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Help! Playa Linda Aruba on 24 hour hold!

coachb

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Please help, I have a 24 hour hold on Playa Linda in Aruba for May 22-29. It's a 1br unit L44. We have previously stayed at the Ren downtown and enjoyed it. My wife would stay there again (and we can get it in a trade via II) but we (mainly me) would prefer to be on a beach. We want no part of the Marriots on Palm.....having walked the area and didn't care for the crowds. How is the Beach area at Playa Linda? Anyone familiar with the unit we could get? Is the beach area at Playa Linda crowded? Closer to Eagle? Any ongoing construction? How are the units? TIA!
 

alwysonvac

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Don't forget to check the TUG Review Database, Tripadvisor and Yelp.

Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino deposits into Interval - https://www.intervalworld.com/web/cs?a=1503&resortCode=HTB&parentResortCode=HTB#.VqIxqZorJDA

If your dates are flexible, it's not hard to book. I see deposits often but you probably need to setup an OGS if you want a specific time period. Here's what I currently see via an II exchange - http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237615 (NOTE: Must login as a TUG member to view). Also search the TUG sightings forum using "Renaissance" to see previous postings.

NOTE: There are currently lots of dates available for the entire year via Interval Cash Getaways.

Good Luck :)
 

WINSLOW

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We just got back from the zoo (Marriott- as we call it), although this time we stayed at Ocean Club which is much better than the Surf Club beach.

We always take a walk down to Playa Linda, to their beach bar to met up with some friends. You will love it, the beach isn't in anyway as crowded as the Surf Club, palapas are easier to get, shorter distance from rooms to the beach, staff is extremely friendly, overall I think the people staying there are friendlier as its a smaller resort deeded weeks & unit numbers so it's the same people each week each year.

The units are a little more dated than the Marriott's, but tropical decor & clean.

There's a link to the resort map, your room is on ground floor, lanai.

http://www.playalinda.com/resort-layout/

I would keep it, I hardly ever see Playa Linda for an exchange, did you have a request in or did you just do a search?
 

Solange1201

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playa linda

Please help, I have a 24 hour hold on Playa Linda in Aruba for May 22-29. It's a 1br unit L44. We have previously stayed at the Ren downtown and enjoyed it. My wife would stay there again (and we can get it in a trade via II) but we (mainly me) would prefer to be on a beach. We want no part of the Marriots on Palm.....having walked the area and didn't care for the crowds. How is the Beach area at Playa Linda? Anyone familiar with the unit we could get? Is the beach area at Playa Linda crowded? Closer to Eagle? Any ongoing construction? How are the units? TIA!
this is a amazing location and the rooms and the views are spectacular you should go for it. it is located at the high rises palm beach next to the hyatt.
 

coachb

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will probably keep it. I got it with an exchange, OGS. A little concerned about ground floor unit but really thrilled that the OGS hit. I've walked by the resort a few times and was always intrigued by it. I like the fact that it's in the high rise area but a smaller resort.
 

coachb

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I called the resort but had a little difficulty understanding the lady I spoke with. Just wanted to confirm that my unit would have a king size bed. Also, it wasn't clear to me if we'd have a full or limited kitchen (doesn't really matter). TIA!
 

Theousaf

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Please help, I have a 24 hour hold on Playa Linda in Aruba for May 22-29. It's a 1br unit L44. We have previously stayed at the Ren downtown and enjoyed it. My wife would stay there again (and we can get it in a trade via II) but we (mainly me) would prefer to be on a beach. We want no part of the Marriots on Palm.....having walked the area and didn't care for the crowds. How is the Beach area at Playa Linda? Anyone familiar with the unit we could get? Is the beach area at Playa Linda crowded? Closer to Eagle? Any ongoing construction? How are the units? TIA!
I have stayed at the Playa Linda a number of times. Over the last few years they have replaced two of their pools, which are very nice. Being on Palm Beach, aka "the High Rise Hotel" area is more crowded than Eagle Beach or any of the other beaches. The good thing is there are many good restaurants and shop nearby. The units are dated but clean and the staff affable. I just re read your question and realize that you are going to be there during "Soul Fest". Google it. If you like loud soul music you are going to love it, otherwise not. The Playa Linda is next to Moomba Beach which has a live dj simulcast with DC and Atlanta Radio Stations. The event lasts the entire week up to Memorial Day.
 

coachb

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I have stayed at the Playa Linda a number of times. Over the last few years they have replaced two of their pools, which are very nice. Being on Palm Beach, aka "the High Rise Hotel" area is more crowded than Eagle Beach or any of the other beaches. The good thing is there are many good restaurants and shop nearby. The units are dated but clean and the staff affable. I just re read your question and realize that you are going to be there during "Soul Fest". Google it. If you like loud soul music you are going to love it, otherwise not. The Playa Linda is next to Moomba Beach which has a live dj simulcast with DC and Atlanta Radio Stations. The event lasts the entire week up to Memorial Day.

