Aruba via Interval International experiences?

[HookedonMagic]

Aruba has two main beaches with resorts...the more laid back, low key beach is Eagle Beach. Many of the timeshare properties on Eagle Beach are actually across the street from the beach. The busier beach, with most properties actually lining the beach, is Palm Beach. The Marriott properties are at the far end of Palm Beach. There are several BB websites specifically targeting Aruba...the people on those boards can give you all of the specifics! Good luck with you trade!

 

[vittoria]

I just did a DVC/II trade last month, but to Cancun.

I'd suggest researching the properties first. The DVC/Interval site has the properties along with the occupancy/beds for each room type at each resort.
http://disney.intervalworld.com/web/cs?a=1500

Once your points are deposited into the system you do not need to start a Search immediately, but if you know what you want it couldn't hurt to get the search going right away. You'd give MS a list of each property you would consider for a trade. Make sure it is a place you would actually want because the system is automated. If a match is found it takes it and that's that. You can not make special requests when searching, only dates and resort name. You can also limit the room type to 1BR only, 2BR only (if you banked enough points for a 2BR) or allow a studio. The default is 1BR only.
They don't call you to double check if resort on your list becomes available during your specified time frame. You'll receive a confirmation in the mail. I received an email as well, that's how I knew my search had found something.

My search critera had dozens of resorts, I think around 40. (I had the search going for around a month with nothing coming up so I expanded the number of resorts.) I had no idea what I was going to get from the list I selected. I ended up with a great trade in the long run.

Good Luck!

Vickie

 

[flyerron]

WE have been going to Aruba for multiple weeks for over 20 years. We own 4 weeks of time share in Aruba. The Carribean Palm Village is about a mile from the beach. All teh others listed on the II website referenced above are essentially on the beach. Aruba is a great spot & you will have a great time. Teh restaurants are great & I would not advise an all inclusive. send me an email & I will happily send you my restaurant list. You cannot go wrong with the Marriotts but the others are just fine.
Rmiller854@aol.com

 

[Dean]

I just did a DVC/II trade last month, but to Cancun.

I'd suggest researching the properties first. The DVC/Interval site has the properties along with the occupancy/beds for each room type at each resort.
http://disney.intervalworld.com/web/cs?a=1500

Once your points are deposited into the system you do not need to start a Search immediately, but if you know what you want it couldn't hurt to get the search going right away. You'd give MS a list of each property you would consider for a trade. Make sure it is a place you would actually want because the system is automated. If a match is found it takes it and that's that. You can not make special requests when searching, only dates and resort name. You can also limit the room type to 1BR only, 2BR only (if you banked enough points for a 2BR) or allow a studio. The default is 1BR only.
They don't call you to double check if resort on your list becomes available during your specified time frame. You'll receive a confirmation in the mail. I received an email as well, that's how I knew my search had found something.

My search critera had dozens of resorts, I think around 40. (I had the search going for around a month with nothing coming up so I expanded the number of resorts.) I had no idea what I was going to get from the list I selected. I ended up with a great trade in the long run.

Good Luck!

Vickie

Unless you have points you will lose, I'd suggest doing the search first. As a rule, it makes no sense doing deposit first other than to use up points that you will lose otherwise. IF you do deposit first, look at where you might trade to and generally deposit enough points for high season at the unit size you need OR the smallest one your likely trade options have. For example, if you want to trade to HH Marriott's, you can't do so with a 1 BR deposit even if that's all you need.

 

[musical2]

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

I really look forward to your review of the Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort and Casino. I own a week there, but haven't been back there for years. We use it as our main trader through II. It will be interesting to hear what you have to say about it. The really good thing about this resort is that it has its own private island with a very nice beach.

