1st time renting a home!

Guest: Momof3 (Saskatchewan, Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/28/11 Review Submitted: 01/11/12

We rented Dec.28. 2011- Jan. 8.2012 !! Our family of 5 had a great time. Jaun & his Partner picked all 5 of us up at the airport , in 2 cars, and brought us to the Villa. He also dealt with the airport, for us, and brought us our lost luggage!! They also drove us back to airport on our last day of holiday. The owners were in the Additional house same time we were renting. They were very nice and helpful. We barely new they were there! Thank you Joel & Victoria for your gracious hospitality and great knowledge of good places to see & shop in Aruba. The house is very nice. Internet is there, just ask Jaun for password. Cable T.V was a nice bonus!! The bedrooms are a nice size & the beds are very comfy!! Slept like a log!! They even have a BBQ to use! Came in very handy and cooked some very yummy meals!! Prices of Grocery's are the same price as in Canada. Very reasonable!! They also carry the same products that we have!! Soya milk was cheaper than what we pay at home!! Go to Price Save ( Arubas Costco) they have really good prices!! Also the one Chinese store is really cheap to. We got great use out of the beach blanket, towels , and chairs!! The car gave us great freedom! We went from one end of the Island and back!! More than once!! Baby Beach & Eagle Beach were our favorite beaches!! De Palm Island is a must!! Best , big blue Parrot fish & rainbow colored fish, and the waterslids are really fast!! Good for kids and adults!! My favorite place to shop was in Noord, the 2 story Chinese shopping mall, just left side of road on the way to the beaches!! Shoes for $10 - $15 us!! Clothing for cheap!! The Old Fisherman restaurant had the best drinks we tasted on the Island!! We went on the Jolly Pirate ship for a snorkling trip!! Well worth it!! Saw a Sting ray and a Yellow and white snake!! Also jumped off the rope!! There is so much to see & do on this island!! We didnt get to do it all! Next time!! We also spent many days just lounging by the pool, that is located right in our court!! We always had the whole pool to ourselves!! Very relaxing!! Defiantly will go back to Aruba some day!! When we do we will book this Villa again!! it was perfect and quiet!! They also give you a cell phone with a 30 min. Calling card! Also very nice to have!! It would have helped if we knew the country code for Canada. This Villa is in a great location for everything!! Close to it all!! Thank U Joel and Victoria 4 sharing New Years Eve with us and for your great Hospitality!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with young children.

Great House

Guest: Bowen (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 04/18/11 Review Submitted: 04/28/11

This is my first time in Aruba, we had a wonderful time there. The house is beautiful with full kitchen. It is in a quiet location but very convenient to shopping, beach and signt seening. Juan is very nice, polite, responsive and helpful person. He picked us up and dropped us off at the airport. On the first night we happened run out of cooking gas, we called Juan and he quickly come to the house at around 9:30pm to help us. He tried his best to solved the problem on that day. He is really a great person told us a lot about Aruba from history, culture to other things. He made our trip a wonderful plus. Million thanks Juan. The house faces east we even didn't turned on A/C and enjoy the cool Aruba breeze. It really makes you feel good especially in the afternoon when you put yourself in the chair in front of the house. You may think you are in Heaven. The pitty thing is the Internet is not connected, the A/C in the car doesn't function well. Though we don't need A/C in the house, but the A/C in the car is still needed.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, sightseeing, families with young children.

Great Location

Guest: JB (Blacksburg Virginia)
Date of Stay: 01/01/11 Review Submitted: 01/10/11

Thank you very much Joel and Victoria. The guest house was perfect for me and my wife. It was very cozy and had everything we needed for our trip. We wanted to spend most of our days at the beach and exploring the island. We wanted to find a place that was in a good location that we were close to the action, but far enough away that it didn't break our bank. I think we found the perfect place with your guest house. The kitchen was perfect for making breakfast in the morning and the bed was very comfortable to rest for the next days activities. Joel and Victoria were very helpful in helping us find our way on our first day. We showed up to Aruba with a lost suit case, no rental car after we had a reservation, and no dinner. They both helped save us with food, a ride to find a rental car, and the use of their cell phone to track down our lost bags. You will not be disappointed with choosing this property if you have a rental car to get you around. We drove to the beach every day back and forth multiple times per day. We also went to both ends of the island and explored multiple places and spent $43 US Dollars in gas in 7 days. You will not be disappointed.

