Originally Posted by
GrizShel
The above post by jamflyer is in reference to my comment about lack of standard, nonupgraded availability at the Renaissance Aruba.
Jamflyer, why did you ask me to try these dates??
I thought you meant that the standard award (not paid upgrade) was available for these dates - it is not. The paid upgrade at the $80 per night level is available for many nights in June and July, however.
Points and $$ per night extra at the Aruba Ren in June/July is a very bad deal IMHO. I looked for those dates at the end of June and it is an extra $20 for: Island King, Guest room, 1 King, City view, Marina Hotel and an extra $80 for: Island Suite, 1 Bedroom Suite, 1 King, Sofabed, Garden view. A very bad deal for the Marina Guest room. They're okay but not worth Cat 6 not to mention the extra money.
I don't know about the 1 Bedroom Suites...but I doubt it is a good value as the 'flexible traveler' can often get a Resort for $110 total on priceline in the summer. If you're interested in the suites...I think that they are in the timeshare part and you can find people trying to rent those out quite often on the timeshare bulletin boards.