Thanks for the heads up on "soul fest". How much would this impact crowds on the beach? How close is Moomba Beach? How intrusive is the noise at Playa Linda and does it go on all day/night?
 

Theousaf

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Soul Fest

Moomba beach is a few hundred yards north of the Playa Linda. Playa Linda is next to the Holiday Inn then comes Moomba Beach then the Marriott Surf Club. The last few years the main concert was at Nikki Beach down by the airport although there are events going on all week. I doubt the Playa Linda will be more crowded due to the event but the Holiday Inn will be.
 
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coachb

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Moomba beach is a few hundred yards north of the Playa Linda. Playa Linda is next to the Holiday Inn then comes Moomba Beach then the Marriott Surf Club. The last few years the main concert was at Nikki Beach down by the airport although there are events going on all week. I doubt the Playa Linda will be more crowded due to the event but the Holiday Inn will be.

Thanks, that is helpful. How loud does it get at the Playa Linda? How early does it start and how late can we expect it? I'm trying to determine if the noise from the event is going to detract from our time at the Playa Linda.
Thanks again.
 

Theousaf

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Thanks, that is helpful. How loud does it get at the Playa Linda? How early does it start and how late can we expect it? I'm trying to determine if the noise from the event is going to detract from our time at the Playa Linda.
Thanks again.
I suspect you will be able to hear the music but it won't be blaring and the years I've gone there has only been one or two events at Moomba during that week. The Holiday Inn takes up a pretty wide footprint on Palm Beach, being that they have three buildings, so it will be a good buffer between you and Moomba. You will probably hear it but it wouldn't bother me, but then again I like the music. Keep in mind that this time of year in Aruba is not "prime" season so other than Soul Fest it should not be overly crowded. It doesn't start real early but might go to midnight. Moomba generally has a live dj Friday and Sunday nights year round.
 

topmom101

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I am an owner at Playa Linda and can answer most of your questions. First off, you were lucky to trade into the PL as it is hard to do. Your 1 bedroom lanai does have a full kitchen. Yes, the units are a little dated but they are clean and comfortable. All units have king sized beds. The beach does get crowded and if locating a front row palapa (chickee) is important to you you will have to get up early in the morning. You will be competing against fixed week owners who like to stake out their regular spot on the beach (I am guilty of that). However, the PL has 2 pools, one of which is a brand new adult-only pool with lots of palapas and lounges.

Music from Moomba will not be an issue, you will not even hear it. The PL is a very quiet resort but is the best located TS in Aruba so renting a car is not necessary. You are literally in the heart of Palm Beach with its many restaurants, shops and casinos. Taxis are readily available at the front entrance and you can take a bus almost anywhere. Look for Carlito's beach bar on the property and meet the owner, Juan. Tell him Mariella sent you. Also, go to Scott's Brats, also on beach property for delicious and inexpensive breakfast and lunch. We have a Dunkin Donuts but also offer complementary coffee every morning from 6-9 right on the beach.

If you have any more specific questions, don't hesitate to ask.
 

LisaRex

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I am looking to rent a unit for April 2018. My choices are: La Cabana ocean front 2 bdrm, Playa Linda unit 424 or the Royal Lanai Suite 60, or Divi Phoenix OF (unit to be assigned) in either the towers or the old section. I'm torn about which one to book. All are within a few hundred bucks of each other, so that's not an issue.

Any advice you can offer would be appreciated. The Royal Lanai intrigues me but I'm not sure that I'd like being on the ground floor. And I can't seem to figure out where it is on the resort.
 

topmom101

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I am looking to rent a unit for April 2018. My choices are: La Cabana ocean front 2 bdrm, Playa Linda unit 424 or the Royal Lanai Suite 60, or Divi Phoenix OF (unit to be assigned) in either the towers or the old section. I'm torn about which one to book. All are within a few hundred bucks of each other, so that's not an issue.

