Information re: Aruba Surf club

[Retired TSO]

We were lucky to get back to back 2 weeks at a 3BR unit in the Surf Club in March. Our first time there so could use some help. I have gone over the information already available on earlier posts. We do NOT plan on renting a car.
1. Are there any grocery stores for basic items near the Surf club and if not which is the closest or within easy reach?
2. should we take our own liqour from duty free here or are the prices in Aruba similar to those in duty free?
3. Is there a BBQ at the Surf Club?
4. I have read here that one should allow 3 hours for flights returning from Aruba. My flight is direct from Aruba to Toronto ( i.e. NO US immigration etc. required). Should I plan on the same or is it faster if one is not going to the u.s.?

thanks in advance.

 

[joyzilli]

Not sure about the grocery store, but we bought liquor across the main street and a little down the road from the surf club. We walked, but if you plan on carrying alot, you might want to get a cab back. It really wasn't far. The prices were in line with the East Coast.

 

[JMSH]

Hope this helps

Just got back from Ocean Club Feb.11th. 1) Ling and Sons is the nearest grocery store and it is back towards town, about an $8 cab ride one way. We actually had the cab driver stop on the way from the Airport to Marriott so we could pick some things up. About an extra $5 to the fare. 2) Purchase liquor at the duty free in Canada much less. If you are going to purchase liquor in Aruba do it at the grocery store.3) There are about 6 BBQ's at Surf Club. 4) 3 hours is about right.

 

[Retired TSO]

thanks for the help

thanks joyzilli and JMSH for the info.
We are arriving around 5:00 P.M., so will do the same that is stop on route to the surf club from the airport and pick up enough for a couple days.

Any additionl information re: what to do nearby or good casual places to have lunch near the surf club!!

 

[JMSH]

Lots of choices up and down the beach as well as out in front of the hotel strip on the street. Best choices for dinner would be Simply Fish at the Marriott (terrific) El Gauchos is great and Chalet Suisse is also terrific. You will need reservations for all locations that I have mentioned. Take a look at a web site called Aruba Trip advisor and you cxan find out and ask a lot of info at that site.

 

[driftwood]

if u need a sports bar, then Champions in the Marriott hotel next door cant be beat on the island.....I think I counted 20 screens?!?!

We also found it a nice break from the sun with a 3 yr old, as we usually stay on the beach about 10 hours daily and usually eat lunch at the "beachfront restaurants" at the Marriotts or elsewhere.....FWIW

 

[TomR]

If you are arriving on a Sunday, the grocery stores will be closed by the time you land. Champions, in the Marriott Ocean Club, is a nice place to stop for a light meal. My wife and I generally go there on our first night as we are usually too tired for a large meal. Staff is very friendly and the food is decent. The Tuscany Room in the Marriott Hotel is a good choice when you are ready for a full diner.

Tom

 

[Retired TSO]

Thanks everyone for the information. We are looking forward to the trip and getting away from the cold weather here in Ottawa for a couple weeks.