ORANJESTAD, Aruba (Feb. 22, 2005) � The 559-room Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is celebrating its 15th anniversary as one of the premier resorts on the island after finalizing a $15 million renovation last year.

The resort, built by Metacorp, a local Aruba-based holding company, was first opened in 1990 as the Aruba Sonesta Resort & Crystal Casino with 301 rooms located at the Marina in Oranjestad, Aruba�s capital city. 

In 1993, the company expanded the resort operations across the Boulevard with the addition of 258 Sonesta Suites, the Sonesta Marketplace, and Seaport Casino.

In 1995 the company opened an innovative theater with six cinemas at the resort and two years later added the Convention Center at the Resort to help Aruba attract the growing meetings and conference business that was interested in coming to the Caribbean.

In 1998 the company opened the Crystal Theater next to the Crystal Casino rounding out the entire entertainment complex.

In May 2002, the resort was re-branded from Sonesta to Renaissance (a Marriott brand) and a $15 million renovation was commenced.

The resort�s extensive renovation, which was completed in 2004, encompassed all guest rooms, common areas, select restaurants and lounges, pool and deck areas, and landscaping.  The renovations were completed last year in preparation for the 15th anniversary celebrations taking place this week in Aruba, which included a visit by Bill Marriott, Jr., chairman of Marriott Corporation.
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Bill Marriott Jr. (sixth from right), Chairman of Marriott Corp., meets with
the Renaissance Aruba developer Eduardo de Veer (left of Mr. Marriott)
and representatives of the hotel employees during the 15th Anniversary
celebrations in Aruba

The resort�s new Lobby Bar, named �BLUE,� is located in the Renaissance Marina Hotel and has become one of the island hotspots serving a variety of appetizers and drinks poolside.  Transformed into �BLUE� when day turns to evening, the poolside lounge features an elegant, upscale, open air nightclub atmosphere where guests can enjoy muted blue lighting, jazz music and sip on the resort�s signature �BLUE Sky Martini� while taking in the breathtaking Aruba sunset. 

The latest dining sensation on the island is L.G. Smith�s Steak & Chop House offering American steak house fare and an extensive international wine list.  With sweeping views of the marina and the bustling boulevard below, L.G. Smith�s stylish décor features rich dark wood, natural stone, and Murano glass.  Here, diners find a variety of fresh aged Certified Angus Beef, USDA-inspected and reasonably priced.  Other house specialties include Rack of Lamb, Veal Chop, and fresh Caribbean seafood.

The resort also offers guests exclusive access to Aruba�s only private beaches on breathtaking Renaissance Island.   A private, 40-acre tropical oasis, Renaissance Island is for use exclusively by guests of the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino.  Complimentary water taxis transport guests to the island, and towels and chaise lounges are available upon arrival.  The retreat features two private beaches and the exclusive Spa Cove which can be rented for a half or full day.  Renaissance Island also features multitudes of water sport options, tennis, a fitness room, and delicious fare served at the Papagayo Bar & Grill. 

Guests of the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino also can enjoy gaming excitement in a choice of two casinos.  The casually elegant Crystal Casino offers the island�s only 24-hour casino.  The Seaport Casino, the only waterfront casino in Aruba, offers all games of chance, a race, and sports book with live satellite links to most major events. 

The 559-room Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is located only 10 minutes from Queen Beatrix International Airport and features 15 restaurants, three landscaped swimming pools, a full-service spa and fitness center, six bars and lounges, more than 100 upscale shops, a performance theater with a nightly live Las Vegas style show, a six-theater cinema, and a Convention Center with 22,000 square feet of flexible meeting space with state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading worldwide hospitality company with over 2,700 lodging properties in the United States and 68 other countries and territories.