I am contemplating a return trip to Aruba after 12 years. It was beautiful but I hear it has grown alot in the last few years. Any words of wisdom about where to stay that is relatively new and affordable?

We had a wonderful return visit to the resort - our 5th or 6th time there. The food was good; we always get great service from everyone; and the weather was good enough for us to take great tans back to Pittsburgh, PA with us! Quintina at the pool bar was her lovely, cheerful self - what a great lady! This time we had the pleasure of meeting Eugene and Elmo at Paypayas - they were both excellent waiters! Eugene also worked at Topaz in the morning.

We dined at Caruso's once. Our meals were fine, but we're accustomed to terrific Italian food in the W. PA area, so we can't rave about Caruso's. It was fun, as usual, and the food wasn't bad. We booked reservations every night at Paypaya's, because we're not big buffet lovers. The filet mignon was excellent - I had it every night and highly recommend it. Eugene said it was from Argentina; as we thought.

The breakfast buffet at Topaz was good every morning, and we had most lunches at Paypaya's. The tuna salad sandwich was good. Elmo is great fun and takes very good care of his guests. We have always had excellent service from everyone at the Allegro each time we've visited Aruba. We do tip, and we think the people who work there appreciate it and they try to do everything they can for you in return.

Our room was #409 in the North Tower. It definitely does need updated, but the king bed was clean and comfortable. I would call the room and furnishings rather shabby, and the air conditioner looked as though it needs replaced. It worked fine, though. In general, the rooms at the resort are in great need of updating. Of course, the commons areas in the resort are beautiful and wee maintained. We always have fun at the Allegro casino and the dealers and pit bosses are very friendly to us. The band is really good, too.

Hope this info helps. We plan to return to Aruba in the Spring and we'll stay again at the resort.