Part of a sprawling 40-acre complex just outside downtown Oranjestad and just a few minutes from the airport, the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino (by Marriott) is probably Aruba’s most unique beach resort. It caters well to both couples and families with two separate sides: the adults-only Renaissance Marina Hotel and the kid-friendly Renaissance Ocean Suites. The Marina Hotel rooms come with private French balconies with city or ocean views; the Ocean Suites come with wet bars with mini-fridges, private balconies or patios, and living rooms with queen sofa beds. The manmade beach is lackluster compared to most in Aruba – this factor has a negative effect on the Overall Beach Resort Rating, downgrading it from the lower A range to the upper B range; but the resort boasts modern accommodations, six dining options with all-inclusive plans available, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Maybe most intriguing of all, there’s a free water taxi to the resort’s private island, Renaissance Island, which has water sports (kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving) and adults-only and kid-friendly areas (one drawback of the island is airport noise). The greater main complex also offers a mall, an excellent casino, a movie theater, and fishing charters, among much more.
On-site COVID-19 testing is provided by MedCare Aruba at the Renaissance Convention Center. MedCare provides on-property COVID-19 antigen tests to all guests staying at the resort for $50 per person or a PCR test for $125 per person. All test results are available within 24 hours. In the event of a positive test, the island’s mandatory COVID-19 insurance will cover designated accommodation costs until recovery.