As the Caribbean's peak travel season fast approaches, the 411-room Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino, the largest property on the island, wraps up its 16-month, $50- million, two-phase enhancement project that began in July 2007.
The renovation project included a makeover of all guest rooms, the launch of a Ruth's Chris Steak House to replace the former Tuscany Italian restaurant, the redesign of La Vista themed restaurant, an overhaul of the lobby and reception area and the creation of the 59-room Tradewinds Club on the resort's top floor.
The lobby now features a streamlined look, with corner and group seating offering an unobstructed ocean view. There's a new lobby bar, WiFi access, new lighting elements and signature sounds and scents; the 24-hour lobby cafe and Ketsu Sushi Bar were given a makeover.
La Vista, formerly a three-meals-a-day restaurant, has a new look, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the resort's free-form pool and the Caribbean Sea. The redesign expanded the dining areas and added a bar and lounge. The restaurant also sports a new menu, an open kitchen, pizza ovens, a grill and buffet areas offering Italian specialties and an open-air terrace with seating for individuals and private groups.
The now-sleek guest rooms feature LCD TVs and "jackpack" technology that enables laptops, iPods and other electronic devices to connect, charge and operate through TV sets. Marriott's Revive bedding is in place; marble floors and counters has replaced bathroom tiles; and contemporary sink fixtures and rain-style showerheads were installed.
The Tradewinds Club, a new boutique-hotel-within-a-hotel concept on the resort's eighth floor, officially opened in September. It offers concierge services, upscale amenities and food and beverage service five times a day in the private Club Lounge.
"We are a brand name hotel that can provide a boutique experience," said Rick Zeolla, the property's general manager. "Travelers are staying with a familiar North American brand but are getting the intimate level of service they desire from a smaller property.
"Creating the Tradewinds Club was our way of giving the consumer what he desires without having to abandon the familiarity of the resort experience. The Tradewinds' guests are part of an exclusive club with all the amenities of a larger resort at their disposal."
Ruth's Chris Steak House is open seven days a week for dinner and features a bar area; two, 16-seat private dining rooms on the upper level; and general seating on the main floor. The menu offers New Orleans-style appetizers, U.S. prime steaks, fresh seafood and Caribbean-themed deserts.
Resort facilities include seven restaurants, the largest casino on Aruba, a 6,500-square-foot Mandara Spa, a free-form pool with waterfalls and a nightclub with entertainment.
Holiday rates start at $679 per room, double; mid-January rates start at $374 per room, double with a 21-day advance purchase, non-refundable booking. For details, visit www.arubamarriott.com.