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
Jun 19, 2013, 9:45 pm
#811
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), AA P, Marriott PP (LT PP), SPG P (LT P), HH G, and Hertz PC
Posts: 129
Jun 24, 2013, 4:07 am
#814
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Charleston, SC, USA
Programs: Avis Pref+, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Life Gold, Honors Silver, IHG Plat via MC.
Posts: 6,786
Almost all hotels on Caribbean islands have a 12--15% "service charge." I've always wondered what it's for? Tips for maids, concierges, bellmen, etc? Or what?
Jun 24, 2013, 9:44 am
#815
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston
Programs: AA Plat Exec
Posts: 447
Edit: the "service charge" is included for my upcoming stay at the Renaissance & Stellaris. The "Estimated government taxes and fees" are included for the Renaissance but is $3/night for the Stellaris. Is that 'normal'?
Jun 24, 2013, 12:43 pm
#816
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,207
If it is a "resort fee" then it generally does apply to award stays, since that fee is separate from the room rate. In Aruba the service charge is based off nightly room rate, so when your room rate is 0, your service charge is 0. Only except I've seen is some minor local room tax in places like Aruba on the order of that 3/nt.
Jun 24, 2013, 1:54 pm
#817
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Charleston, SC, USA
Programs: Avis Pref+, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Life Gold, Honors Silver, IHG Plat via MC.
Posts: 6,786
Usually whoever pays the base rate, also pays the service charge. So if anyone pays it, it's Marriott Rewards (or Gold Passport or HHonors) to the hotel.
Jun 28, 2013, 11:56 am
#818
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston
Programs: AA Plat Exec
Posts: 447
Staying 2 nights at the Renaissance and 5 nights at the Stellaris, using points. Originally booked the lowest type of room (limited view, construction facing).
For both of my upcoming stays, I have been upgraded to Ocean view king room. Very happy with Marriott (and so will my girlfriend) :-)
For both of my upcoming stays, I have been upgraded to Ocean view king room. Very happy with Marriott (and so will my girlfriend) :-)
Jun 28, 2013, 6:58 pm
#819
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,207
Nice. Be sure to enjoy the private island at the Ren as much as you can while you're there! Oh and the pool bar at the ocean suites side has a great 2 for 1 happy hour.
Jul 2, 2013, 7:23 pm
#820
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SNA
Programs: Bonvoy LTTE/AMB, AmEx Plat, National EE, WN A-List, CLEAR+, Covid-19
Posts: 4,967
I've only seen a vague reference (and from a few years back) so I figured I'd ask: if we're staying at the Stellaris, do we get any free or discounted privileges to access the Ren's Private Island?
Jul 2, 2013, 8:19 pm
#821
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,468
None at all. You have to be staying at the Renaissance. If you are not staying at the Renn., you can pay for daily access-$75pp. Includes lunch.
Jul 6, 2013, 3:12 pm
#822
Join Date: Jul 2005
Programs: US Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 204
It's definitely not a bad idea to seek out other beaches beyond the Marriott properties, since they tend to be crowded and not particularly impressive.
Jul 9, 2013, 7:39 pm
#823
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston
Programs: AA Plat Exec
Posts: 447
Just returned from a 1-week points stay at the Marriott Ocean Club. You'd be better off taking the bus to Eagle Beach for about $4.60pp R/T and having lunch at one of the beach bars IMHO. Or go in the opposite direction towards Malmok and the lighthouse for the same fare.
It's definitely not a bad idea to seek out other beaches beyond the Marriott properties, since they tend to be crowded and not particularly impressive.
It's definitely not a bad idea to seek out other beaches beyond the Marriott properties, since they tend to be crowded and not particularly impressive.
I will leave a note on my feedback on those 2 hotels soon
Jul 11, 2013, 6:55 pm
#824
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: toronto
Posts: 914
How is the construction going on at the Marriott Aruba?
I am planning on visiting Aruba during this xmas holidays(Dec27-Jan4).
I can use 280,000 pts on the Marriott Aruba or 210,000 on the Renny.
But the rooms at the Marriott states that its the adj to construction. How bad will it be.
Or what is the chance of getting upgraded to better room at the Marriott? I am a platinum premier if it matters, but I would imagine that week would be pretty busy for the hotel.
Would the Renny be a better option? though I would like to stay near Palm Beach instead of downtown.
I am planning on visiting Aruba during this xmas holidays(Dec27-Jan4).
I can use 280,000 pts on the Marriott Aruba or 210,000 on the Renny.
But the rooms at the Marriott states that its the adj to construction. How bad will it be.
Or what is the chance of getting upgraded to better room at the Marriott? I am a platinum premier if it matters, but I would imagine that week would be pretty busy for the hotel.
Would the Renny be a better option? though I would like to stay near Palm Beach instead of downtown.
Jul 12, 2013, 6:01 am
#825
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,207
Normally I'd say as plat and especially plat premier you would get a really nice upgrade, but your travel dates are peak holiday season so there is a chance the hotels will be packed and may not have rooms available for an upgrade. Not sure on how the construction noise will be then.