Aruba exchange - cannot compare to DVC!!

[treloarf]

We just returned from a week in Aruba & stayed at LaCabana. We tried to trade a DVC week for this place (because we took our kids & it was suppose to be kid friendly), but it was not available when we wanted to go. So I rented a week & paid a timeshare owner directly.

Let me tell you - the unit was a 1 bedroom - no way, no how, could this place ever compare to a 1 bedroom at DVC. I am so glad I did not waste 160 pts. on this place. The kitchen was old, no oven, NO dishwasher, the counter was terrible, the refrigerator leaked water on the floor. The bathroom was terrible - the decorations were terrible. There was a terrible outside our unit & when I called maintenace they said there was a water pipe problem & they would eventually be replacing it. Never saw anyone all week work on it. The pools were not maintained - needed painted & the railings to get out of the deep end of the pools were shakey & needed replaced.

Aruba was beautiful & I would love to return but not to LaCabana. I just thought it would be good to pass this info on for others who may want to trade into Aruba.

 

[disney4me4ever]

We've been to Aruba and the only place I would trade DVC for is the Marriott t/s. You might want to check out the ratings on TUG (www.tug2.net). It costs $15 to join, but well worth it, if only for evaluating other resorts. We were in Aruba a few years ago, so I remember seeing some of the venues firsthand, incl. LaCabana.
Sorry it wasn't a better experience. Dean, who often posts regarding II trades, is also an excellent resource regarding properties.

Nancy

 

[RosieT]

I am sorry that you had such a terrible time at LaCabana. I stayed there last year and let me tell you we had a wonderfull time.
We stayed in a 1 bedroom which had a kitchenette (which was fine for us). The only complaint we had was the bed was too soft and when we asked, it was immediately replaced.
The rooms were clean and the grounds were beautiful.
I do not know what happened when you were there, but I hope they get on the ball.

 

[Dean]

I've tried to tell the group that La Cabana was not comparable to DVC. I'd put Marriott and Costa Linda as the top choices. CL is now in II so should be added to the DVC list. I'd also consider the Playa Linda.

 

[treloarf]

I really needed to go in March for my b-day & LaCabana was the only place I could get by renting off an owner. It was OK - just not DVC quality.

My DH & I want to go back but will try to trade into the Marriott or Playa Linda. Dean, how far in advance do you think I need to put in a request for June 2006?

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by treloarf
My DH & I want to go back but will try to trade into the Marriott or Playa Linda. Dean, how far in advance do you think I need to put in a request for June 2006?

I'd say 12 months out but expect to match about November to Jan prior. Also look for an owner and do a direct exchange and talk to other companies like San Francisco Exchange.

 

[disneychick05]

We have relatives that own at La Cabana. They want us to eventually take a trip with them. I would hate to use the points and then be disappointed. With Disney I always know what to expect. I'll have to ask them about it after their trip in May. Thanks for the heads up treloarf!

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I just checked and this resort is listed as a 5 star (top of the line) resort with Interval?

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by ClarabelleCow
I just checked and this resort is listed as a 5 star (top of the line) resort with Interval?

Just goes to show there's a lot of variability with the ratings system. BTW, there are many non 5* resorts worth considering including Playa Linda in Aruba.

 

[treloarf]

I really hate to tell you not to say at LaCabana, perhaps we just had an old, uncared for unit 1 bedroom unit. But I own at OKW, & trust me there was just no comparison. Save your pts. I would never spend 160 pts. The owner rented me the unit for $900 which I thought was a good deal compared to 160 pts, but after staying there I think even the $900 was too much.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by treloarf
I really hate to tell you not to say at LaCabana, perhaps we just had an old, uncared for unit 1 bedroom unit. But I own at OKW, & trust me there was just no comparison. Save your pts. I would never spend 160 pts. The owner rented me the unit for $900 which I thought was a good deal compared to 160 pts, but after staying there I think even the $900 was too much.

$900 was a fair price for high season but La Cabana can not compare to OKW, likely not even in the Deluxe units there.