Which Marriott in Caribbean
 

Between Curacao, Aruba and St Kitts and Cayman resorts, which would you recommend? June trip, boss is paying as a reward, so it's not a cost issue, just which is better? We like to do beach, spa, snorkel, and casino, pretty much just veg, NOT important to have big party/club/dance scene.

St Thomas is booked for the dates we wanted, so can't go there

I would not recommend Cayman as they have not yet reopened from last year's Hurricane. They are scheduled for a soft opening on June 1 and anticipate it to be fully operation on August 1. This has been delayed a number of times, so it wouldn't surprise me if it was Fall. I never cared for this property much as it's pool was small and basic rectangle, cramped, and few loungers due to space constraints, and it had no beach (like 10 feet wide); however their website now claims that they have 60-90 feet of powder white beach, so either the Hurricane helped in this regard or the Hotel had sand brought in. I find the Westin in Cayman to be more to my liking as their pool is much more expansive with many palm trees and loungers, and that coming from a Marriott Reward Wh0re. Perhaps with a full rebuild for all intensive purposes, maybe the pool area was enlarged, and if so this could be a much nicer property than before. Also Cayman has no casinos.

I have heard good reviews of Curacao, Aruba and St Kitts. We are going to Curacao a week from Sunday (for our first time) as their rates are great, and they have a dive operaiton on site, and a dive package for $179 for 2 2-tank/per person per day booked including a resort view room. No matter how you cut that, it is a great deal.

Check out Tripadvisor.com for review of the hotels, or do a search here on flyer talk for additional insight.

"Search" is a great tool...

Best Caribbean Marriott?? - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=350321

Jeez...Given the post is a year old and before the last hurricane season, you'd think it would be OK to ask a new question even if it was covered a long time ago

I appreciate the link but was looking for fresh info. Anyone else with something to say? I could also say that Mexico would be an option as well, so if anyone has any thoughts about the Carib vs Mexico Marriotts (dare I ask)

Thanks for your help <b>aaupgrade</b>

CPRich never makes a mistake. ;) Besides, what's wrong with outdated information???

My 2 cents.
 

I just got back from St. Kitts and loved it - see my trip report.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=433712

But the Renaissance in Aruba is nice too. If you are into shopping its Aruba if you want beaches and snorkling its St. Kitts.

The JW Marriott in Cancun meets all of your conditions, with the exception of the casino. It is a beautiful newer (under 3 years old) hotel, and if the boss is paying, would seem to fit your parameters. Nice restaurants, nice beach, lots to do or NOT do as you please.

I'd avoid Grand Cayman for the moment due to the devastation of the island from last summers hurricane. It is going to take a long time for this beautiful island to recover. The Marriott keeps pushing it's opening further and further back. And yes, no casinos on the island.......excellent snorkeling however.

Aruba would probably fit your plans perfectly as well. I am booked there next April but have never been before. Can only tell you that it would seem to fit into your 'wish list'.

Have fun.

Aruba baby!
 

Just spent a week at Renaissance Aruba Resort at the Ocean Suites. The private island is awsome!

See our trip report here: http://aruba-bb.com/viewtopic.php?t=...356924000f6340

Marriott Resort and Casino in Aruba
 

I just spent 5 days at the Marriott Resort and Casino in Aruba and I would highly recommend it. The resort is a very nice resort right on the beach. I had room 821 with a view overlooking the ocean and beach. The rooms are a nice size and the bathroom is larger than most hotels. The rooms were very clean and housekeeping cam around twice a day. Drinks were delivered to me on the beach.

I can't say enought good things about this hotel

For the renaissance, do people prefer the ocean suites or the marina hotel?

I will be travelling with my wife and near 3 year old.

There is really nothing special about the Marina tower other than shopping. The ocean tower has a bigger pool, a beach with a small lagoon and an overall better view from the rooms.

We have stayed at the Marriott's in San Juan, St.Kitt's, Caymans, Aruba and our very favourite is Curacao, hands down. I love to snorkel and one can snorkel from the beach and drive not too far (small island) and explore other snorkel sites. The island is clean and the food is wonderful. The Marriott's Casino is small, but adequate. If you need any more info just email me. We used our rewards and had a suite on the ocean. Oh to return!!

FWIW, for those traveling on their own resources, the Courtyard Cayman has PointSavers this Fall. Even Christmas Eve & Day are available! ^ Cat. 4 - PS = Cat. 3.

Gcm
 

I noticed the Grand Cayman property is offering bonus points (3k per nite up to 7 nites Click here for details )

I'm sure the storms didn't do anything to improve the beach. Has anyone stayed there lately that can report on what improvements they've made otherwise?

Thanks!

From what I understand they do have a beach now as previously indicated on Marriott's web site. It indicated that it was a 90' sand beach. That statement is no longer included on the hotel's web site. This is one of the few places I stayed at the Westin instead of the Marriott. Even if they added a beach, the pool and restaurant area are very limited space wise when compared with the Westin. BTW, as a big MR whore this Westin and the one in Whistler, BC are the only places I have stayed at SPG properties, so my statements regarding the GCM Marriott property is not biased from a loyalty standpoint. It will be interesting to see what improvements they made. Any new trip reports from those who have stayed there previously would be greatly appreciated.