Owner response:These guests were delightful! We are so pleased that they enjoyed Aruba and our guest house!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

One Happy Island-Aruba

Guest: Nicky (Illinois)
Date of Stay: 07/10/10 Review Submitted: 07/21/10

The house is a wonderful alternative choice to the island hotels for those who like the freedom to do what they please and really live away from it all, but yet close to everything. Juan made it easy by picking us up at the airport, and really made us feel like nothing was too much trouble. We felt like we had our own private pool no matter what time of day we went to the pool. The house was just perfect for us and our two children. While the beaches at the high rise hotels were great we preferred Arashi and Baby beaches, just because there were less people, and the snorkeling was great. we were there for Holland's World Cup finaal match, it was pretty crazy and would have been more so had Holland won, but anyway there was certainly a great display of patriotism. The car license plate-One Happy Island-Aruba just summed it up. we had a great time here, thank you Kruggels.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, age 55+, families with young children.

Very pretty home

Guest: Aruba is Love (Charlotte, NC)
Date of Stay: 01/21/08 Review Submitted: 05/14/10

I am late in writing a review. I never write them, no matter how good or bad a property is. However, we are planning another Caribbean vacation, and as I reminisce about our time in Aruba, 10 days at this lovely home, I felt I should add mine to the positive reviews. Basically, I ditto everything that others have said. We visited the island in January, 2008, and found everyone gracious and helpful. The home has everything you could possibly want. The master bed was very comfortable and the bath is huge, bright, and spotless, (as is the entire home)! The pool IS right across the very narrow street and only a few people used it, mostly children. This house is in a friendly neighborhood that is ultra quiet. We did not realize the benefit of a car, but with it we explored the entire island There were a lot of glorious things we would have missed had we stayed at one of the high or low rise resorts on the main beaches. There are other beaches (where the locals hang out) that are much less crowded and more beautiful than Palm Beach and Eagle Beach- we especially loved Baby Beach and Arashi Beach. The island itself is amazing, and I have gained appreciation for its beauty over the two years since we went. The "countryside" is basically sparse grass, tumbleweeds, and dry, barren, "desert"-type land with plentiful, healthy, large cacti growing freely, which is such a stark contrast to the stunning Caribbean sea which is almost always in view in the background. We feel sad because of the bad publicity that Aruba has received over the Natalee Holloway incident, because, regarding the friendliness of the island and the receptiveness of Americans, we learned that prior to the Holloway incident, there was a more laid back and "free" atmosphere in Aruba. Unfortunately, this tragic event has taken its toll on tourism there, and I think the locals are wary of Americans because of their feeling that we "blame them", and also because our US government made itself such an intrusive presence after the incident, turning this lovely and peaceful place into one giant crime scene. I'm only saying this because I think Aruba is lovely, totally safe, and uniquely beautiful based upon other locations I have visited in the Caribbean. It has character and feels like "home". My only regret is that I did not have the privilege of visiting when it truly was a happier island, but, hopefully with time that will be restored. I'm out of 'characters' =)..... GO!! You'll love it!!

Owner response:What a great surprise to get this review more than two years after this family's visit with us. Our guests are so correct in pointing out the safety and tranquility of Aruba. The locals that we know feel awful about the political and economic impact of the tragedy in 2005 with Natalie. Most of them missed some days of work as almost the entire island volunteered in the search process. Arubans are wonderful people. Many or our neighbors are native to the island. Staying at our home will offer you a very authentic feel for the island and its gracious people.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, families with young children.

