Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort

In Aruba, there are many resort options to choose from – so how do you? Some hotels focus on a party vibe while others have dreamy spa options, but it’s only the Renaissance that gets you free access to one of Aruba’s most famous attractions: Flamingo Beach.

Location and Arrival

The Renaissance is located in Oranjestaad, the capital, and where you’ll arrive by air. It’s a quick ten-minute taxi ride from the airport to the hotel.

The hotel is actually a two-location complex: the adult-only Renaissance Marina and the family-friendly Ocean Suites. While the lagoon beach at the Ocean Suites location is very underwhelming, hotel guests have free access to Renaissance Island (or Flamingo Beach).

We stayed at the “adults only” Renaissance located in the marina – note that the reception area is on the second floor and there really aren’t signs directing you to where you need to go.

The Room

Neither Renaissance location (they’re close to each other) is situated on a beach and many of the marina rooms face a busy road or the interior of the hotel.

We booked an Island King room that had both pool and partial sea views. The inside of the room was very basic with a bed, bedside tables, a seating area, a television, and a minibar, which was unstocked due to the pandemic. Space for luggage was limited.

The outdoor area was extremely small and didn’t offer any seating, however, the balconies at the opposite location had room for seating.

The Pool

The pool area at the adults only location of the Renaissance is small and has a limited number of sunbeds, which are occupied early. Despite the “adults-only” wording on the website when booking, there were children roaming around the pool and pool bar areas of the marina location.

At the other nearby location of the Renaissance, the pool is much larger and features a sandy beach-like cove and swim-up bar.

Restaurants

There are 8 dining options available between the two Renaissance properties, with all-inclusive options available (at a limited menu). Compared to other nearby local restaurants, dining at the Renaissance can be expensive – especially when drinking cocktails.

• L.G. Smith Steakhouse
  L.G. Smith Steakhouse offers a fresh selection of meat and fish choices from the grill. We both dined on tenderloins and were extremely happy with our meals and the service.
• Fresco
  This outdoor restaurant serves up creative pasta dishes in a beautiful atmosphere. It’s also the only location at the Renaissance where you can sip on an Aperol Spritz
• 5 O’Clock Somewhere
  Located in the shopping area between the two Renaissance locations, the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar is a fun place to go for an Aruba Ariba cocktail and some spicy fish and chips.
• Angrove Beach Bar
  Did someone say Frozé? This pool bar is loaded with fun during the day and is a great place to meet some new friends.

What We Love / What You Should Know

• The hotel’s location is super central
• Entry to Renaissance Island / Flamingo Island is free for guests and there is a free shuttle that leaves directly from both hotel locations
• Most rooms at the marina location are small and have interior facing windows
• The pool at the adults-only, marina location is small and has a limited number of sunbeds

The minibar wasn't stocked, the coffee machine was broken, and the wine opener had some gunk on it – we hope the hotel starts taking guest happiness and cleanliness more seriously.

Overall

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or as a family with kids, you’ll enjoy a trip to Flamingo Island made with ease because you’re a guest at the resort.

Book your own stay at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort on Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia.

Check out my other hotel reviews here.