Has anybody stayed at the Marriott Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino?

If so, can you please let me know their comments (both positive and negative) and whether they feel it is appropriate for my wife and I to bring our 1 year old son?

Hey I just replied to you on the Us Board.
The Renassaince is in the city and you must take a boat to an island to be at the beach. This may appeal to you, but the Marriott Stellaris is a much larger scale resort that is located directly on a beach. With a baby, I would think this would be a better place. If you are on the boat to the island and you forgot the baby's bottle or whatever, you have to go back on a boat to get it. The Marriott Stellaris would be a ride on the elevator. (Much easier). I really liked the Marriott Stellaris.
I found the city to be so-so. I would rather take a taxi there and have dinner, walk around and then head back to my resort.
We found this to be a very safe and friendly island.
I did not stay in the Rennassaince so I can not say for sure what it was like. I walked through the lobby and took a cab from there.
If you go, dine at El Gaucho's steak house. It has excellent steaks and is located in the city.

there are two different renissance hotels by marriott - I just came back and we stayed at the marina one right on the main street in downtown - you have the other hotel which has suites and is family orientated, and has its own tiny beach area. both hotels have access to the PRIVATE ISLAND which u get by water taxi provided by the hotel IF YOU STAY THERE. its only for those hotel guests (others would have to pay like $50 for the day to go). I thought it was wonderful as I love Aruba. It most likely would be fine for you w/ son but stay at the suite family one which is in area of Seaport Casino Mall. Good luck and Happy travels.

My husband and I stayed at the Marina towers at the Renaissance in April 04.We thought that it was a wonderful location.We also saw plenty of couples with kids staying there.

The private island is great and only a 10-15 minute watertaxi to the island,they have 2 that run about every 20 minutes.The island is equipped with everything you will need to spend the day there.It is a restaurant,bathrooms,a gym,2 beach areas with waitstaff to serve you beachfront.Flamingos walk around the beach and you can feed the fish.

I feel that the marina towers and the beach towers are a great location as you are close to restaurants,a movie theatre,a vegas style show,casinos and plenty of shopping.

The staff is also wonderful.

Have a great time!

Christie

We found the town location interesting. Some interesting shops and a few small museums. We found the town preferable to the more traditional resort environment which, in my opinion, seemed no different than Florida. We really liked the private island. considering the fact that it is the only place to eat on the island, the restaurant there is very affordable and good.

I think that you will be very happy with this resort. Very family oriented, but not overly so, as I have heard of some with kids screaming and running around all over the place (i.e. Marriott Surf Club). Just very clean, walking distance to alot of shopping, restaurants, shows, movie theater, and casinos. If it was me with a baby I would rather that then getting in and out of cabs constantly. The resort has a wonderful pool and small beach. There is a boat that will take you to the resorts own private island which is beautiful. We are going back in Feb. This will be our forth trip there with our 11 year old daughter. I think that you cannot go wrong going there. PS we stay at the Ocean Suites. Do not know which one you are planning on going to but the Marriott Marina Hotel is beautiful as well.