Mar 5, 2018, 8:07 pm
Last edit by: hhoope01
This thread refers to the various Marriott brands within a specific geographic area. Marriott Bonvoy hotels in XX usually have posts asking which property is better, etc. Trip reports are usually better suited in the property specific threads.
Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Aruba
Sep 20, 2002, 1:13 pm
#47
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Philadelphia, PA USA
Programs: US Chairman's Preferred, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 901
frielca-
I was in Aruba in Apr. of this year for a couple of days.
The previous post is correct that the Renaissance Aruba was formerly a Sonesta. The hotel is located directly in the middle of downtown Oranjestad and nightlife/shopping are everywhere within a few blocks. This can create a problem, as the hotel is near the main road through the city and could be loud at odd hours of the night. A casino is also nearby, in case the gambling urge strikes.
I stayed at the Aruba Marriott on Palm Beach and thought this area was much nicer- less tourists and more beach. It didn't strike me as convenient that one would have to take a launch out from the Renaissance to their beach. The Marriott property is also connected to the time share facility and you can freely commute between the two buildings.
I was in Aruba in Apr. of this year for a couple of days.
The previous post is correct that the Renaissance Aruba was formerly a Sonesta. The hotel is located directly in the middle of downtown Oranjestad and nightlife/shopping are everywhere within a few blocks. This can create a problem, as the hotel is near the main road through the city and could be loud at odd hours of the night. A casino is also nearby, in case the gambling urge strikes.
I stayed at the Aruba Marriott on Palm Beach and thought this area was much nicer- less tourists and more beach. It didn't strike me as convenient that one would have to take a launch out from the Renaissance to their beach. The Marriott property is also connected to the time share facility and you can freely commute between the two buildings.
Sep 28, 2002, 6:04 am
#49
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Posts: 72
You should expect nothing more than a sincere smile, a nice evnironment, a pleasant and professional staff, and a clean room.
If you are thinking about the possibility of a room upgrade, well, let me know if it happens. Regardless of what the posted benefits of a Gold member may be, one will waste his time if he thinks that there is any realistic possibility of such a thing happening.
If you are thinking about the possibility of a room upgrade, well, let me know if it happens. Regardless of what the posted benefits of a Gold member may be, one will waste his time if he thinks that there is any realistic possibility of such a thing happening.
Sep 29, 2002, 8:39 am
#50
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Narberth, PA USA--US Airways Chairman's Preferred- Platinum Level Marriott, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 65
Agreed. Do not expect anything in terms of an automatic upgrade, unless, of course, you are paying (cash or points) for the upgrade per day.
I paid for an upgrade for each day of a recent seven day trip (I am Platinum, by the way), and still did not get the type of room that I would have expected. There are so many people staying at this hotel on rewards, and so many others willing to pay for the better rooms.
Also, if you are going on a reward coupon, be prepared to pay a per diem amount, which is not covered by the reward.
I paid for an upgrade for each day of a recent seven day trip (I am Platinum, by the way), and still did not get the type of room that I would have expected. There are so many people staying at this hotel on rewards, and so many others willing to pay for the better rooms.
Also, if you are going on a reward coupon, be prepared to pay a per diem amount, which is not covered by the reward.
Sep 29, 2002, 1:55 pm
#51
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,645
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by frielca:
Agreed. Do not expect anything in terms of an automatic upgrade, unless, of course, you are paying (cash or points) for the upgrade per day.
I paid for an upgrade for each day of a recent seven day trip (I am Platinum, by the way), and still did not get the type of room that I would have expected. There are so many people staying at this hotel on rewards, and so many others willing to pay for the better rooms.
Also, if you are going on a reward coupon, be prepared to pay a per diem amount, which is not covered by the reward.</font>
Agreed. Do not expect anything in terms of an automatic upgrade, unless, of course, you are paying (cash or points) for the upgrade per day.
I paid for an upgrade for each day of a recent seven day trip (I am Platinum, by the way), and still did not get the type of room that I would have expected. There are so many people staying at this hotel on rewards, and so many others willing to pay for the better rooms.
Also, if you are going on a reward coupon, be prepared to pay a per diem amount, which is not covered by the reward.</font>
Thanks to you and Pjc for your responses. I'm paying with cash for an oceanview room. What you both are saying is that the published benefits do not apply at this hotel???