Any advice you can offer would be appreciated. The Royal Lanai intrigues me but I'm not sure that I'd like being on the ground floor. And I can't seem to figure out where it is on the resort.[/QUO

Hi Lisa, I actually own at all 3 resorts and love them for very different and specific reasons. The choice will be tough. What is most important to you? Location (no need for a car)? Beach (crowds, water clarity)? Tranquility?

The Playa Linda is a beautiful, centrally located resort and Lanai 60 is one of its most coveted suites. It's literally on the beach, just steps from the water. You will need to get up very, very early to reserve a palapa and as the beach is pretty narrow it tends to be very crowded. Due to extensive water sport activities/traffic, water clarity is not optimal as it's constantly being churned up. There is 1 fine dining restaurant (Azzurros) on site with gorgeous water, sunset views and 3 casual beach bars/restaurants. Carlitos is my favorite. In addition, there is a fresh fruit smoothie shack that is very popular. There are also several restaurants flanking the entrance of the PL.

The Divi Phoenix is also a beautiful resort and the towers/villas is the older original part, albeit recently renovated last year. I own a ground floor unit and absolutely love it. The Phoenix has a more low-key, relaxed feel, plenty of palapas, more room to spread out, a beautiful pool with swim-up bar and super friendly bartenders, 2 great restaurants; one casual pool side, one fine dining ocean side with tables on the sand, music some nights. Although not exactly centrally located like the Playa Linda, you can still easily access any restaurant/casino on Palm Beach by walking on the beach and cutting thru the lobby of its neighboring resort (Riu). The Phoenix is one of the last remaining resorts to still host a weekly welcome party (Mondays at 5:00) with drinks, games and music. Lots of fun, don't miss it. I have to admit, my week at the Phoenix follows the week at the Playa Linda, and I breathe a sigh of relief when I check in because I get to sleep late and always get a palapa. The water is clear (no boat traffic), ideal for floating on a raft as it's very calm and not too deep.

This leaves LaCabana on Eagle Beach. Another beautiful, well kept resort, also recently renovated. If I understand your description, you scored an E unit which are the ocean front units and the very best accommodations at LaCabana. I stayed in one of those a few years and loved it. LaCabana is shaped like a U and the 2 bedroom E units are at the ends of the U, 2 per floor, 4 floors. So if you do the math there are only 16 of those units and nearly impossible to rent.

LaCabana is a fun resort, happy hour twice a day, music most days (4:00pm, pool side), friendly staff, clean rooms, not crowded, nice pool with lots and lots of lounges, within walking distance to some really great restaurants and supermarket, convenient bus stop to easily access Palm Beach. 2 restaurants on site; Island Grill for casual breakfast, lunch and dinner and Las Ramblas for outdoor fine dining. It is also flanked by two other resorts, each with their own great restaurants. Oops, almost forgot to mention the Cinnabon in the lobby and the on site casino.

LaCabana is across the street from the beach but don't let that deter you. It's a small price to pay to enjoy one of the top ten best beaches in the world. Eagle beach is stunningly beautiful with its clear cool water and miles of white sand. The beach is very wide so lots of palapas to be had even late morning. If you want waterfront, you can rent chairs and umbrellas.

Let us know which resort you'll choose and if you need additional information, feel free to ask or contact me.
 

LisaRex

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Thanks so much for the extensive feedback topmom. After consideration, I've opted for Divi Phoenix because it sounds like the best fit for us.

My 1st choice for a long time was Playa Linda, but honestly Lanai Suite 60 didn't really appeal to me because it was ground level, and smack in the middle of the resort. I wanted to be able to open my shades without someone seeing in. And I was concerned about noise when we're trying to sleep. I saw another unit available there, but then realized that it has no washer/dryer in the unit, and the 2nd bedroom has twin beds. (I'm traveling with another couple, so we prefer one bed because we like our spouses.) The final deal killer was the thought of getting up at the crack of dawn to reserve a palapa.

