So you want to make sure you see the flamingoes? Tickets go quickly, so during the busy season, your best bet is to simply stay at the hotel that gives you complimentary access! We are so glad we chose to stay here during our trip to Aruba, mainly because we got to see the flamingoes for FREE three different times during our trip. There were some hitches and a few things that surprised us about this property, but overall, I’d recommend it or its sister hotel, the Ocean Suites. Here is everything you need to know!

The Location

This hotel has two distinct areas: Adults only Marina Hotel, and family friendly Ocean Suites. We stayed in the Marina Hotel, because we liked the idea of adults only, but honestly, I think we might have preferred the Ocean Suites! The Marina Hotel is across the street from a marina (shocker), while the Ocean Suites are actually on the beach. On the very positive side, however, both hotels are in Aruba’s capital city of Oranjestad. You can walk to many restaurants, shops, museums, and other sites, as well as explore anywhere on the island within a 20-25 minute drive. It’s also just 3 miles from the airport, and within walking distance of the cruise port. Overall, we felt it was in a great location for exploring the whole island.

More here: The Best FREE Things to Do on Aruba

The Hotel

The hotel itself is lovely. You’ll walk up into the lobby, which is in a tall atrium. Many rooms (including ours) look into it from above, and the elevators are very art deco, which I loved. The rooms at the front of the hotel have a sea view, but the rest have a view of either the atrium or the city. As previously mentioned, the Marina Hotel property is adults-only, while the Ocean Suites is family-friendly. I would have expected the adults-only hotel to have the ocean views and more impressive lobby and atrium area (we walked into the Ocean Suites hotel, and it seemed much more elegant, to be honest). I expected a little more from a 4.5-star adult hotel that costs over $500 per night.

Essential info: How to Have the Most Romantic Getaway on Aruba

The Room

The room was plain, but large. We had plenty of space to spread out, as well at surfaces, drawers, and closet space to put our luggage. We slept remarkably well in this room, maybe from a combination of little natural light, white noise from the constant air conditioner, and the comfortable bed. I liked the basket lampshades, which gave the room a beachy look and feel.

Also helpful: What to Pack for a Trip to Aruba

The Bathroom

The bathroom was also spacious, and had plenty of counter space–neither of which is something you find in most hotels! I liked how light and bright it was, and that we could turn on the makeup mirror at night for just enough brightness to see, but not wake up too much. That might sound small, but it’s something I truly value, and most bathrooms have either bright lights or no light at night–those are the choices!

I am not, however, a fan of shared toiletries in the shower. It just seems unsanitary to me on a couple of levels. This is what most hotels, even luxury hotels, seem to be going to, however, so it is what it is. I was also a little surprised at the sparse sink toiletries available. I had to call down to ask for a shower cap–which they brought right up, so good on them–but many 4-star and higher hotels offer more than just a bottle of lotion and a bar of soap. This could have been improved.

Read next: Your Ultimate Guide to Travel on Aruba

The Restaurants

There are nine restaurants at the resort, meaning you’ll have quite a variety to choose from at both the Marina Hotel and Ocean Suites! There are plenty of restaurants nearby in Oranjestad, of course, but if you don’t want to leave the resort for food, you don’t have to. We didn’t have time to try them all, but we did eat at the beach front Papagayo Bar & Grill on Renaissance Private Island, as well as the poolside restaurant, Blue.

Keep eating: The Best Places to Eat on Aruba

The Fitness Center

I realize this isn’t everyone’s cup of vacation tea, but if you like using a gym in your travels, this is a great one. They have such a variety of equipment, plus tons of space to move around as well. There are no windows, which is a bit of a shame, but you can’t beat the space. It’s also a great alternative to running or otherwise working out outdoors if the heat bothers you. Aruba is mighty hot, with little reprieve, even overnight!

Keep reading: Why the BodyFit by Amy App is the Best Fitness App for Active Travelers

The Spas and Pool

There are two spas at this property. The primary spa is the Okeanos Spa, and it’s located at the adults-only Marina Hotel. The second is the Island Spa Cove, located on Renaissance Island. I did have an excellent massage at Okeanos Spa while we were here, so I can definitely recommend that. The Island Spa Cove was under renovation when we visited, but it was scheduled to re-open just a few weeks later, so it should be open when you visit! Even if the spa is not your thing (it’s not my husband’s), you should absolutely check out the pool while you’re here. It has a great view, plenty of shady places to lounge, and you can get great food poolside as well.

More here: How to Practice Self Care on Travel

The Flamingoes!

If you’re staying at Renaissance Wind Creek, you really must take advantage of visiting Flamingo Beach! Tickets are exclusive and very challenging to reserve through the hotel’s website. Hotel guests, however do not need to make reservations nor pay the $130 day pass fee (as of 2024). The ferry ride takes only 10 minutes, and ferries run every day, every 15 minutes, from 7:00am-6:45pm.

This is one of the most sought-after experiences on the island, and it is not to be missed. We actually changed our dates and shortened our trip just to stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek, exclusively for the flamingoes. Head over to see the flamboyance (that’s the name for a group of flamingoes!) living there, and you can even feed them if you want. They’re worth visiting if you’re staying at either the Marina Hotel or Ocean Suites, even if just to take a peek at this unique experience. We went three times and wish we had gone more!

Essential info: How to Visit Flamingo Beach on Aruba

Want more? Get everything you need to plan your tropical adventure on my dedicated Aruba Page!

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