Aruba 111384 Rental Review

Guest: jay f (cambridge, ma)
Date of Stay: 03/24/10 Review Submitted: 04/05/10

In summary, this property is an excellent hotel alternative for the family seeking peace and quiet away from the hotel strips yet with easy access to multiple beaches. Who we are: Couple with 5 year old child. Experience with property: We recently completed our third visit in as many years. Even though we have visited several other islands and Mexico, we have returned to this island and this house in particular. Property Location: 111384 is located near the end of a dead-end street. Based on my observations over three years, most of the adjacent properties are owner-occupied. The neighborhood is quiet, the properties are well-maintained, and, other than the neighbors, the street sees no traffic. There are a number of beaches (Palm, Eagle, Boca Catalina, Arashi, etc) within a 10 minute drive, all with easy parking and access. There is a nearby neighborhood pool that was rarely occupied (other than by us). Property Description: 111384 is a clean, well-cared for 3 bedroom, 2 bath property. We've always found everything needed as far as cooking and sundries are concerned. We have always rented the owner's car, which is more convenient than an airport rental. Logistics: Easy. The owner (Joel) is responsive regarding availability, pricing, and methods of payment. Juan (the local property manager) is friendly, knowledgeable of the area, and accessible. He meets you at the airport, drives you to the property and brings you back to the airport. We have always been on the beach on both our arrival and departure days. Be sure to get directions to the Super Foods Dutch grocery, which has wonderful meats and cheeses imported from Holland.

Owner response:This family has enjoyed our Aruba vacation home the last two years in a row. Their description of our neighborhood is very accurate. We are positioned in the cul de sac. The properties in that area are all owner occupied. We are also directly across from the community club house and swimming pool. The beaches of Aruba are within a six minute drive of our home. We offer our Hyundai Sonata as an option that can be added to your vacation package. Our property manager meets you at the Aruba airport with our car and escorts your to our Aruba vacation home.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, people with disabilities, sightseeing, families with young children.

Guest: diane wells (glens falls, ny)
Date of Stay: 01/17/09 Review Submitted: 01/17/09

there were 7 people in our group we rented both houses. we had plenty of room and such a wonderful vacation. juan was a dream from picking us up at the airport to fixing a small problem that came up. both homes were furnished beautifully and we had plenty of room. this is our first trip to aruba but our 3rd vrbo rental and we were not disapointed. we were in aruba for a wedding and had such a wonderful time. close to beaches and shopping but very quite at night and the neighbors even helped to put the minutes on the cell phone as we couldnt read papaiamento. would go back in a heart beat. temp drop was 90 degrees from aruba to landing at home in upstate n.y. sure wish we lived there.

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Guest: Jasmin El Kordi (Vienna VA)
Date of Stay: 01/02/09 Review Submitted: 01/02/09

What a lovely house! We felt right at home in the neighborhood and very welcome by everyone around us. The house is spacious and fully equipped with everything you might need. I loved the peaceful patio in the back - great spot for a morning cup of tea or an evening glass of wine. We chose different beaches every day depending on the mood we were in. With the car, which is large by Aruban standards, we were able to enjoy the entire island and really get a feel for the local culture. Having the car, local cell phone and information on Aruba at the house was such a wonderful benefit and was all we needed to embark on our daily adventures. I would highly recomment this house to anyone looking for a non-high rise experience!! Juan the property manager was wonderful and made us feel not only welcome, but also safely connected to anything we might need. I hope you get an opportunity to enjoy this lovely home, the friendly nature and the awesome natural beauty of Aruba!!!

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Guest: Lisa Rufft (morgantown, wv)
Date of Stay: 12/24/08 Review Submitted: 12/24/08

what a great house! let's you be in the middle of everything without the hassle of being in the middle of everything. renting the car and having the cell phone was such a great deal. house is clean, well kept, has plenty of ammenties, and quite roomy enough for our group of 5.Juan, with his friendly helpfulness embodies the spirit of Aruba.

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Guest: Ron & Lori Zwar (St. Joseph, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 11/25/08 Review Submitted: 11/25/08

My husband and I stayed in the guest house in October 2008. The accommodations were exceptional!! We tend to stay away from hotels and found condos and homes are a much nicer way to travel. You will find the peace and quiet of a beautiful neighborhood instead of having all the hustle and bustle of a ton of people swarming you. This is truly appreciated if you've ever had an unpleasant "neighbor" in a hotel!! The place is beautiful and has everything you need to make yourself right at home. We really enjoyed how close the beaches and shops were. (without having them right under our noses) We also enjoyed the countless number of restaurants!!! Juan was wonderful and popped in whenever we had a concern or question. If you'd like to experience the best of Aruba and be as busy or as quiet as you'd like... you MUST stay here!

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