Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort Q's

[Laurie]

Thinking we maybe want to go back to Aruba sometime, and I have a few questions about this place:

1. Are all the timeshare units efficiencies? That's what the TUG reviews all seem to indicate, but II shows 1/4/4 only. So which is it?

2. Are the timeshare units in the oceanfront part, or the marina part? I understand there are 2 separate parts to this place, but haven't found a map that diagrams it so maybe I'm confused. If oceanfront, is there a beach there, or only on its private island? And do they all have an oceanview, or water view, or can you give more info?

First Aruba trip we exchanged into Paradise Beach Villas, and loved it, especially its location on the beautiful Eagle Beach. Maybe the Renaissance is more fun for the novelty of its island -- other than that, can you say how it might compare?

TIA!

 

[dioxide45]

Thinking we maybe want to go back to Aruba sometime, and I have a few questions about this place:

1. Are all the timeshare units efficiencies? That's what the TUG reviews all seem to indicate, but II shows 1/4/4 only. So which is it?

2. Are the timeshare units in the oceanfront part, or the marina part? I understand there are 2 separate parts to this place, but haven't found a map that diagrams it so maybe I'm confused. If oceanfront, is there a beach there, or only on its private island? And do they all have an oceanview, or water view, or can you give more info?

First Aruba trip we exchanged into Paradise Beach Villas, and loved it, especially its location on the beautiful Eagle Beach. Maybe the Renaissance is more fun for the novelty of its island -- other than that, can you say how it might compare?

TIA!

I have a resort tour video of the property on my YouTube channel. I understand it is all one bedroom units but they only have a limited kitchen. I understand every other floor is timeshare units, but I can't remember if they are the even or odd floors. Perhaps why the discrepancy between reviews and what II shows. All the timeshare units are on the ocean side of the property. The sectino across the street is also part of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. The pool over there is adult only where the pools on the timeshare side are the family pools.

There is a lagoon with a beach by the buildings with timeshare and there is also the private island. There is a boat doc near both sides of the resort, though the one from the timeshare units is a little bit of a walk. I show it in the video. Unfortunately when we stayed there we were in the hotel and I don't have a video of the timeshare rooms.

 

[GrayFal]

Just stayed there recently and are going back…floors 1,3,5 timeshare in Ocean suites….running out but will answer tomorrow.
also familiar with Paradise Beach villas and La Cabana

 

[GrayFal]

Here’s my review from November


This was our second stay at this resort, the first time was April 2021.
We had an “island view” 3rd floor unit. When I heard this, I was concerned we would be facing the back parking lot/L G Smith Blvd but instead we looked over the public parking facing the cruise ship dock, Renaissance Mall and the ocean.
I sat on the balcony every day enjoying the ocean view and listening to the nightl,y music from the Mall. This time of year there also is a view of the sunset - just beautiful!

The unit itself is well furnished in a modern style. Comfortable sofa, chair and dinning table for two also with comfortable chair in the main area. This is a railroad flat style where you enter a hallway, walk past the windowless bedroom into the main room. The bedroom with king bed is cleverly designed with a 30x80 glass “window” facing the main area with its unit wide glass doors so it is not dark in the bedroom. Beautiful spacious bathroom with walk in shower and dual sinks. Kitchenette adequate with two dorm size refrigerators,microwave and two burner cook top.

The building is L shaped with the two pools, hot tub, swim up bar and restaurant nestled in the L. Spacious open air lobby. There is also a man made beach behind a breakwater for those who want an ocean dip.
We really loved this whole area and spent most days on a lounger under the palapa looking at the ocean

You also have access to their private island. It is access by a 20 passenger speed boat a short walk from the resort at the marina. We spent a day there to relax and see the flamingos - there is a restaurant, shop and waitress service on the beach.

The staff was friendly and no request was too small. The seemed genuinely happy to interact with the guests. Great 1/2 price happy our at the Sole bar by the pool every day with live music.

We are looking forward to returning.

 

[amycurl]

@Laurie, this was our first-ever exchange, back when it was the Sonesta Suites. It hooked us on timesharing and Aruba. Now that I know more, it probably should have told me a lot about the power of what we had purchased, too.

We loved the pool there and the private island, plus you could walk to so much in town.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[GrayFal]

Comparing this to Paradise Beach Villas is a bit difficult because PBV is such a small resort. And Eagle Beach is one of the, if not the, nicest beaches on the Island.

Wind Creek is different because of its down town location. But when you are at the pool/ beach area it could be a million miles away. You have lovely ocean views with lots of boat traffic. And everything is close together but doesn’t feel cramped.
The private island experience is nice for a change. We went later in the day and only got a palapa because someone overheard us saying we would head back as there was no shade. When we go again, we will make a point of heading over at 8:30 to secure a shaded spot.

The Renaissance Marketplace right across a small street was so convenient for casual dinning. Our favorite Dutch Pancake House is there. Often has lines for breakfast but we went several times for dinner!

Renaissance Marketplace — Where Foodies Meet

Discover Renaissance Marketplace Aruba, where food, shopping, art, and entertainment unite. Enjoy global dining, live music, events, and waterfront views.

www.themarketplacearuba.com

When we return we will rent a car because we will also be at Marriott’s Ocean Club but did not miss it staying the one week here. The only thing lacking was any type of grocery shopping, there is a convenience store/souvenir shop with a few exorbitantly priced items. If you are without a car, suggest ordering delivery from Superfoods or Lings to come the day after check in.

here are a few maps - oops, will upload the second when I am on better Wi-Fi

 

[GrayFal]

 

[donnaval]

We stayed in October via an II exchange. Unfortunately, we got the dreaded parking lot view, but as it turned out we spent so little time in the unit that it didn't really matter. The bedroom is windowless, and AC was pretty good, but I brought a small fan and we did use it every night. Because the driver in the family had a little mishap before the trip, and isn't comfortable driving at night anyway, we opted to do the all-inclusive rather than going out at night. We've been to Aruba before and know how many wonderful restaurants there are, and were a little concerned about the AI but it turned out great for us. It was kind of pricey at $175/pp per day, but when we figured out what we ate and drank versus our usual spend, it was a fair bargain. We had some really good food, some pretty decent food, never any bad food, drinks were excellent and service was exceptional. It was so easy and relaxed to not worry about making reservations or waiting for tables or driving the dreaded roundabouts in the dark. As someone mentioned you're right in the heart of town, but when you're on the ocean side with the lagoon and view it doesn't seem like you're in a city at all. Lots of things to do in walking distance, if you want to do tours they will pick you up right at the resort. We rented a car from Trac Auto, great price and great experience, rented a beach combo of chairs and umbrella for the week, and visited all the beaches we wanted to see during the day. Really enjoyed the private island. We love Aruba, and might be kind of tempted to do the same type of trip again in the future because it was the most relaxing trip ever.

 

[GrayFal]

@donnaval that is a good point about a fan/sound machine app. There is a connecting door right opposite the bedroom/bathroom door and we had a rather loud family next door. We often used the sound app on my iPhone to mask their "excited" conversation. There is a connecting door in the living as well but never heard sound there. The one near the bedroom is located in the kitchenette area.