Oct 1, 2002, 12:53 pm
#52
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Orlando, FL
Programs: Delta GM/1.5MM ~ United Silver ~ Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,434
OTL,
I've stayed at this property 4 x over the last 4 years, and have had great stays every time. The way to make this stay is to use points (or pay, like I did the 1st time) for their all inclusive option. With that option, you can eat at Tuscany every night (the property's top restaurant). It's one of the better restaurants on the island, and the service is wonderful ... throw in a few good bottles of wine that we had during the dinners, and we saved big bucks and had a great time (we lost our shirt in the casino though - stay away from their nickle video poker, it'll kill ya)
I've stayed at this property 4 x over the last 4 years, and have had great stays every time. The way to make this stay is to use points (or pay, like I did the 1st time) for their all inclusive option. With that option, you can eat at Tuscany every night (the property's top restaurant). It's one of the better restaurants on the island, and the service is wonderful ... throw in a few good bottles of wine that we had during the dinners, and we saved big bucks and had a great time (we lost our shirt in the casino though - stay away from their nickle video poker, it'll kill ya)
Dec 7, 2002, 12:54 pm
#53
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Atlanta, Ga USA
Posts: 33
Has anyone stayed at Aruba Renaissance?
I know this property is the old Sonesta and heard there are two buildings but don't know anything about how nice the place is or what the differences are between the buildings. Can anyone give me any info? And any suggestions on places to eat nearby would be appreciated.
Dec 20, 2002, 9:35 am
#54
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Palm Springs, CA (via MDT, DAB, MSP & ATL)
Posts: 426
COMMENTS: Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino
Visiting Aruba for the first time in mid-February and staying at this property for 4nts. Anyone out there who has stayed at this property in the last year or two? I would like to know what to expect.
Also, I may be staying the final 2nts at the Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort & Casino, but at the moment have a reservation with a great rate at the Hyatt Regency Aruba. Any experience with either one of these properties?
Comments are much appreciated. Very much looking forward to this getaway. Should be great!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone...
AtlMan
Also, I may be staying the final 2nts at the Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort & Casino, but at the moment have a reservation with a great rate at the Hyatt Regency Aruba. Any experience with either one of these properties?
Comments are much appreciated. Very much looking forward to this getaway. Should be great!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone...
AtlMan
Dec 20, 2002, 11:18 am
#55
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 46
Aruba Marriot is excellent. Everything about it is great.
The Aruba Ren. is what Marriott took over from the Sonesta. That's downtown and doesn't have as nice of a beach. I would take the Hyatt instead---it is definitely nicer than the Aruba Ren. and the Hyatt is usually much more expensive. The Hyatt has smaller rooms than the Aruba Marriott, but it also has a lot of action, a great pool area and a bigger casino. Aruba Marriott and Hyatt--can't go wrong.
[This message has been edited by 2DCALGA (edited 12-20-2002).]
The Aruba Ren. is what Marriott took over from the Sonesta. That's downtown and doesn't have as nice of a beach. I would take the Hyatt instead---it is definitely nicer than the Aruba Ren. and the Hyatt is usually much more expensive. The Hyatt has smaller rooms than the Aruba Marriott, but it also has a lot of action, a great pool area and a bigger casino. Aruba Marriott and Hyatt--can't go wrong.
[This message has been edited by 2DCALGA (edited 12-20-2002).]
Dec 20, 2002, 11:41 am
#56
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Palm Springs, CA (via MDT, DAB, MSP & ATL)
Posts: 426
2DCALGA,
Thanks for your comments. How about your impression of Aruba in general? I have a friend who is from there and she has given me great insight into the culture and beauty of the island, but I am curious to know what you think.
AtlMan @ PSP
Thanks for your comments. How about your impression of Aruba in general? I have a friend who is from there and she has given me great insight into the culture and beauty of the island, but I am curious to know what you think.
AtlMan @ PSP
Dec 20, 2002, 11:56 am
#57
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Roanoke, VA US CP, Marriott Platinum , HH Gold, UA Prem
Posts: 25
I was down there for a few days this past July. We stayed at the Hyatt and it lived up to its reputation of the best resort on the island. I took a tour of the Marriott lobby and casino and was not really impressed. The casino looked run down. The Renaissance was not all that great either, but seemed to have a much better property than the Marriott. I'd stick with the Hyatt for a good vacation and give up the opportunity for points. The rooms, casino, pool area, beach, and nearby water sports were all incredible. BTW, there are many words that you could use to describe Aruba, and beautiful just ain't one of them.
