Renaissance Aruba/Marriott Resort

[SkiChris]

I absolutely agree with Hatteras and I recommend you get the best of both worlds and stay at the Renaissance AND the Marriott Stelaris Hotel. I definitely recommend the 9 day stay as that gives you plenty of time to relax and unwind following the busy schedule of your wedding. I recommend 7 nights at Palm Beach (at Stellaris) followed by a move downtown to the Renaissance so you can enjoy the private island. The photographs you get of the two of you with the Flamingos will be some of your favorites from the trip! The Renaissance is close to the airport so that is an advantage for staying there the night(s) closest to your departure date. Additionally, the Renaissance allows check-out as late as noon so depending on your flight schedule, you'll likely have time to visit the Renaissance island on the morning of your departure(island opens at 7am) and return to room to shower/change before going to the airport.

[WaltVB]

Hi welcome to the forum! If it was me, I'd spend the entire time at the Stellaris and if you absolutely have to go to the private island, get a day pass. We stayed at the Ren Marina and it was just okay, wouldn't do that again. If you like beach time during the day and hopping nightlife in the evening, Palm Beach is the place to be IMO.

[SkiChris]

Ahhhh...Walt just gave me an idea when he mentioned the day pass option at the Renaissance. They sell a day pass to access the island ($125 per person) which includes access to the island, boat ride to the island, chair and beach towels on the island, 1 drink, and lunch. Given that you can get a Renaissance hotel room for ~$170 per night in Sept/Oct/Nov timeframe, this one day pass would not be of interest to most people. BUT..you may want to see if you can buy the day pass with your Marriott discount. If so, you can get the benefit of spending the day on the island without staying there if you wanted. But personally, I like the Marina hotel (as much as the ocean suites). The hotel is fun, the pool is great, and there are many great restaurants within walking distance at nighttime. There is also a marina directly across the street so it is beautiful to see all the boats. I do not recommend staying more than 1 or 2 nights there (vs Palm Beach Stellaris hotel option)- but I still think there is some excitement in staying at 2 places (Renaissance nights are typically less expensive - so helps with the budget). No matter what you choose - ALL of Aruba is fantastic!!

[Rhys]

Minor correction but "Stellaris" is the name of the casino at the Aruba Marriott Resort, not the hotel itself.

We have stayed there several times and enjoyed it very much, but now own at (and prefer) La Cabana at Eagle Beach, for many reasons. This year we added a few days at the Renaissance Ocean Suites and enjoyed a few days over on Renaissance Island as something different. I don't think I'd want to do that for a full week, however.

Rhys

[Andrea J.]

correct
I changed the title to ease confusion

Minor correction but "Stellaris" is the name of the casino at the Aruba Marriott Resort, not the hotel itself.

We have stayed there several times and enjoyed it very much, but now own at (and prefer) La Cabana at Eagle Beach, for many reasons. This year we added a few days at the Renaissance Ocean Suites and enjoyed a few days over on Renaissance Island as something different. I don't think I'd want to do that for a full week, however.

Rhys