If its for a honeymoon, you may want to spring for an all-inclusive (AI). I think two of the better ones are the Riu and Barcelo. Both of those are in the high rise area (Palm Beach) and in the middle of the action. I've stayed at the Barcelo for 4 days on all-inclusive, and it was awesome. Keep in mind I think most all-inclusives are rip-off, but this is one of the times where i felt I got value for the money. If you book Barcelo, you may want to consider even stepping it up a notch and booking the royal level. Here's how all that works: When you arrive they have you book the restaurants for dinner half the days you are there, you are supposed to go to the buffet the other half. If your booked to the royal level, you can go to the "royal restaurant" those days you are supposed to be going to the buffet. If you decide not to spring for the royal level, I would suggest just telling them its your honeymoon, and just showing up for the restaurants anyway and ask if they have any room, they'll almost always accomodate you (I never ate at the buffet, even though its not bad, but the restaurants are better). Barcelo has shows and some nightlife (but its repetitive) which is good entertainment. You can join "club barcelo" on its webpage for free and get free internet. The intenet stunk though. The Riu, however is a step up from Barcelo. Occasionally Barcelo "runs out" of the good alcohol, or the bartenders get sassy (i.e they get sick of making me mojitos so they conviently run out of mint). Also Barcelo "forgets" to restock your fridge with beer. It's this "last second" "cheapness" that might rub people wrong. I just went to another bar if they decided to pull that stuff, which was very seldom when I was there. At the Riu, none of that exists, from what I hear.
Aruba is a great honeymoon spot, as the weather is literally always 88 degrees, at any time of the year.
The Hilton Aruba is definitely a nice property also in the High rise section, and its also in the middle of things. But its somewhat costly, and for me upgrading to AI was worth it. They have a great casino though, and they give out beers VERY freely. I was there, definitely not gambling, went to the bar to try to pay for a drink and was handed a large pint of Stella for free
The Marriott's are very nice property, but they are at the end of the high rise hotels, and far from the nightlife strip action (at least not easily walkable).
Eagle aruba is poor. Don't even consider it. It not on or adjacent to the beach, you have to walk to La Cabana just to get to the beach.
Costa linda is further down Eagle Beach on the low rise side. I hear its a good place to stay. I have no experience with properties further down on Eagle Beach (low rise). Its to far from the downtown center for me.
However Playa Linda is right across the street from all the nightlife, restaurants. Its literally the centermost resort (think of it as the Caesars of Vegas in aruba in terms of location). People talk well of it. Its a reasonably priced timeshare, and a good exchange if your exchnging.
Only other honorable mention is the Divi Phoenix. It looks like it has an awesome beach. I always meant to stay there, but never did. Don't cofuse this with the other Divi resorts (i.e. Divi Village) which are down by Costa Linda.
