We are staying at the Rennaissance in the first week of November. Can anyone tell me the quality of the accommodations, and if there are good restaurants nearby?

You picked the right place!. The Renaissance has just been purchased by the Marriott and has been totally rennovated to 4 star accommodations. We own at the Beach tower. You can access the pools and the private island while staying at the Marina Tower or the beach tower. I would suggest making reservations for Mirandi, La Rumba, Flying Fishbone, Que Pasa , and Chez Matilde. For lighter Fare try Iguana Joes. You can make reservations at the concierge desk. You can walk to many of the restaurants from this hotel. We rented an SUV for three days and did the Flying fishbone when we had the car, because it is a ways out, but the sunsets are spectacular. Enjoy the island!!!