I heading to Aruba next week for my 1st time and was wondering if staying at the Renaissance is a great choice?!? also, How about there private island?!? or any other Helpful info you can share with me!!! Thanks!!!!

Hi...great choice as far as I am concerned...as well as my family of 25...Location is great, if you're tired of the beach, pool or bar head over to the shops. The golf cart will take you back and forth to the marina tower. The casino's are in the mall next door or down stairs at the marina tower. The island is perfect, no guarding chairs, plenty to be had. The island also has a nice place for lunch, the staff is fantastic. Between my family we own 12 weeks of time shares at the suites, and the $$$$ spent was well worth it. WOuldn't trade for the high rises.

Thanks for in Info....we are staying in the Marina Tower....Looking forward to a wonderful trip!!!

any other advise I should know about Aruba??? The transportation, water activities, dining??

since we are staying at the Renaissance and some water sports we are looking to do depart from other locations, is taxi the best way to travel......are there local buses??

You will absolutely love the Renaissance. It is located in the heart of the action and the entertainment/restaurants/shopping is great. They have a really great happy hour up on the pool deck, and the Let's Go Latin Show is worth seeing one night.

As for transportation, the taxi's are great if you are looking to head over to the high rises. My husband and I did choose to rent a car for 2 days just to tour the island, which was a great choice. It was not expensive at all.

There are so many great restuarants to try! In fact, LG Smith's (at the Renaissance) is really good. We have been there on both trips. Pretty much where ever you eat is really good and top notch. The conceirge has really good suggestions, and definately take advantage of their services. Also, make sure you check out the Flying Fishbone one night!

You will have a fantstic and amazing vacation. I can assure you, you will be back!

Megan McNally

Thanks a lot for info....I cant wait!!!

It is a very good hotel, regarding the private beach, there will be a taxi boat that shuttles you to and from private beach. There is an adult side and a family side.

I stayed ther for a week. It is an excellent place with its own private island. the only resort that has one. Get the ocean suites. Ther are two buildings and locations ask for the ocean suirtes. Get the all inclusive package for food and drinks you'll save alot of money. Its all you can eat and drink then tips included!

Since A.I. was abused (getting drinks for people not on AI) the package has be discontinuted.

3 weeks in Aruba Dec. 16, '08 - Jan. 9, '09
Aruba since 1985

They do have an AI but it's $140 a day with a five day minimum. It includes food, drinks, free rafts and snorkling equipment on the island. They used to have a Beverage only AI and that is what was discontinued for misuse. The Marina Towers are adult only now as is their pool. It's great for a relaxing adult vacation. My husband and I did the AI in May and really wished we didn't. We found we ate and drank much more than we normally would. It's a great location and much more convenient than the Ocean Suites - just our opinion. I posted a trip report yesterday. If you have any questions about the Renaissance, please just ask. We've been there 5 times.

Kim---eat, drink and be merry---it's vacation!!