Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino

Built in 2009, the Renaissance Resort and Casino brings a taste of Nevada to Curacao’s azure coast. Its lobby has a towering ceiling with stout pillars covered in iridescent tiles that glitter like mother of pearl, and an equally tall glass wall made from patches of colored glass. It's a colorful look, to be sure, but it's all a bit dated -- more Reno than Vegas. Perhaps it's the effect of the over-the-top tropical decor, or the undeniably canned chain-hotel decor, like bold patterned carpets in hallways. In any case, the resort's style keeps most guests happy -- indeed, it has broad appeal and attracts everyone from couples and families to business guests.The hotel’s grounds are lush and full of trees and blossoming flowers. Outside the hotel’s main building, near the infinity pool, is a grassy field used for events and private parties. Given its wealth of features -- restaurants and bars, a gym, and a casino are all on-site -- it's maybe no surprise that the hotel also includes a fort. OK -- maybe it's a little surprising. Rif Fort -- a restored colonial Dutch fort with its original canons, crenelated walls, and ramparts -- was taken over by the Renaissance. It's full of restaurants and shops and is a two-minute walk from the hotel’s front doors. Great views of the Caribbean Sea and Saint Anna Bay are available from the fort.    

With its central waterfront location in downtown Willemstad, the Renaissance Resort and Casino is a quick walk to many of the city's popular tourist attractions. Still, it's possible to not even leave the resort's grounds and still keep busy, with the shops and restaurants of Rif Fort a two-minute walk from the hotel's lobby. Punda, Willemstad’s historic heart -- with restored colonial buildings painted in mustardy yellows and sky blues -- is only a five-minute walk from the property. If you beat the house at the Renaissance Casino, more casinos (frequented more by locals than tourists) are a five-minute walk from the resort as well. It's best to have a car for those wanting to explore Curacao's beaches. For a dip in the ocean, the closest beach is near the city's aquarium; it will take just over 10 minutes to reach by car. Otherwise, Jan Thiel Beach is a 20-minute drive from the resort. Arguably the island's most scenic beach -- tiny Klein Knip is about an hour west from the Renaissance. Expect a 15-minute drive to Curacao’s Hato International Airport.  

Unfortunately when we visited in early 2016 rooms were about to undergo renovations, so check back for updates. At the time, though, the rooms and suites all had double- or king-size beds and were painted in tropical yellows, reds, and blues. The look was a bit dated, though pleasant enough. Most have balconies and ocean-view rooms were available -- but when cruise ships are in port, ocean views become ship views. Watch out for the interior rooms as well --  they overlook the atrium and don’t get any natural sunlight. All rooms have desks, extra chairs, flat-screen TVs with international cable channels, and air-conditioning. Coffeemakers and minibars are also standard in all rooms, as are safes, irons, and ironing boards. The suites have separate living rooms with couches and a second flat-screen TV.  Bathrooms amenities include hairdryers, robes, and slippers and suites have whirlpool bathtubs. Disappointingly, wired internet and Wi-Fi are not free in rooms. It's also worth noting that some rooms do pick up noise from the hotel's beach bar.

Without a doubt, the Renaissance’s best features are its two saltwater infinity pools -- one with a sandy zero-entry point -- both overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The decks are punctuated by palapas and dozens of lounge chairs line the area. The pool bar is laid-back during the day and gets clubby at night when DJs spin. Unfortunately, there is no swimmable beach at the resort.Food options include Nautilus, a buffet restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast buffet has a made-to-order omelette station, and meals are free for guests celebrating birthdays. A birthday serenade from the restaurant staff makes this a popular special-occasion dining spot with locals as well. Xquisit, a pricey steakhouse with chic interiors, has a prix fixe menu that's generally well liked by guests -- reservations are necessary. Room service is also available, and while the hotel offers all-inclusive rates, many items and drinks are excluded. Additional dining options are available at Rif Fort, a UNESCO-listed former Dutch fort with walls made of five-foot thick coral rocks. The resort also has the island's only Starbucks.The hotel's casino has electronic machines and live-dealer tables. For those with extra winnings, Rif Fort also has high-end shops like Guess, Diesel, and a jewelers that sells Tiffany & Co. jewelry. The hotel’s fitness center is a bit dark and dated, but it has plenty of treadmills, dumbbells, stationary bikes, elliptical machines, and free weights. Navigators, the hotel concierge service sells tours and can assist in finding activities throughout the island. The Renaissances has boardrooms and three combinable ballrooms in addition to a massive atrium for events. There’s a small business center nearby that has computers and printers available, though like many things at the resort, expect a fee to use it. Wi-Fi is free in public areas, but not in guest rooms. Garage parking is, thankfully, free.