We have just spent 2 weeks at the Tam from june 6th to 20th and had a fantastic time.
I went with my husband and 2 kids aged 14 and 10 and we didnt want to come home. So here's my review-
LOCATION
Right on the beach, the apartments are just 2 stories high and stretch along the beach on ... Read review
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Advantages: right on the beach Disadvantages: flight time
We have just spent 2 weeks at the Tam from june 6th to 20th and had a fantastic time.
I went with my husband and 2 kids aged 14 and 10 and we didnt want to come home. So here's my review-
LOCATION
Right on the beach, the apartments are just 2 stories high and stretch along the beach on the waters edge, just perfect. The transfer time from the airport is approx 15 minutes and takes the through the main toen of Oranjistead. ...1st bus from the airport so were near the front of the queue. We were given ice cold bottled water and cool face wipes. we only waited about 5 minutes and we were on the way to our room. The safe hire is $2 per day. Guests staying on an all inclusive basis are given wrists bands to wear. Non exclusive guests can purchase tokens from the desk to 'pay' for their meals and drinks.
ROOM
clean and adequate. 2 large beds, wardrobe, ... more
We have just spent 2 weeks at the Tam from june 6th to 20th and had a fantastic time. I went with my husband and 2 kids aged 14 and 10 and we didnt want to come home. So here's my review-
LOCATION Right on the beach, the apartments are just 2 stories high and stretch along the beach on the waters edge, just perfect. The transfer time from the airport is approx 15 minutes and takes the through the main toen of Oranjistead.
CHECK IN we arrived on the 1st bus from the airport so were near the front of the queue. We were given ice cold bottled water and cool face wipes. we only waited about 5 minutes and we were on the way to our room. The safe hire is $2 per day. Guests staying on an all inclusive basis are given wrists bands to wear. Non exclusive guests can purchase tokens from the desk to 'pay' for their meals and drinks.
ROOM clean and adequate. 2 large beds, wardrobe, bedside cabinet, huge chest of drawers and a small table and 2 chairs. TV, lamp, full size iron and ironing board. The bathroom was in need of a refresh because of cracked bath sealant and discoloured tile grout but it was clean and no shortage of hot water and a pretty good hairdryer. Patio with table and 2 chairs and exterior light. Never had any problems with the air conditioning, but we turned it of over night incase the noise woke us up. 2nd to none, fantastic. We were in room 2215 which is on the ground floor. So across the patio and a 4 foot boardwalk which runs the entire length of the Tam and you're on the beautiful powder white sands and just feet from the ocean. Stunning. I mailed the Tam before we traveled to request a room at this end which is quieter and away from the rocks, and we had a fab swimming pool at the front of us and with the Bunker Bar just few minutes away we had an ideal room. Plenty of sunbeds but try to get some shade it is soooooo hot !!!!
MEALS The breakfast and lunches were very good at the buffet. If anyone cant find something they like for breakfast then i think they may need therapy :) There's porridge, cereals, breads, pastries, fresh fruit, bacon,sausage, scrambled eggs, hash, yoghurts, selection of fresh juice, milk, fried eggs and omelets cooked to order, pancakes, french toast etc etc. The Divi buffet was best for evening meals the food was better quality and so was the service. The Red Parrot was nice and so was Papparazzi. Ginger gives huge portions but our favourite was the Palm Grill, its tasty and fun the kids loved it but you do get very hot. Didnt have problems with 2 many flies but there are quite a few birds but they are only black bird size. Making reservations wasnt a problem as long as you are laid back about where you go and at what time. Iris at the depalm desk is the best one to see. Our only grumble with the buffet is most of the tables are only set for 2 people and being a family of 4 meant we had to take the cutlery off another table and this happened most days.
ACTIVITIES Lots to do for all ages from rock climbing, water sports, pool volleyball, board games, bingo, ty dyeing, darts, tennis etc etc. So you can do as little or as much as you like. The bikes are free but basic. The activities can be booked at the towel hut which is open from 8am until 6pm. There is a charge for non all inclusive guests for the activities.
TOWELS In your welcome pack you will get your towel cards which can be exchange for towels. Then you just change the towels as often as you like until the end of your stay when you get your towel cards back. Dont lose them or you will be charged $25 each.
SECURITY Security guards patrol the resort 24/7 the yknocked on our patio door one night because they thought we had gone out and left the door open!!! Its reassuring to see them but they dont approve of topless sun bathing (which we only saw 1 or 2 people doing) or guests using lines to dry washing !! Both are against hotel policy.
DISABLED ACCESS We saw a couple of wheelchair users and several baby buggies. As the area is very flat and there are ramps, access should not be a problem but contact the hotel direct to confirm.
MEDICAL We were told there is only 1 hospital on the island which is not far from the Tam, there is also a pharmacy close by. The gift shop near the snack bar also sells basic over the counter treatments i.e pain killers, diahorrea tablets etc.
WATER Aruba has one of the worlds best water treatment plants but i was still worried about drinking the water. However, they were right we all drunk the water including the kids without any problems what so ever. I recommend buying a couple of bottles of water and then keep refilling them from the tap, put them in your room fridge to chill them because the tap water is never cold.
CHECKOUT We had the option of checking out the night before our departure between 6pm and 10pm but we decided not to. You have to vacate your room by 12 noon on the day you leave so we waited to check out then and we never had to queue. You will need to hand over your towel cards, wrist bands and safe key and settle any charges. The hotel adds $1 per day to your bill which they donate to the YMCA but you have the option whether you wish to pay it or not. Luggage can be left in the luggage room or out front where a security is on duty all the time to watch over it.
Overall a great holiday the staff were friendly and helpful and we wouldnt hesitate to go back except we never go to the same place twice. kids didnt want to come home and neither did we. If your going have a great time i really envy you!!!!
