Originally Posted by
FormerLurker
My choices for a Feb or March 1-week trip are the Marriott (ocean view, 180K points), the Ren (ocean suite, 110K points + $600), or the Westin (ocean view, 58K points).
Could anyone who has seen/stayed at more than one of these properties help out? Looking to rank them on:
- quality of beach/pool (either is fine, beach preferred)
- quality of rooms/likeihood for upgrade (MR Plat, SPG Gold)
- decent local (non-fast food) restaurants within walking distance
My experience is that the beaches and pools are pretty comparable all the properties.
I've never been to any of them as a Plat so I can't speak to upgrades.
The Marriott is not in walking distance of anything, really, being ALL the way at the end of the hotel zone. The Westin and Ren are much more centrally located and pretty close together, with a lot within walking distance. That said, having a car in Aruba is handy, easy, inexpensive, and highly recommended.
If you can, I'd also consider the Hyatt which is a great, central property.
AS