The island includes both a family-friendly and adults-only beach area that makes up for the lack of beachfront property at the resort itself. The Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino owns a private island, just a short boat ride away, retained exclusively for use by its guests. One of the resort’s most attractive features, however, can’t be found at either property. Its 256 suites, pool and small beach area offer a quiet, calm atmosphere. Ocean Suites, the hotel’s other property, is located across the street on the harbor itself. Even though this area caters to adults, it still offers several family-friendly restaurants, open to all guests. The lobby is dramatically appointed with white marble columns (think Roman amphitheater), and the property houses a casino and adults-only pool overlooking the marina. The resort is actually two properties in one on the landward side is the Marina property, containing 297 rooms that are exclusively for adults. It is seamlessly integrated into the town’s marina area, with an upscale shopping mall in the resort itself, and tours and watersports galore. That’s not the case with the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, which is located in the heart of downtown Oranjestad, the island’s bustling capital.
Some family resorts, as great as they are, can make guests feel isolated when they’re located quite far from all the excitement of their destination.
