Which Mariott for Honeymoon?
 

Hello! My fiance and I have Marriott points, which we'd like to put towards our honeymoon this October. We've already been to Hawaii, so we are thinking of going to Aruba, Curacao (or both!).
Which would be the better 10 night honeymoon:
-Mariott Aruba Stellaris Resort & Casino
-Renaissance Aruba Resort
-Mariott Curacao

Well, I have been to both Aruba and Curacao Marriotts and I vote for Curacao but it's hard to determine which would be best for you because you should tell us what your priorities and likes are. Aruba Marriott is a mega-resort (actually three resorts because of the two timeshare resorts) with all amenities but the resort is population dense for the size of the beach. Curacao Marriott had better service, is smaller (less than 200 rooms) a low-rise spread out along the water so definitely a better space/person ratio. The beachfront executive suite rooms are steps from the beach and larger (they have a couch and a coffee table), we had a first floor room with a small patio and view was incredible as the water is literally right there. Aruba Marriott is set further back and you will have a greater hike to the beach. We like Curacao because it is less Americanized thant Aruba -- it's a great european/caribbean mix with the town looking like a little Amsterdam. If you are going in Ocotber I would check points available if you haven't already, they may help with yur decision as it's getting harder to get rooms with points -- we are going to the Marriott St. Kitts this week on points and booked it about 10 months ago.

Just wanted to make sure you knew the Renaissance Aruba Resort IS NOT ON THE BEACH. It is on the main drag of the town in Aruba. You have to take a boat to their private island. Many people don't realize this, and that being said I would not want to go there for my honeymoon. We have been to the other Mariotts. The one in Curacao is a smaller property than the Aruba one. Both very nice and don't think you would be unhappy at either one.

Thanks for your input! As far as priorities, It's important to us that
the hotel is clean and modern with easy access to the beach and beach activities (snorkeling, boating, etc.). I'm worried that Aruba may be too "touristy"

The snorkeling was better in Curacao than Aruba -- Curacao has lots of great cove-like beaches with good snorkeling right from the shore. We also took a fun boat/snorkeling trip on a large sailboat -- the Insulinde. Aruba is very touristy, in my opinion. However, if you want a beach with easy access to lots of water sports -- jet skis, banana boats, windsurfing, etc you would be better off in Aruba.

Kauai is our favorite place just to give you an idea of where I'm coming from. We found Aruba to be so VERY commercialized. Everything about the Marriott in Curacao from the service to the accommodations was so special. It was a real pleasure to visit there. There was so much to explore around the island and the Marriott has a great bar down by the beach. We were thrilled with the culture and discovered the locals were very friendly.

Don't rule out St Kitts - they have a fabulous Marriott there and it's a great island.

Went to St. Kitt's 3 years ago and loved the Marriott there. Right on the beach. It's easy to relax b/c there's not much to see or do in St. Kitt's. Scuba-diving was great.

This is my exact question so I'm so glad you asked it. Our wedding/honeymoon will be in July and we're using points as well. I was considering the Rennaisance also because it has adult-only features, but I want to be on the beach so that settles that.