Hi all!
Just trying to decide between these resorts in September. Just the 2 of us are going, leaving the baby with Nana We won't be renting a car so we need dining options, and shopping excursions for necessities. Are there pros or cons to the locations of these? And what about snorkeling, is there any good areas nearby? If anyone has stayed at these let me know how it went. Thanks!!!

Villa Ren is a very small place. I never see anyone on the beach near there. I think the grounds and pool are small. RWI is a much larger complex. It is pretty far down the beach away from most restaurants. We stay at the Sands, closer to many restaurants, has a great one as does RWI. The grounds and pools are beautiful. Near a lot of shops and restaurants.

RWI has a resataurant on the property. Villa Renaissance does not. I like the look of Villa Renaissance, The pool is amazing it looks out into the ocean from an arch way, also has a bar set up on the side of the pool. It is quiet at the Renaissance, but you dont have to get up early to reserve a lounge chair at the beach like you would at the RWI . The Renaissance is very close to Salt Mills Plaza which has a few restaurants and some shopping and liquor store and is also walking distance to Ports of Call which also has a few restaurants and shopping, and walking distance to Hemmingways and Bay Bistro which are restaurants at resorts near by

Renaissance is very quiet, with no amenities. It's a "get away from it all". It's gorgeous from the outside, I have to admit I wasn't impressed with the inside. (I really had it built up in my mind though)
RWI has an activities desk, and someone around if you have questions, need anything. They also have hobie cats, sails, snorkel gear, etc.

don't know much about villa ren but i did stay at rwi late nov/dec 05 and was very happy. this is a link to see the layout of rwi http://www.vrbo.com/4929.
you can also go to google earth to see all the complexes.

It really depends on what you're looking for. Have stayed at the VR and provided a long trip report a while back:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34609251

You're comparing apples to oranges here. VR is a beautiful, elegant property with 28 of the 36 units being directly oceanfront, but it does lack several "resort" amenities. If you're more of the self-catering type, the VR would make for an ideal stay. I can't see how someone could be disappointed with the room interiors as they all SHOULD have marble floors, stainless steel appliances, washer/dryer and comfortable Tommy Bahama-like furnishings. But all the units are individually-owned so quality may vary. We stayed in Rm 302 and thought it was elegantly appointed.

RWI, although not as upscale as VR, is a wonderful resort with much more amenities fitting for a resort: on-site restaurant, activities desk, complimentary watercrafts, etc. On top of that, the rentals tend to be much more affordable than the VR.

You should consider renting a car if you want to do a lot of snorkeling from shore, with Smith's Reef being a highlight. But Coral Gardens is also a nice snorkel spot that's a 30-45min stroll from VR, a bit further from RWI. Other than that, there are boat snorkel excursions you can book directly or have the hotel arrange for you.

There are a few pictures of the VR here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/236969243JlwyzB

FYI: the beach and the mosaic pool were ALWAYS empty during our visit. Very peaceful...may be creepy for others.