This is, overall, a good property. However, there are bad points.
Our room was clean and comfortable, with like-new furnishings, a mini-fridge, and ready wired Internet access (we bring our own WiFi router to use in the room). The bed was comfortable.
The bathroom was clean, but sorely used. The color layer was peeling from the tub in numerous places, making it look dirty, when in fact - and you have to look carefully to see - it was quite clean. The fixtures are likewise old, loose, and not in the best condition. The hotel's advertised $33M renovation clearly didn't apply to the more expensive, difficult-to-replace bathroom fixtures, which is a shame. The bathroom was otherwise in good condition and kept quite clean.
Aruba is windy; at almost all times in our room we could hear the wind whipping through the balcony rail (it's a "French" balcony - you can open the glass door but not really step out). We found the blowing wind relaxing; doubtless some would find it annoying.
The staff was friendly and efficient, and we found food and beverage prices to be about average for the island. That is, expect a cocktail to cost you around $8, except during happy hour when it's two-for-one at the hotel's bar.
This review is of the Marina tower, which is across the street from a marina and which does not have beach access. The tower has a very small pool - the entire deck and pool is around the size of a basketball court - behind the lobby bar. You do have access to the Ocean Suites pools and beach, which is across the street (~10min walk), and you have access to the private Renaissance Island. Children aren't permitted at the Marina bar or pool, making it quieter and giving it a South Beach-esque vibe. Renaissance Island is pleasant, with a small fitness center (mainly treadmills; a small rack of free weights and a bench are provided), a large bar/grill, and two beaches (one for adults only). Beach chairs are snapped up rapidly in the morning, especially ones in the shady spots (the adult beach features the fewest shady spots). Speedboats run about every 15 minutes from the Marina tower's lower level.
We stayed on Marriott points, and paid ~$20/nt for an upgrade - mainly guaranteeing the room type we wanted.
The "Naviagtor" (Renaissance's name for the lobby concierge) was helpful in securing restaurant reservations and activities.
This is not a "luxurious" hotel by most standards, although it is very nice. It is clearly an older property that was been well-maintained in general, although the guest room bathrooms show serious signs of age on the fixtures. The hotel offers an all-inclusive (AI) option, which we did not use; part of our goal for staying downtown was to explore the many local bars and restaurants. Be advised that the AI option does not include premium liquors, and that you have very limited on-site options for meals.
You're within a short walk of everything in Oranjestad, including funky bars, local restaurants, and numerous shops. Be aware that the town more or less shuts down on Sundays, unless a cruise ship is in port (which is rare on Sundays). Traffic down the main road can be abysmal at almost any time of day.
We will probably not stay at this hotel again, and will probably return to our usual Palm Beach haunts on our next trip. We've enjoyed the central location here, but tend to prefer a newer property that has been somewhat better maintained.