Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino?

I have a 24 hour hold on an exchange w/II for May 23-30 at the Renaissance. Originally, we wanted the Marriott Surf Club but the week we want doesn't seem to come up, although it's been close. We've never been to Aruba (wife and I) and really like to spend time/walk on the beach. Many reviews I've read about the Surf Club describe the beach as crowded and the water as mucky. The private island at the Renaissance is intriguing 'though I'm not sure about having to take a boat ride to the beach every day. Should I just go ahead with the trade I have or wait for something better? Does the island/beaches figure to be crowded this time of year? Both appear very nice, if different. Is one area considered better than the other?

I have owned at Renaissance since 1994. Its a great resort in a great location. The private island is fantastic. Never crowded with beautiful calm beaches. The resort also has a shallow lagoon beach behind the main pool/swim up bar.

I would prefer the Marriott's if I needed a two bedroom unit but if a 1 bedroom unit works for me I much prefer the location of the Renaissance. The beaches and pools at the Marriott can at times be extemely crowded which I dont care for. That doesnt happen at the Renaissance.

I also own there and find the boat ride part of the fun. The island has quite tame iguanas and flamingos, 2 main beaches, 1 for families and 1 for adults and another smaller one facing the airport. You can also walk along the trail to the tip of the island which has spots with enough sand to spread a towel out and good swimming. All in all, a nice hotel in a great in town location.

We own at Marriott and go there annually. The beach is indeed crowded. Last year we had a flight delay and the airline put us up at the Renaissance Hotel (not beachfront but in the tower) for the extra night. We did get to spend the morning at the private island and loved it. The beach is uncrowded and very relaxing. The timeshare units look more attractive than the hotel. I don't think you'll be disappointed to trade in to Renaissance.

I have only been to to Aruba once, but have owned for several years and rent the off years. I bought at the Renaissance sight unseen because I fell into a dirt cheap week. We considered buying at the big Marriott's but upon visiting I have to say, for my purposes, I am glad we did not. The properties are beautiful and BIG and CROWDED and probably great if not traveling with small kids. I have 3 under the age of 4 and the smaller intimate low rise and location is easier for us to get around and close to restaurants ...just perfect for us. The beach on site, definitely not much to speak of, but again, it was calm and tranquil and great for my small fry. The private island is so much fun, the boat ride is fun, short and easy. My 18 month old, at the time just loved it... lots of pal trees to provide shade and she was able to take a nap on the beach. And the beach was great and not crowded, can't say enough. I thought we would sell our week, becuase I just own too many for the amount of travel one can manage with a 3 year olds and twin infants, but I jsut can't part with it. I would much rather go there. Now, if traveling with all adults, the Marriott's would be fine, I think.

If we need two bedrooms, I just use the next year's week, too. They are soo flexible and easy to work with and reservations are a breeze.


Oh, only after I type all this did I see you ahd a 24HR hold, so probably all irrelavent...Anywaym all that being said, I think you would have a great time either place, they each have their pros and cons. But if you prefer less crowed, I hope you took the Renaisance exchange.


Cheryl

We went ahead w/the Ren and we're very pleased! Thanks for all the advice.