Sep 28 '16 at 12:57
This resort has two different hotels (Renaissance Marina Hotel and Renaissance Ocean Suites). Be sure you know which one you are staying at before you get there. I stayed in the adults-only Renaissance Marina Hotel. It is situated within a shopping mall complex next to the casino. Upon entering the main entrance, you take an escalator up to the "heart of the hotel". This is the lobby, lounge, and pool all in one. It's really quite exciting.
The pool is simple, overlooking the marina. It's a great place to hang out and read a book during the morning hours. In the evening, the bar has happy hour and a DJ who plays upbeat lounge music. It kind of reminded me of South Beach, Miami.
Downstairs in the mall, there is a place behind Starbucks where you can catch the free boat shuttle to their private island. You need your room key to board this boat since the island is for hotel guests only. The island is lovely! There is a family section and an adults-only section. You can get up close and personal with iguanas and flamingos. Relax in a hammock, order drinks and food, or rent a float to swim around on.
You have the option to book European Plan or All-Inclusive when you stay at either hotel. When you stay at the Marina Hotel, you have access to the Ocean Suites property as well just down the street. This hotel has both timeshare properties and regular hotel rooms. There is a large pool with a pool bar and private beach lagoon. You can easily walk between the two hotels. It's about a 5-8 minute walk. They also have golf carts that will shuttle you between the two properties as well.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience and I highly recommend it to everyone.