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My girl friend and I booked our trip back in August 2010 for March 2011 in Oranjestad, Aruba at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino Marina Hotel (the adult part of the resort). Aside from the great reviews we had from friends and family on Aruba, we had no idea what to expect being downtown and not up at the High Rise resorts. Here's what you can expect.
After a short and enjoyable 4 hour flight on Jet Blue we were excited to get on the beach before 2:00pm on our arrival . Getting through customs into Aruba was quick and easy and getting a ride to the the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino only took a couple of minutes. Make sure you stock up on booze at the duty free store by luggage pick up. Unlike many of the Caribbean islands the locals are very nice, don't try to hustle you for a few dollars and like the commercials say, very happy. Right away the cab driver (cabs are typically nice cars that are owned by the cab drivers and well maintained) started telling us all about Aruba, where to go and where to eat, little tips about traveling and site
seeing, and all about Carnival...which I will expand upon in another post.
We arrived at Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino in the Renaissance Mall, a 15 dollar cab ride, and your are greeted by more happy people looking to make your stay in Aruba enjoyable. Check in was a breeze. If you've ever stayed at a Marriott you know they offer a high level of service and it was the same here. The room in the Marina Hotel was very nice. Typical Marriott Hotel room. The bathrooms are small and in need of new tubs and showers but everything else is up to par.If you are staying in Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino you will read that there is no beach and only a private island for the Renaissance people. Let me tell you that the private island is the only beach you will ever need. In the lobby of the hotel there is a boat that will pick you up and take you to the island every 15 minutes. The boat ride is enjoyable and takes you through the marina where a few new cruise ships will come in every day, down the coast line and around Renaissance Island, a 40-acre private tropical retreat with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
Exiting the boat is when you realize you are in paradise. Walking the dock to get your towels, floats, or water sport equipment of your choice you will notice and abundant amount of wild life all around you. From the iguana and small lizards lounging around to the flamingos strolling the beach to the tropical fish below your feet. There are more than enough chairs, hammocks and tables available. We sat in the same place every day. Renaissance Island, like the resort, is divided into an adult only (optionally topless) side and a family side. The family side provides the restaurant/bar and a slight larger beach. The adult side offers a relaxing atmosphere where the flamingos roam and you are only bothered by the waiter staff willing to refill your beverage you bring you lunch. I am a picky person when it comes to getting what you pay for and expectations for a vacation. Let me say that the island is perfect with on exception. Because you are close to the airport there will be planes coming in and out and they can be very loud. Probably about 10 times a day for a few minutes. Other than that there isn't much more you could ask for. Feel free to explore the island and enjoy your time there...it's over before you know it.
The Marina Hotel is located directly above the Renaissance Mall, which offers Starbucks, luxury brand stores and shops, and the casino. Within the Marina Hotel are The Blue Bar (adjacent to the "rooftop" pool), L.G. Smith Steak House and Aquarius (delicious and extensive buffet style restaurant). The Marina Hotel is directly across from the marina where all of the Cruises dock. Hundreds of people will get off these boats every day to enjoy the shopping and restaurants around the marina. You never feel crowded and will never have more than a 5 minute wait at the restaurants. There are probably 25 jewelry stores around the marina area and you can get a great deal on a Rolex or diamonds.
If you cross the street from the Marina Hotel you can walk the board walk to the Ocean Suites. On your way you will pass the many yachts and Sea Port Casino. There is also another strip of stores, restaurants (great Italian place with outside dinning), fast food joints like Subway, Taco Bell and Dunkin Donuts. When you get to the Ocean Suites you will notice that it is much different. This is a more family style and time share type of hotel. They offer a much bigger pool and pool bar, man made beach and the Captains Restaurant all in close proximity. We only spent about 3 hours at that pool and beach because Renaissance Island was unreal. There isn't much past the Ocean Suites but we didn't explore so I assume we missed a couple of restaurants or island secrets.
We went to a number of different restaurants on the Island and they were all very good. Here's a brief look at our experiences.
L.G. Smith Steak House (part of Renaissance Hotel Inclusive Package) - Much like a higher end steak house in the states. This is as fancy as we got over our trip. A bottle of wine, appetizer and two meals ran us about $120. The service was just okay. The bus boy worked hard but the waiter was slacking. Go here if you want a good steak. Aquarius (part of Renaissance Hotel Inclusive Package) - This is a buffet style restaurant. The breakfast buffet is by far the best we had in Aruba. We had dinner here once and would have again but wanted to try other restaurants. Leans towards more seafood but there is a great selection. The will prepare fresh dishes for you that will make sure you get your fill of lobster tail, scallops, shrimp, and a variety of fish. Great sushi buffet and other foods non fish related.
Captains Resturant (part of Renaissance Hotel Inclusive Package) - Every night they offer a different themed meal. We didn't eat here for dinner but heard it was good. It's nice to have the breakfast buffet here because it is outside and overlooks the pool and ocean. Watch out for the birds though. they will try and steal your toast.
Bar Blue (part of Renaissance Hotel Inclusive Package) - Wouldn't get dinner here but it's great spot to get lunch and drinks.
Papagayo Bar and Grill (part of Renaissance Hotel Inclusive Package) - This is the restaurant located on Renaissance Island. They offer a wide variety of food and everything we had was pretty good. You can get up and go to the grill or you can lay back and wait for your beach waitress. They are awesome so tip them well.
Iguana Joes - Get a piture of sangia. It's awesome and more booze than fruit juice. They have won awards for the best ribs in aruba and you will know why. A half of rack of ribs here means a whole rack in the states. You cant go wrong here from the price, food, and venue. This will be the first place we go when we return.7 West Aruba - Just off of L.G. Smith Blvd. this place is really cool looking. I am surprised that it was empty but I guess it's more of a late night place. The food was okay but the service and drinks were very good. We probably wont go back to this place.
Que Pasa - Everyone will tell you to go to this restaurant as well as Drift Wood (which we didn't make it to). Que Pasa was excellent and offers a taste of Dutch and Caribbean it's food. It's a little more expensive here but should definitely be on top of your list.
Casa Tua in the Seaport Plaza - Typically this is a pizza place but there is a wide variety of Italian foods at this location and both of our meals were delicious. You can sit outside and listen to live music just off of the water.
You may find this review overly positive but once you go to Aruba I'm sure you will understand why. Downtown Oranjestad was the crazy hot spot not long ago but since the High Rise section has grown the Renaissance Hotel has become the more low key location. Either way you are going to love Aruba.
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