Divi Phoenix was my 2nd choice, but after seeing your write up and chatting with the owner at length, I think that this is going to be the best fit for us. The location seems ideal, because I like being near the action, but not necessarily is the middle of it. I actually would have loved being in the older, larger "old" section with its dedicated pool, but not having a washer/dryer in the unit was killing me. We've become hopelessly spoiled by having an en suite laundry, as it allows us to pack much, much lighter. I know that there is a coin laundry on site, but I'd prefer the convenience of having it in the room.

The owner was very nice and is actually going to book a different week at our request. We'll have to give up the penthouse for a "regular" 2 bdrm lockoff in the newer section, but I actually prefer that floor plan to the goofy layout of the penthouse (it has a full bath on the main floor, and 2 bdrms and a shared full bath on the upper level). I'm just hoping I get a high enough room so that I can see the ocean from my room!

I do have one question: Is Divi Phoenix on the bus line? We will be renting a car, but would love to use the bus to get to restaurants that we can't walk to.

Thank you very much for your help.
 

topmom101

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Thanks so much for the extensive feedback topmom. After consideration, I've opted for Divi Phoenix because it sounds like the best fit for us.

My 1st choice for a long time was Playa Linda, but honestly Lanai Suite 60 didn't really appeal to me because it was ground level, and smack in the middle of the resort. I wanted to be able to open my shades without someone seeing in. And I was concerned about noise when we're trying to sleep. I saw another unit available there, but then realized that it has no washer/dryer in the unit, and the 2nd bedroom has twin beds. (I'm traveling with another couple, so we prefer one bed because we like our spouses.) The final deal killer was the thought of getting up at the crack of dawn to reserve a palapa.

Divi Phoenix was my 2nd choice, but after seeing your write up and chatting with the owner at length, I think that this is going to be the best fit for us. The location seems ideal, because I like being near the action, but not necessarily is the middle of it. I actually would have loved being in the older, larger "old" section with its dedicated pool, but not having a washer/dryer in the unit was killing me. We've become hopelessly spoiled by having an en suite laundry, as it allows us to pack much, much lighter. I know that there is a coin laundry on site, but I'd prefer the convenience of having it in the room.

The owner was very nice and is actually going to book a different week at our request. We'll have to give up the penthouse for a "regular" 2 bdrm lockoff in the newer section, but I actually prefer that floor plan to the goofy layout of the penthouse (it has a full bath on the main floor, and 2 bdrms and a shared full bath on the upper level). I'm just hoping I get a high enough room so that I can see the ocean from my room!

I do have one question: Is Divi Phoenix on the bus line? We will be renting a car, but would love to use the bus to get to restaurants that we can't walk to.

Thank you very much for your help.

Yes, the Phoenix is on the bus line. I am assuming you meant to write you are not renting a car?
 

LisaRex

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Yes, the Phoenix is on the bus line. I am assuming you meant to write you are not renting a car?

We actually will rent a car to bee bop around in. But when we go to dinner, we like to forego the car because we like to enjoy a little vino. Actually a lot of vino, but who's counting when you're on vacation?
 

topmom101

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We actually will rent a car to bee bop around in. But when we go to dinner, we like to forego the car because we like to enjoy a little vino. Actually a lot of vino, but who's counting when you're on vacation?

Oh, OK. That sounds like a great plan. Enjoy your vacation!!!
 

coachb

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Bumping this as I have ANOTHER 24 hour hold on a trade in to the Playa Linda. As this original thread was a source of wonderful information, I thought I'd venture here again. We LOVED our stay at the Playa and are thrilled our search hit again. Last time we were spoiled with a lanai unit just steps to the adult pool.

My 24 hold this time is on a 1BR unit #543. In looking at the resort map up thread, is this on the fifth floor in Phase III facing the Holiday Inn? If so, any thoughts on this location? Any newsworthy updates at the Playa? I read online about a beach replenishment taking place last fall, is that complete? Any other thoughts/suggestions?

TIA,

CoachB
 

topmom101

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Wow, you sure hit the jackpot again. Playa Linda is hard to trade into as very few owners deposit their weeks since units easily rent for more than double MF. You are correct on the location and will have a nice view from the 5th floor. Some changes have taken place in the last year. On the plus side, WiFi is now free. Tubs were removed and walk-in showers installed. Kitchens were updated with new stainless steel appliances. There are new mattresses in every unit and new furnishings as well. On the negative side, PL has also implemented a Resort Fee of roughly $60-$120 per week depending on unit size.

That being said, it’s still a great trade. Enjoy your stay!!
 
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