Counsellor

If they consider the property to be a resort, there may not be a lounge. The prior iteration didn't have one.

audio-nut

It's definitely a resort and they have a "Reef Club" although the pictures show a mock up of an "M Club." I know the Platinum rules say the hotel doesn't have to allow Platinums in a club at a resort but they could if they like (I am assuming, a SPG native here).

audio-nut

They have a BS $25 "local fee" per night.

zagguru

Anyone state at the new marriott ?

zagguru

bump

Brendan

When I booked the newly-reopened Marriott Curacao in early Jan. for Feb. 19--21 @ $200 buxanite AAA rate, the only added fee was 7% tax to = $428. I viewed my ressie just now, where I found that they've added a Resort Fee of $25 a night + tax to total $481.50! Does this count as getting Bonvoyed ?
However, the points-price has gone down from 40K to 35K per night, so I can use my 2 cert.s from Chase & Amex if I wish. But they still would charge me $53.50 Resort Fee!
However, they have no Service Charge, which is usually 15% on many Caribbean islands.

Brendan

The Curacao Marriott has reopened & is still a Marriott, but the old Hilton nearby has become a Dreams All-Inclusive Resort. Reviews say food is excellent: Lobster, Prime Rib, etc. !

Counsellor

When I stayed at the older version I used to go across to the Hilton for shopping and dinner on the beach.

Braswch

Has anyone stayed here since reopening? How's the reef club?

jeffcarp

We stayed at the new Marriott in Curacao earlier this month for 5 nights. We really enjoyed the stay. The grounds are beautiful and well kept. The pool was pretty cold but there was plenty of seating all day. Great views from the pool. Chairs on the beach are just there for the taking. No fussy reservations or fees, etc. There's enough of a beach for a very short walk in each direction. Food was really good and we really liked the variety of food options from a beach-front bar with chicken fingers to a nice sit-down restaurant approaching $50 / person. The food and drinks seemed reasonably priced for a resort. I don't recall being told about a Reef Club despite being lifetime Titanium. Not sure which space that is at the property to comment on it. The rooms were quiet and well furnished. Beds were comfortable. Showers were hot and strong pressure. About the only thing that was disappointing was there was no replacement for the bottled water each day after our initial arrival. Tap water was fine to drink, however.

gcashin

Anyone have any insights on options for all-inclusive plans at check-in for the Marriott or Renaissance? It looks like the standard for both properties when booking through the Marriott website as well as some vacation providers is either no meals or breakfast, but it appears they also offer all inclusive packages as well, although the pricing isn't as clear. Appreciate any insights on whether they offer an add-on to make it an all-inclusive package at check-in, and whether the all inclusive packages are good value.

Counsellor

In my experience (I'm also a Marriott Titanium and stayed there over Christmas 2018) as a Titanium you'll be offered the option of complimentary continental (cold) breakfast buffet which you can pay to upgrade to hot breakfast (I didn't). As I recall, the option to upgrade to hot breakfast could be exercised on a day-to-day basis, so you might want to try the continental the first day and see if you like it.

If you stay at the Renaissance, it is near some great restaurants and if you go walking through the city you'll also see some great opportunities, so that may beat the all-in package.

jtwiz

Anyone have a recent stay at the Renaissance and have any updates on the property? I emailed the hotel and they quickly responded about a few things (I'm Titanium, so will get a continental breakfast (the cold buffet) for 2. And yes, the casino is back open.) I had a bunch of SNAs that will likely be expiring (can't imagine the 2019 ones will be extended again) so applied them to a suite. I like that they had a true suite on offer! I booked oceanview just in case, so no disappointment if not upgraded.

We stayed at the Marriott (pre-renovation, pre-Covid) several years ago and decided to come back to Curacao. We got a great rate at the Renaissance and like the idea of having downtown at our doorstop. We will rent a car one day and stop by to check out the renovated Marriott on our travels. I see they no longer have a casino at the Marriott. No loss to me, but Mr jtwiz enjoys a bit of Blackjack here and there, so another reason to stay at the Renaisance this time.

Pseudo Nim

Am currently at the Marriott. Somewhat underwhelmed by the experience; maybe I’ve gotten used to having expectations exceeded in recent times, but I guess we’re returning to high occupancy and by-the-book treatment. Didn’t get much of an upgrade as suites are apparently sold out; welcome amenity is breakfast only, which is technically correct by the rules (unlike Bonaire, which _also_ threw in a daily F&B credit), people also seem rather uncertain about what is and what isn’t covered by status. Despite connecting with the ops team ahead of time on what we needed for kids and stuff, absolutely nothing was prepared, either. That said, the rooms are absolutely fine (was renovated recently I think?) and the beach is great - not huge, but it exists, which isn’t the case with the Renaissance.

It was a great use of the Cat5 travel package, of course, and I’m happy for the hotel that it’s getting occupancy back into maximum figures, but just sucks a bit that there isn’t that extra spark of some sort.

omghaxcode

So is the main difference between the Marriott and the Renaissance just that the Marriott is a beach and the Renaissance is in the city with a casino? I booked a 4 day, 3 night get away last minute for March and I'm conflicted because I know absolutely nothing about Curacao.