiful resort. What I liked best about it were the chairs on the beach, plenty! You didn't have to fight for them and get their early. The pools are great, the restaurants are great. The only downside is because it's such a huge resort you may have to walk far to your room. I don't mind walking though, it's good for you.

I would definitely recommend it, and that is where I would stay if I went back.

Best of luck planning.

~Amelie

tom42

Where are you going? Puerto Rico and Aruba probably have the best casinos in the Caribbean.

huggybear

tom42: Plan to go to Aruba for first time in fall.
amelie: Thanks! You were reading my mind. We also were looking for a place to stay where you don't have to get up at 7 a.m. to reserve a spot on beach. To us, that's stressful, not relaxing. Have you stayed anywhere else on Aruba?

amelie

Nope, never stayed anywhere else... but I did see the Holiday Inn (we went on a snorkel trip that left from it). It seemed ok but that area of the beach was really crowded. LaCabana seemed to have a bigger beach area and isn't right on top of other large resorts.

I also saw the resort that is downtown, the one with the private island. I forget the name of it, but I wouldn't want to stay downtown.

~Amelie

huggybear

Thanks again Amelie.
I think the hotel you're talking about is the Renaissance. I eliminated that one early on. Also considered Hyatt, Radisson, Marriott and Allegro/Occidental, and even Aruba Grand and Wyndham, but the latter two didn't seem to be on the same level. It's so hard to pick, you know? It was hard enough picking the island. Also liked Paradise Island and Puerto Rico. Think I've done enough research to write my own book.
Thanks again for the help. Please feel free to pass along any other info.
Huggy.

Mon65

Casinos on Aruba as on most islands are nothing like Vegas - you really don't win much or often. La Cabana casino is probably the biggest - yes, you get free drinks as long as you sit and play.
The Hyatt is still one of the prettiest hotels on the island - the biggest beaches are at La Cabana and Costa Linda Beach Resorts.

amelie

My dad won 3,000 US dollars at LaCabanas casino (from a drawing, and he got to spin the wheel) on Christmas day 3 years ago. My brother was also picked from the drawing and spun the wheel but only got $5.

*shrug*