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Aruba Renaissance

Mr. Vker

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New to TUG.

We are traveling to Aruba in 2 weeks. Part of our family is staying at our unit in the Surf Club. We did an additional exchange using a bonus week we received through a Phuket deposit.

This exchange was to the Renaissance. I didn't even know that was a timeshare until it showed up as available on Interval. I called to get the Marriott Confirmation number to add my rewards number. Interval says its not a Marriott property. The even gave me a website www.arubarenaissance.com. This goes right to Marriott.

What gives?
 

mlfrancis

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Renaissance Hotel

Hi -

The Renaissance is part of the Marriott hotel chain. They have a large high-rise hotel in the center of Oranjestad, and a low-rise on their own beach across the main road (they have boats that can take the high-rise guests to that beach from their lobby). I've seen the property, walked thru it and out to their pool, but never been in the rooms. It doesn't look like a timeshare to me - the rooms have balconies overlooking the pool and a very small beach.

I'd check with Marriott to see what the room situation is. If it's not a timeshare, just regular rooms, I'd suggest you try to get the rest of your family into the Marriott Resort hotel which is adjacent to the Ocean Club (and thus a building away from the Surf Club). That hotel is being renovated, one wing is completed ... we stayed there for one night before checking into the Surf Club and it was fantastic, huge room, great bathroom, etc. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat.

I can't understand why Interval would have it listed on their site. Marriott doesn't list it as one of their timeshares.

Mary
 

Mr. Vker

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Hi -

The Renaissance is part of the Marriott hotel chain. They have a large high-rise hotel in the center of Oranjestad, and a low-rise on their own beach across the main road (they have boats that can take the high-rise guests to that beach from their lobby). I've seen the property, walked thru it and out to their pool, but never been in the rooms. It doesn't look like a timeshare to me - the rooms have balconies overlooking the pool and a very small beach.

I'd check with Marriott to see what the room situation is. If it's not a timeshare, just regular rooms, I'd suggest you try to get the rest of your family into the Marriott Resort hotel which is adjacent to the Ocean Club (and thus a building away from the Surf Club). That hotel is being renovated, one wing is completed ... we stayed there for one night before checking into the Surf Club and it was fantastic, huge room, great bathroom, etc. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat.

I can't understand why Interval would have it listed on their site. Marriott doesn't list it as one of their timeshares.

Mary

We just found out the answer. The low rise area you descibe is the one bed room suite section. Apparently, this used to be a Sonesta time share. Marriott still must accomodate them, but technically it is still owned by the Sonesta people. You cannot even buy them-except from an owner. They pop up occasionally on II. Although you are at a Marriott run property, its not a MVCI.
 

qlaval

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Resorts Owned
Marriott Aruba Ocean Club, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
The Renaissance resort is managed by Marriott the same way the Stellaris is.

TS are in the Ocean Suites tower and mostly on first, 3rd and 5th floor.
The 2-4th floors are mostly hotel rooms.

The TS have a closed 1 bedroom with living room w/Queen sleeper sofa and a limited kitchen.
Very nice and not crowded.

They are not a MVCI as they weren't sold by Marriott. Sold out many years ago the only way to purchase is via an owner.

Go take a look at the review section I've recently posted many pics of the unit.
 

ownsmany

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owner at Aruba Res

I own at the Aruba Reisannse (sp). It has a great location in center of town. To get to Surf club from there you would need to take the bus or car. To me the units seem small - but it is only because we normally stay in 2 bed units and theirs is a one bedroom unit (with pull out couch).

It's be years since we stayed there - but I think it has a limited kitchen. Stovetop burners no oven. Has micro, 2 sm refrigators, dishes, pots, etc.

It was nice last time there. The kids liked taking the boat to the private island. They have a golf cart shuttle that takes you between the timeshare units and the hotel rooms. That was also nice. A few months ago we were in Aruba and I wanted to visit the resort (we were at surf club) but never got around to it.
 

sernow

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We stayed there a few years ago and I don't remember the unit having a stovetop. We used MR points for the stay.

Units are nice, but small. More like a hotel suite than 1 br. condo. It would have been very cramped for my family of 4, except that 2 were smaller children at the time. I would consider the AI if still offered, as stuff was pretty expensive a la carte.
 

qlaval

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Marriott Aruba Ocean Club, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
We stayed there a few years ago and I don't remember the unit having a stovetop. We used MR points for the stay....

If you used MR then you weren't given a TS unit.
TS unit do have a double stovetop.

Unless you own one of the bigger end unit it's a little small for 4 adults...
 

WelcomeHome

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I stayed there!

Hi!

I stayed at the Renaissance in February via an exchange through Interval international using my Disney Vacation Club points (believe it or not)!

It's a Great hotel with a fantastic location and its own PRIVATE island (Flamenco Island) which is not only extremely beautiful but also relatively secluded (compared to the packed beaches at Marriott's Ocean Club and Marriott's Surf Club). The island has great beach restaurant for lunch and there are several activities you can rent plus a nature trail.

While the rooms are not as pristine, new or large as the Marriotts you are accustomed to (and it's true that the timeshare units have electric burners instead of an oven), the place is right in the center of everything and plenty of great restaurants, historic sites and activities abound. You can even choose from a variety of activities and excursions at the "DePalm Tours" desk right in the hotel lobby - just book as early as you can (you can even visit their website for a listing of the tours and activities they offer). "Red Sail" is another large tour operator in Aruba but they don't have a sales desk right in the hotel.

My wife and I had a fantastic time at this very fun and accommodating hotel and I hope you and your family will be very presently surprised. If you have any questions, you can send me a private message and I will be happy to reply. Have a fantastic trip!

Best wishes,
Dave
 
Last edited:

sernow

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If you used MR then you weren't given a TS unit.
TS unit do have a double stovetop.

Unless you own one of the bigger end unit it's a little small for 4 adults...


Good to know. I thought they were all the same. Thanks.
 
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