For the little ones in your life who love the idea of playing on an authentic fort with real cannons — this hotel has it. For the shop-a-holics in your life who love the idea of 60-plus brand-name retail outlets just steps away — this hotel has it. For the “how-did-they-do-that” curiosity seekers — this hotel really has it!

Located at the international port of Willemstad, the Renaissance Hotel, a AAA 4-Diamond Resort, has three features unique to Curacao and to most hotels in the Caribbean that really make this property shine above all others. Constructed here beginning in 2005, the property is built into the stone walls of The Rif Fort, the actual stone fort built in the 1870s to protect Curacao from invasion by the Spanish and later by the Venezuelans.

When you first enter the walls of the fort, you are surrounded by an outdoor shopping plaza, owned and operated by the Renaissance. Here you’ll find shops of every caliber along with ice cream vendors, bars and restaurants as well as umbrella-covered bistro tables to accommodate your people watching.

The Rif Fort is located on the deep-water port that divides Willemstad into two districts: Otrabanda and Punda, and therefore, some of the world’s biggest ships enter here within just a few yards of the fort’s walls and your guestroom. You can watch as the pedestrian bridge swings open several times a day to let those freighters and leisure boats through the port.

But, because of abrasive water conditions at this location, the hotel developers were challenged to provide a safe, sandy beach for their guests. To solve the problem, they created an infinity beach on the second level of the property 90-feet higher than the actual water front. It looks and feels like a normal beach with tons of soft sand appropriate for toe wiggling and castle building. Salt water waves gently wash ashore, but the ocean water is actually pumped up from the Caribbean, circulated through the hotel’s air conditioning system and then deposited on the beach. The water then slides gently over a wall back into the ocean, creating an infinity beach. How cool is that!

The Renaissance is within an easy walk to all of the colorful fun of downtown Willemstad. The hotel can arrange for tours to the Hato Caves and Ostrich Farm, snorkeling and dive trips, or historic walking tours of the community.

Add that children 12 and under eat for free at this Renaissance property and you have an ideal resort and location for families wishing to experience the international flavors of Curacao.

To learn more about Renaissance, please visit Renaissance.

To learn more about Marriott Inclusive Vacations, please visit Marriott Inclusive Vacations.

The 237 guestrooms and suites of the Renaissance are located on four floors, all with interior entries; choose from seven room styles. The Ocean Queen and Resort King are most suited for more than three people; adjoining rooms are available as well. All rooms have some variation of a balcony, but note in the online room descriptions that French balconies are smaller with standing room only.

The ocean-view rooms are always a bit more expensive. The rooms that look out over the fort and shopping plaza are equally interesting and a little cheaper. Whichever accommodation you choose, cribs and rollaway beds are available at no charge. Each room includes a small refrigerator and a flat-screen TV. Each guestroom has multiple outlets convenient for charging electronics.

Guestrooms
The guestrooms feature a king or two queen beds. Some guestrooms feature a balcony.

Suites
The one-bedroom suites feature a separate living and dining area or a sitting area with a sofa.

All of the typical amenities: ironing board, safe, hair dryer, etc. are included. Bathrooms include shower/tub combos and Aveda toiletry products, and two adult bathrobes and slippers are provided. DVD players are available for an extra charge. Although it's not for sale through the hotel, all of the artwork featured in guestrooms is original work by local artists. If you like it, ask the concierge where you can find more of the artist's work for a fun souvenir.

Water Activities and Infinity Beach
For water activities, a sprayground for toddlers is located in the open-air mall. Otherwise, the infinity beach and watching the big freighters ease their way into the harbor are great options for an afternoon. Seriously, it feels like the freighters are going to sail right onto the 245-foot long beach with you.

Pool
Adjacent to the Infinity Beach is the property's only swimming pool: a little on the small side, the depth ranges from four to five feet. Lifeguards are not available at the pool or beach, nor are beach toys.

Movies
A six-screen theater showing Hollywood's latest efforts is located on the grounds, so close that parents could disappear for a nice quiet evening while the kids see a show and find their way safely back to their room.

Shopping
With 62 shops just off the main lobby, shopping and people watching will provide plenty of entertainment for the interested of all ages. From high caliber art galleries and jewelry stores to the most casual of souvenir shops, shoppers can spend several leisurely hours interspersed with ice cream, coffee or appropriate adult beverages. Be sure to take advantage of the coupon booklet given to each guest at check-in for discounts at the shops.

Nautilus Restaurant
The Nautilus is the primary dining facility at The Renaissance, a bright, spacious restaurant that offers buffet and a-la-carte dining all day long. If you've been trying to introduce more vegetables into your child's diet, the colorful placemat here will help. While you're making decisions between low-fat grilled chicken and apple slices, you and the kids can practice "veggie math" and learn other fit facts with the crayons and fun stickers provided for each child. Nautilus serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Xquisit
Xquisit, serving lunch and dinner in a smart casual setting, is the new steakhouse and will feature new course selection menus every three months.

Infinity Beach Bar
The Infinity Beach Bar offers your typical beach-bar goodies like burgers, chicken fingers and wraps during the day. In the evening, a slightly more sophisticated menu including pasta and fish entrees is served, allowing you to eat well under the stars.

Starbucks
If you really need a serious jolt of caffeine, Starbucks serves its gourmet coffee and light fare.

Blue Lobby Bar
Signature cocktails and snacks are served in this lobby bar.

All About the Extras
Children 12 and under eat for free at the Renaissance. Children must be 14 years old to use spa and fitness facilities.

Fitness Center
The fitness center is open 24/7. Zumba classes are among the offerings at the Okeanos Spa.

Babysitting
The concierge can help make arrangements for onsite childcare or in-room babysitting services. Please allow at least eight hours for the staff to make your arrangements.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is complimentary in the public areas, but $15 per day in the guestrooms.

The Art of Smart Timing
No need to worry about planning your trip around hurricane season. Curacao is far enough south in the Caribbean to escape most of that nastiness, however, November through February can be a bit rainy. The best prices are in the shoulder-seasons, such as April through May and September through October. Always remember to bring bug spray.

Getting There
Hato International Airport (CUR) is located on the northwest side of Curacao. The Renaissance is about 20 minutes from the airport. None of the island hotels offer a shuttle based on a local law supporting taxi service, so the ride will cost a family of four about $30.

Getting Around
If you plan to stay in the Willemstad area, there will be no need to rent a car, although parking is plentiful and free for guests at the Renaissance. But if you like to get out and explore on your own, go ahead and rent a car at the airport.

For Mom and Dad
There are dozens of casual restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, some with live music and other entertainment. Or just stay at the Renaissance and enjoy a couple's massage on the beach or try your luck at the Carnival Casino.