I've only been and gone and done it.

[CeeJay]

After days of deliberation I've finally booked for this year. I suppose I'd better tell Mrs CeeJay sometime. I'll keep it quiet for now though as last weekend she dropped it on me that she probably wouldn't enjoy beach holidays much anymore. Oh dear! We're of to Aruba in the Caribbean. At the moment she thinks that we're off to see my sister in London which is true. It's just that we're only stopping there for a few days before overnighting at Gatwick before our flight. So, two weeks in South London or the south Caribbean? Perhaps she will feel differently about beach holidays when it's put that way!

So the first question that I hope you can help with is the hotel at Gatwick. I fancy something on site this time and it seems to be between the Hilton at the South Terminal and Sofitel (formerly Le Meridien) at the North. Our flight is from North terminal but the Hilton at the South is £20 cheaper. Have any of you any experience of either please?

[Claire]

Apparently the Sofitel is much nicer and still has a swimming pool if that helps!

Claire ;)

[Bob_and_Dawn]

We are booked into the Sofitel for Dec Colin as our last stay at the Hilton wasn't the best. We have always found it very smokey and noisy in the reception area and the staff non too friendly. :( On our last stay we had to change rooms 3 times due to various problems. :eek:

I believe the Hilton does not have a pool anymore as well.

Either way which ever one you choose it will be very convenient :D

Dawn

[CeeJay]

Thanks Claire. Of course this means that our date for a drink at Fisherman's Wharf is off now. You could always pop over to our beach though. :D

[Claire]

Thanks Claire. Of course this means that our date for a drink at Fisherman's Wharf is off now. You could always pop over to our beach though. :D

Lol Colin, add a post to the holiday thread so we know when you are away!!

Claire ;)

[Claire]

BTW sounds like you will have a lovely time :beach:

Claire ;)

[CeeJay]

Will do Claire. I'd forgotten about that thread.

Thanks Dawn. I'll send you and Claire the bill for the extra £20 :D :D Sofitel it is. Didn't take much persuading did I? Where did you buy it Dawn? www.holidayextras.co.uk are quoting £129 without parking.

[Bob_and_Dawn]

I booked with Holiday Extras as they were cheaper than direct :( and you get the half price breakfast vouchers,:D

Dawn

[CeeJay]

Thanks Dawn.

[Belfast-jj]

http://www.aruba.de/aruba/ImagesA/home.JPG



Well done Colin - so where are you staying in Aruba ?




jj...... :nana:

[Claire]

If you don't want brekkie Sofitel are doing a direct 'hot offer' for £114.

Claire ;)

[CeeJay]

Thanks JJ. Can't wait. We're staying at the Tamarijn Beach Resort (http://www.tamarijnaruba.com/tamhome.html) and I'll certainly be signing up for that Sea Trek trip that Jules did.

[CeeJay]

Thanks Claire. I think we'll take the breakfast option as I'm sure it will be better than anything on offer in the airport. We would normally have brekkie while we're waiting after checking in but I'm also booking twilight check in so it will be up, brekkie in the hotel and straight onto the plane. Woo hoo!

[Belfast-jj]

Looks really nice Colin :thumb:



jj...... :cool:

[Claire]

Ah Colin now that sounds like a nice relaxing way to start the journey no hassle at checkin and a leisurely brekkie :)

Claire ;)

[mcsue]

Hi Colin
Our stay at the Sofitel last time was a real treat. Much better than the Hilton, and well worth paying a bit extra for.
We had the half price brekkie with Holiday Extras and they had a lovely spread available. Yummmm
We also had a great meal in the Oriental restaurant too.
We can't wait to go back in April to do it all again!

[Petalsoftly]

er... I could always make up my famous egg sandwiches?

[CeeJay]

Thanks Petal... But NO THANKS. :nono: :nono: :nono: