Aruba via Interval International experiences?

[hels5625]

I see there are over 6 Aruba "resorts" listed on the Interval International link on the DVC member page. I was wondering, Has anyone used their DVC points to trade for Interval International timeshares in Aruba? Can you please share your experiences good or bad?

Thanks.

 

[Dean]

I see there are over 6 Aruba "resorts" listed on the Interval International link on the DVC member page. I was wondering, Has anyone used their DVC points to trade for Interval International timeshares in Aruba? Can you please share your experiences good or bad?

Thanks.

The two Marriott resorts and possibly Costa Linda/Playa Linda are worthwhile exchanges if you do on season. I do have a contact who will be at the Renaissance in Feb and is supposed to let me know how it goes. Maybe they'll post on this thread as well. CL/PL are both in RCI as well and it appears most of their inventory goes to that exchange company. I actually count 9 resorts on the DVC trade list for Aruba.

 

[NE14DisneyWorld?]

in a couple of weeks. I called MS around February of this year just to inquire if there were any trades available. Low and behold there was one available at the Playa Linda. I was charged the mid-season rate for points and the exchange fee, got a great deal on air fare and we are just waiting to go! I am planning to take a few notes and do a trip report once we return. If you would like for me to look for anything specific, just let me know.

 

[Telcogirl]

Can you share how many points you used and what type of accomodation you are booked for? Studio? One Bed?

 

[NE14DisneyWorld?]

Can you share how many points you used and what type of accomodation you are booked for? Studio? One Bed?

I used 144 points for a one bedroom unit.

 

[Doris1962]

And if you choose an all inclusive hotel, do you know ,except your points, what do you have to pay back ?

 

[disney4me4ever]

We stayed at the Marriott Ocean Club in March of last year (2006) and found it to be very nice. I believe we used 160 pts. for a 1BR. They had just opened the Surf Club, which is next door. We would book at either place again.

 

[Dean]

And if you choose an all inclusive hotel, do you know ,except your points, what do you have to pay back ?

None of the options are mandatory all inclusive that I'm aware of. Some may offer meal plans that you can purchase. I haven't checked in to it for the resorts in question. I'm pretty sure that the Marriott's do not. La Cabana, formerly on the DVC exchange list, has an AI meal plan at $98-115 per adult per day with a min of 5 days. The exact price depends on the length you get it. The also have some lessor plans more directed at owners but I think they're open to anyone. I suspect some of the other places have similar options. There are a couple of BBS that are devoted to Aruba so those might be a good place to start.

 

[kato0627]

NE14DisneyWorld,
That is great that you were able to exchange in Aruba. I have called already for summer 08 and they are booked. Please make sure you give us a tr upon your return. Have a great time!!

 

[Dean]

NE14DisneyWorld,
That is great that you were able to exchange in Aruba. I have called already for summer 08 and they are booked. Please make sure you give us a tr upon your return. Have a great time!!

II is not booked for summer, 2008 for Aruba, only that nothing was there when you called. There are a number of units online with II for Aruba next year though most are studios. II will get units all the time for next summer. Dec to early Jan will be a time when a lot of deposits are made because that's when a lot of the maint fees are due and many wait until that time to deposit. Anyone that wants that time should put in an ongoing request with a VERY high likelihood of success if they do for a 1 Br or smaller. 2 BR are tough because most units are either studios or 1 BR or lockoff's but there are some that will be available so it doesn't hurt to try. I have been looking online about 5-6 am most every day for months and it's amazing how many great units are there at that time but gone by 7 am.

 

[Marshay]

Thanks for the info. We want to go to Aruba using points in 2009 but only want to stay at a place that is right on the beach.

Can we specify beach-only and turn down any that are not on the beach as not being a match to our criteria?

Also, we generally like to travel about 10-12 days...is there any way we can add on to an II trade using additional points or cash?

Thanks!

 

[Dean]

Thanks for the info. We want to go to Aruba using points in 2009 but only want to stay at a place that is right on the beach.

Can we specify beach-only and turn down any that are not on the beach as not being a match to our criteria?

Also, we generally like to travel about 10-12 days...is there any way we can add on to an II trade using additional points or cash?

Thanks!

There is no way to book 10-12 days directly with II. You are limited to booking a full week though you could only use a portion of it. Say you got 2 weeks with II but only stayed 12 days. Other options would include getting a week through II but looking at other options for the additional days. These other options might include cash stays at hotels or timeshares, a rental from an owner there or timeshare preview stays. One could also look at trading directly with an owner that has a points system or similar where they could reserve the days you need.

You can specify the resorts you will accept. You would be responsible for researching the resorts that fit your needs prior to submitting a request. You must specify specific resorts if you have those type of restrictions.

 

[WelcomeHome]

Hi!

I'm Dean's contact that's going to Aruba in February - my wife and I are very excited about it. It's approximately the same latitude as Hawaii (providing the same fantastic year round weather) and is located well below the hurricane belt off the top of South America! What could be bad?

I booked almost a year in advance through DVC's "World Passport Collection" which uses "Interval International." It was 160 DVC points for a 1-bedroom at the "Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort & Casino" during the "High Season."

It took less than a month for DVC to provide me with this match to my "search". The "search" costs $75 (going up to $95 in January) and you can search for as many locations and times of year as you'd like. If there are no matches for your search after an extended period of time, you can simply request a refund of your $75 exchange fee (going up to $95 in January).

Dean was VERY helpful and knowledgeable regarding Aruba and I will graciously report to him when I return on the "Renaissance" hotel which has just undergone major renovations!

Best wishes,
Dave

 

[Marshay]

Hi!

I'm Dean's contact that's going to Aruba in February - my wife and I are very excited about it. It's approximately the same latitude as Hawaii (providing the same fantastic year round weather) and is located well below the hurricane belt off the top of South America! What could be bad?

I booked almost a year in advance through DVC's "World Passport Collection" which uses "Interval International." It was 160 DVC points for a 1-bedroom at the "Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort & Casino" during the "High Season."

It took less than a month for DVC to provide me with this match to my "search". The "search" costs $75 (going up to $95 in January) and you can search for as many locations and times of year as you'd like. If there are no matches for your search after an extended period of time, you can simply request a refund of your $75 exchange fee (going up to $95 in January).

Dean was VERY helpful and knowledgeable regarding Aruba and I will graciously report to him when I return on the "Renaissance" hotel which has just undergone major renovations!

Best wishes,
Dave

Great, Dave! I can't wait to hear.

And thanks Dean for the info!

 

[hels5625]

This is a lot of great feedback, I look forward to hearing more experiences when some of you return from your trips over the next year. I am not planning to go until summer of 2009, I'm not sure when the best time to start calling would be? Thanks.

 

[kato0627]

II is not booked for summer, 2008 for Aruba, only that nothing was there when you called. There are a number of units online with II for Aruba next year though most are studios. II will get units all the time for next summer. Dec to early Jan will be a time when a lot of deposits are made because that's when a lot of the maint fees are due and many wait until that time to deposit. Anyone that wants that time should put in an ongoing request with a VERY high likelihood of success if they do for a 1 Br or smaller. 2 BR are tough because most units are either studios or 1 BR or lockoff's but there are some that will be available so it doesn't hurt to try. I have been looking online about 5-6 am most every day for months and it's amazing how many great units are there at that time but gone by 7 am"

Dean,
Any tips on securing on these units. Can I put 2 A/3C in a 1 bedroom?
Thanks for all your great advice
Karen
'
__________________

 

[Dean]

Dean,
Any tips on securing on these units. Can I put 2 A/3C in a 1 bedroom?
Thanks for all your great advice
Karen
'
__________________

Karen, it varies with the resort but, as a rule, most resorts are fairly to very strict on occupancy. I'd investigate the resorts and decide which ones would work for YOU. Then for the ones with a 1 BR that you think will work, I'd contact them DIRECTLY and ask before you put them on your list. If they say OK, keep the info for reference including the name of who gave it to you. Try to find an email so you can easily print it out if you match that resort. While you're waiting to hear back or get in touch, you can always start your search for the core group and add any resorts later that seem to be a good choice for you. Needing this situation, you might be a little less particular for which resort, esp for resorts that will allow you for a 1 BR. OF course the kids will need to all be able to make it on a pull out queen or possibly even less but this is one of the things you can investigate about each candidate resort. You could do two searches, one with the 1 BR and one with the ones you'd only take a 2 BR at. Or you could do one search for 2 BR and tell them you'd take 1 BR at certain resorts. I'm thinking two separate searches would be best unless the resort list for 1 and 2 BR are exactly the same. You could also search for 1 BR and a separate studio and try to put them together but that would make the cost even higher through DVC.

 

[briand1023]

We tried for many years to trade DVC to Aruba to no avail. Last year we went on our own, stayed at Marriott Surb Club, Studio, 1 week, rented off timeshare owner for $1500. Mariott is nice, but getting a palapa on the beach is next to impossible. You have to get up at 6:00am to stand in line to reserve a palapa at 8:00. There are too many people in the 3 Marriott places(Surf Club, Beach Club, Hotel) - the beach is too small and Hotel guests get 1st dibs on everything. Rooms are nice, great restaurant for sunset dinners on the beach - a must do no matter where you stay on the island.

Anyway - rather than trading off, "Rent" your DVC points for one or two years and then rent a timeshare in Aruba, you can get a nice 1 bedroom on the beach for $2000 for a week - I know as we own one at the new Divi Aruba Phoenix and thats the going rate for 1 week - 1 bedroom at the brand new resort. You may find less expensive weeks elsewhere, beware of resort. Feel free to email me with questions.

Brian

 

[HookedonMagic]

We try to spend two weeks in Aruba every spring. We've spent the last two years at Marriott's Aruba Surf Club. Highly recommend the resort...large, well stocked, CLEAN rooms with full size washers and dryers...fun pools with a terrific lazy river...And We have NEVER spent ANY time in line for a Palapa...only necessary if you must have a front row.

Good luck with your trade...if you enjoy a beach vacation, Aruba is wonderful...beautiful beaches and water (with no pesky vendors trying to "braid your hair" or sell jewelry)...delicious food...great service...good times!

Lisa

 

[Marshay]

Thanks...we are soon going to put a request in ...will definitely see if we can get Marriott Aruba Surf Club...

what other places do you recommend? We want to be on the beach (not downtown)