Dec 20, 2002, 1:19 pm
#58
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 46
Hi,
I like Aruba a lot and think it has great restaurants and things to do. Everyone there wants to make sure you have a great time. They go the extra mile, unlike other places where people in a hotel might act as though they are doing you a big favor. It is a desert island, but still beautiful.
I do not know why the poster above thinks the Marriott is run down. I actually think he is just saying that to get a rise out of people or to cause controversy--or is just confused between which hotel is the Rennaisance and which is the Marriott. Both the Hyatt and Marriott are nice. And taking a tour of just the lobby does not do justice to a hotel in a resort setting...who wants to sit in a lobby when you are on a beach? And the lobby is nice anyway.
[This message has been edited by 2DCALGA (edited 12-20-2002).]
[This message has been edited by 2DCALGA (edited 12-20-2002).]
I like Aruba a lot and think it has great restaurants and things to do. Everyone there wants to make sure you have a great time. They go the extra mile, unlike other places where people in a hotel might act as though they are doing you a big favor. It is a desert island, but still beautiful.
I do not know why the poster above thinks the Marriott is run down. I actually think he is just saying that to get a rise out of people or to cause controversy--or is just confused between which hotel is the Rennaisance and which is the Marriott. Both the Hyatt and Marriott are nice. And taking a tour of just the lobby does not do justice to a hotel in a resort setting...who wants to sit in a lobby when you are on a beach? And the lobby is nice anyway.
[This message has been edited by 2DCALGA (edited 12-20-2002).]
[This message has been edited by 2DCALGA (edited 12-20-2002).]
Dec 20, 2002, 2:09 pm
#59
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Philadelphia, PA USA
Programs: US Chairman's Preferred, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 901
AtlMan-
I stayed at the Aruba Marriott in April of this year and was very impressed by the place. I, too, think that the hotel was in great shape and everyone there made sure you were having a good time. Next door to the Marriott is the Ocean Club, which has its own set of restaurants/activities. The Renaissance is located in downtown Oranjestad and was just converting to Renaissance from Wyndham the week I was there. I have to agree with the other posters that the beach is much better where the Aruba Marriott is located.
Aruba itself is like a desert in Arizona with beachfront. It's pretty hot all the time, though there is always a gentle breeze blowing. Food and such aren't nearly as expensive as some of the islands that I've been to, as it's only about 15 mi. away from the coast of Venezuela. Everyone speaks English and I noticed that a majority of the tourists had visited from Central America. I rented a car for the entire trip and found that was the best way to see the island- my sedan was still able to go over much of the rocky terrain that the 4x4s were able to climb over. There is plenty to do on the island, such as sightseeing, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc.- you'll be occupied.
I stayed at the Aruba Marriott in April of this year and was very impressed by the place. I, too, think that the hotel was in great shape and everyone there made sure you were having a good time. Next door to the Marriott is the Ocean Club, which has its own set of restaurants/activities. The Renaissance is located in downtown Oranjestad and was just converting to Renaissance from Wyndham the week I was there. I have to agree with the other posters that the beach is much better where the Aruba Marriott is located.
Aruba itself is like a desert in Arizona with beachfront. It's pretty hot all the time, though there is always a gentle breeze blowing. Food and such aren't nearly as expensive as some of the islands that I've been to, as it's only about 15 mi. away from the coast of Venezuela. Everyone speaks English and I noticed that a majority of the tourists had visited from Central America. I rented a car for the entire trip and found that was the best way to see the island- my sedan was still able to go over much of the rocky terrain that the 4x4s were able to climb over. There is plenty to do on the island, such as sightseeing, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc.- you'll be occupied.
Dec 20, 2002, 6:52 pm
#60
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Palm Springs, CA (via MDT, DAB, MSP & ATL)
Posts: 426
underwoodn,
I guess this old saying, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, applies here.
I actually live in a desert, for six years now, and have come to appreciate it for its unique and natural beauty. I hope I find Aruba to be as unique a destination as the Palm Springs area is. It is paradise!
AtlMan
[This message has been edited by AtlMan (edited 12-20-2002).]
I guess this old saying, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, applies here.
I actually live in a desert, for six years now, and have come to appreciate it for its unique and natural beauty. I hope I find Aruba to be as unique a destination as the Palm Springs area is. It is paradise!
AtlMan
[This message has been edited by AtlMan (edited 12-20-2002).]