ORANJESTAD, Aruba -- For more than 12 years, the 560-unit
Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort & Casino operated as a Sonesta
property.
The property switched to a Marriott brand and became part of the
chain's Offshore Resorts division.
"Sonesta was a great brand, a solid name, and it did well for
us, but we thought there was more growth potential with Renaissance
and Marriott," said Mark Nooren, who continues as general manager.
"Marriott can drive business through its sales force and
reservations system," he said.
The Renaissance became the third Marriott in Aruba, joining two
properties on Palm Beach: the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris
Casino and Marriott's Aruba Ocean Club (a time-share facility).
Nooren said that corporate bookings account for 25% of
Renaissance's business, due in part to the 22,000-square-foot
Seaport Conference Center managed by the hotel.
The U.S. market accounts for 65% of the hotel's guests; the
balance hail from South America and Europe. Agents handle more than
half of all bookings worldwide and earn 10% commission.
Tour operator partners include Apple Vacations, American
Airlines Vacations, Gogo Worldwide Vacations and Travel
Impressions.
The Renaissance branding signals a $10 million room renovation,
starting this year, that will include the Marina Tower and the
all-suite Beach Tower, according to Nooren.
Although Aruba lost some meetings
business as a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, "the island
is known as a safe destination and will remain popular with
Americans," Nooren said.
The current Sand Dollars Escape promotion provides a $200 food
and beverage credit per room with a minimum four-night stay to be
completed by Oct. 31.
Nooren said that a two-island package, combining a stay on Aruba
with a stay on another island, such as Puerto Rico, is under
consideration as a future summer promotion.
Lower air fares from the U.S. also would help boost occupancies
in the off season, Nooren said.
For those who want a private island experience, Renaissance has
the answer in a 40-acre island that offers two secluded beaches,
chaise lounges, hammocks, a fitness facility, water sports,
strolling flamingos, docile iguanas and a restaurant and bar.
A 27-seat launch transports guests to the island every 15
minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The 10-minute boat ride departs from
a dock inside the lower lobby of the Marina Tower. A canal runs
from the dock to the sea.
For clients with little interest in the beach, the Seaport
Marketplace and Seaport Village contain numerous shopping and
dining outlets.
The hotel also is within walking distance of the cruise pier,
museums and the public performances that are held in
Oranjestad.
On site at the Marina Tower are the Okeanos Spa and fitness
center, the 24-hour Crystal Casino and the Crystal Theater, where a
lavish Cuban revue is staged nightly. Tickets cost about $37.
Nooren said agents can consider the Renaissance as "a
destination within a destination" because of all that the resort
has to offer its guests, including golf at Tierra del Sol.
Room key: Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort &
Casino
Address: L. G. Smith Blvd. 82, Oranjestad,
Aruba
Phone: (011) 297-8 36000
Fax: (011) 297-8 23820
Web:www.arubarenaissance.com
Reservations: (800) 421-8188
General manager: Mark Nooren
Rooms: 560 units, including 260 suites in the
Beach Tower.
History: Until April, operated under the Sonesta
flag.
Rates: From $160 per room, per night, double, to
Dec. 21.
Location: Marina Tower, on the waterfront in
Oranjestad; Beach Tower, about three blocks away on the beach.
Within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
Raves: Renaissance Island with secluded beaches,
flamingos and docile iguanas, easily reached by a hotel launch.
L'Escale in the Marina Tower offers Caribbean and Italian
specialties; for breakfast, Captain's Terrace at the Beach Tower
has a superb water view. Cordial service by all staff members.
Rants: Some rooms in the Marina Tower are small.
No low-fat syrup for breakfast.