Aruba or Grand Cayman anyone?!!

[Debs Hill]

Has anyone done an exchange to any of the resorts in Aruba or Caymans? If so, where did you stay and what was it like? Any that should be avoided? How far in advance did you make your reservation? Thanks!!

 

[niks81]

I can offer you insight on the exchange itself, but the trip hasn't been taken yet!

My parents paid for a very large and expensive wedding and one of their thank you gifts was done using the exchange. We exchanged some of our points for a week at Marriott's Aruba Ocean Club. They are going later in the year so I can report their experience once they return However, the pictures look breathtaking.

Here is an ebrochure:

http://www.marriottaruba.com/ebro/default.html

I have posted on this topic before concerning exchanges. When DVC sells you your ownership it is made to sound like if you aren't going to Disney then it is so easy to exchange and just go wherever you want. Not so. I didn't know much about how the timeshare industry worked anyways so I guess you could say I was a newbie on that aspect. I called DVC and said I wanted to do an exchange for a week at MAOC and I was told nothing available for 2 years I about fell off of my chair

So I asked about any of the Aruba properties and I was told the same thing. Luckily my parents were pretty flexible as far as dates so DVC suggested I give them a range of dates so that as soon as something comes available they can snag it for me. I gave them about a 9 month range to choose from in 2004 for 2 of the resorts in Aruba. I got a call about two weeks later with a week at Marriott's Aruba Ocean Club

The more I learned about the timeshare industry I realized that this was pretty normal in terms of exchanges. It's just that you're told by DVC when you buy (at least I was) how you just call Member Services to go outside of the Disney resort system and its no problem....when in actuality there's more to it than just a phone call!! You really need to be flexible

Good luck

 

[Dean]

Mind you I haven't been to either but have amassed a lot of info. Cayman's will be cheaper air fare and likely much better snorkling. Aruba is a hit or miss islandd since it's desert (baren). People either really like it or not at all. If you're looking at exchanging, the only ones I'd consider are the Royal Reef and Grand Caymanian for Cayman's and the Marriott and Playa Linda (maybe). If they add Costa Linda and the Renaissance to the exchange list, you might consider them as well. If you can trade less points, there are others worth considering as well.

 

[InstImpres]

Not sure on the exchange part but we just returned from Grand Cayman and although it was beautiful found it very expensive. We booked a last minute expedia deal and I should have done more homework. The exchange rate in GC is unfavorable. $1 GC = $1.30 US. 2 drinks at the westin cost us $20.00.

Just found for thought, not sure how that compares with Aruba when making your choice

Sandy

 

[niks81]

Cayman's will be cheaper air fare

Definitely. I can still hear my mother's screams about the airfare to Aruba

 

[Diznut84]

Another option is to find a DVC member who has units with RCI. I would definitely recommend Morritt's Grand and Morritt's Tortuga Club. Both are high quality resorts, but I certainly would not be satisfied with a like-for-like exchange (perhaps 150 points for a 2BR week at either resort).