Renaissance or Hyatt?
 

Understood that the Renaissance in Oranjestad was not on the beach, but their site looked as though they did have a beach out from the Ocean Suites and then the private island a bit farther out. Is this true? And how does this resort stack up vs. the Hyatt at Palm Beach? Have two teenage girls 15 & 18 to think about!!

Stay at the Renaissance - they even have a private island. Lots to do there, plus it is a new resort so the rooms are cleaner / nicer. Service is better than Hyatt too.

The Hyatt is an amazing resort on Palm Beach. It is ON the beach, has a tropical, beautiful open air lobby, lush grounds with waterfalls, swans, parrotts etc. There are little shops and resturants right across the street. The Ren. is not ON the beach but is close to downtown and all that O has to offer (but it is simple to get there from the Hyattas well, just $2 r/t ride on the reliable and safe Arubabus)

Missatlanta--I really think that the Renaissance would be a great choice.It has the cove beach and nice pools.The private island is wonderful and not far at all from the Ocean Suites.Oranjestad was perfectly safe at night..even at 3:00 in the morning when I was walking to try and find my husband.He had been bar hopping.

I can promise you that with a 15 and 18 y.o. they are going to be much happier with the Renaissance. You're right in downtown where all the shopping is. The mall across the street from the Hyatt isn't going to be their idea of shopping.