faqs
FAQs
HUMPHREY ARUBA RENTALS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Hint:
Skim the welcome letter for further information. The topic of each paragraph in that letter is bolded out, for easier location of desired info.
Why do we have all of these weeks for rent?
Years ago, my parents purchased four weeks at the Aruba Beach Club, and we vacationed there at Christmas break for years. Later, looking to spend the entire winter on Aruba after retirement, they bought the whole winter in room 341 and two extra weeks in 343 at the Renaissance. We rent what we don't use, which is usually a lot of the weeks we own. Later, my parents owned a house on Aruba and stayed the entire winter for 18 years. So we have much inside knowledge. Feel free to ask any questions.
Are the rental start and end dates firm?
Yes, we must rent from Friday-Friday only at the Renaissance and Saturday-Saturday at the Beach Club. These rooms and weeks are very popular. When people come and go on non-standard days, they usually receive a different room, and they must pay regular hotel rates for the days not included. We also have other guests coming and going on set days, so in order to keep space available, we must have everyone come and go on the days that begin and end the timeshare week.
Will I definitely get your room?
Occasionally, we have had guests get an alternate room. We have to tell the hotel 60 days in advance that we are definitely using the room in order for them to guarantee our suite. Usually when we give late notice we get our room anyway, since the hotel is not typically committed to give a specific room to someone who happened to make a reservation while waiting for us to say whether we were coming. But sometimes we receive a comparable room instead of our own. As long as we are renting within our weeks, we have received good exchange rooms, of equal quality and with a similar view (such as a room one or two down on the same side and the same floor).
Are there any other hotel charges?
After you have rented your room through us, there are no other hotel charges except the daily energy charge and taxes ($10.29/day and $15/week in 2020/2021 at the Renaissance and $21.40 p/night + $10.00 environmental tax (one-time charge) per stay at the Beach Club). $21.40/night in 2011/2012 at the Beach Club) and a charge (about 75 cents) for each phone call. However, give yourself a healthy budget for daiquiris you sip at the pool bar or the Renaissance Island!
What is your “best price” on the week I am interested in?
Our prices listed on the website are firm. We do rent at somewhat lower prices to people renting multiple weeks or people who have rented from us before. If these discounts apply to you, inquire in an e-mail what reduction in price applies. If we have a week left unrented, three weeks beforehand we might lower the price on the website and run an eBay auction. Our rooms are usually priced from $1000 to $1200, depending on the popularity of the week, but at three weeks out we may lower the price to more like $800.
Why do room prices vary from week to week?
More popular weeks are priced slightly higher, including the weeks of Carnival.
Are there any discounts available?
Yes. If you book more than one week with us, you will get a $50/week discount. Also, if you rented with us the year before, you will get a $50/week discount. It is possible to get both discounts, if you qualify for both.
Can I make full meals in the room?
It’s a bit tight on space, but yes. There is no oven and only a small microwave, so large pieces of meat are difficult; everything else can be done. Regular size meals for four are possible. There is enough refrigerator and freezer space for two to three days of food for four in two small fridges with small freezers (bar size) at the Renaissance. The Aruba Beach Club has a regular size fridge (not a large one, but a common kitchen size). The grocery stores are a short cab ride away (perhaps five minutes); from the Renaissance, you could even walk to the grocery (maybe 10 city blocks each way).
What is the capacity of the room?
These rooms have a capacity of four adults. They are very comfortable for two adults and comfortable for one or two adults with one or two children. At the Renaissance, the desk will provide up to four key cards per room, and one key card per person is required to board the shuttle ferry to Renaissance Island.
What other appliances are already in the room?
At the Renaissance and the Beach Club, a toaster and coffee maker are supplied in the kitchen. There is a hair dryer on the wall in the bathroom at the Renaissance. For an iron, at the renaissance, ask at the desk and they will bring you one. The Beach Club rooms have an iron in the room.
At the Renaissance, how far away is the private island? What is the ferry ride like? Do I need a lifejacket?
The shuttle boat ride takes about 10 minutes and you may wait 5-15 minutes for the next shuttle to come, although they run steadily and there is more than one boat. The island is visible from the Beach Tower, but is across a bay and down the shore a little bit. We put lifejackets on the kids and bring these from home. Adults don’t need a lifejacket unless you are more comfortable that way; there are lifejackets stowed on the ferry, in case of emergency. The shuttle boats are kept in good repair. There is some splashing on the shuttle, especially on a day with more wind and waves – most people enjoy this and sit out in the sun anyway. There is a little under-roof area, though, out of the sun and splashing. You CAN bring beach toys on the shuttle.