 

[disgirl]

Hi! hels5625: We, too, are thinking of going to Aruba in the summer of 2009 (20th wedding anniversary) and are wondering when is a good time to put in a request with DVC? Anyone have advice? Also, if you put in a request and it comes in the use year before the trip is to take place, then you are booking it with borrowed points?? Is this correct? Thanks!! I guess what I mean is if we booked the trip for 2009 in 2008, would they deposit 2009 points?? Thanks in advance.

 

[Dean]

Hi! hels5625: We, too, are thinking of going to Aruba in the summer of 2009 (20th wedding anniversary) and are wondering when is a good time to put in a request with DVC? Anyone have advice? Also, if you put in a request and it comes in the use year before the trip is to take place, then you are booking it with borrowed points?? Is this correct? Thanks!! I guess what I mean is if we booked the trip for 2009 in 2008, would they deposit 2009 points?? Thanks in advance.

Best to request 2 years out but for Aruba, a min of 13.5 months out since Marriott's are some of the main choices. The points come from the use year where the travel occurs unless it's 2 full use years ahead then you have a choice of the current one of the next one. For those that have multiple contracts (not just add ons) all points must be in one account. Summer for Aruba is easy to get so it really shouldn't be an issue.

 

[disgirl]

Thanks Dean.

 

[hels5625]

There are several BB websites specifically targeting Aruba...the people on those boards can give you all of the specifics! Good luck with you trade!

Can you please tell me which BB's you are referring to?

Thanks!

 

[HeatherAnne]

Hi hels5625,

www.aruba-bb.com is a great website to find out more about Aruba!

Of all the choices to exchange into on the island I would go with one of the Marriotts - especially if you have kids. Have Fun!

We used 144 points for a 2 bedroom Villa at the Marriott Ocean Club. We went in Sept. of 2005.

HeatherAnne

 

[hels5625]

Thanks HeatherAnne! I have narrowed down my choices to the 2 Marriott's vs the Renaissance. I am looking forward to hearing a report from Dave who was supposed to stay at the Renaissance this month. I am hoping it will be a report on the Ocean suites side since we do have children. I did read some reports on the 2 Marriott's being overcrowded and how difficult it is to get seating at the pool, does anyone know if that is true? Also, it sounds like the newer Marriott's out of the 3 Marriotts on Palm Beach do not actually have the Casino and you have to go to the Stellaris Casino in the older Marriott, can anyone give info on the Casino(s) at the Marriotts?

Thanks!

 

[aceshigh73]

If anyone is looking to do a direct trade into Aruba Surf club for a Disney reservation, I have a standing 2-bedroom reservation for Thanksgiving week '08 (Sun to Sun) that I will not be using this year. Send me a PM. I do not know if its possible to change the week for this summer as of yet ...I do have an email into Marriott if this interests you...

-Mike

 

[HeatherAnne]

Hi Hels5625,

Just so you know the Renaissance is located in the downtown area. I would definitely not want to stay there with kids. It is nice but it is far from the main beach areas and where all the action is.

The Marriott's do get crowded but it really depends on what time of year you go. We went prime time last February vacation and had NO problems whatsoever getting seats by the pool. We have also gone in Aug and Sept and it wasn't crowded at all.

There are three Marrriott hotels right in a row. The Aruba Marriott Stellaris Hotel and Casino, The Marriott Ocean Club and the Marriott Surf Club. All three hotels are GORGEOUS! You have access to all of the resorts which includes restaurants, bars and shops. Pools tend to be off limits though. They are all a short walking distance from one another too - which is great. The Marriott Stellaris I believe was just totally re-done and has one of the biggest Casino's on the Island in it. Your best bet is to go onto Marriott.com or onto Marriott Vacation Club website to get a better idea of things....

Hope this helps! Feel free to ask any more questions. Good Luck and Have Fun!

HeatherAnne

 

[WelcomeHome]

Hi - I'm Dave. Here's the link to the trip report I posted on the Aruba Renaissance including photos: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1724650

In a nutshell, the Marriotts are the best BUT if they are unavailable you definitely WON'T be disappointed in the Renaissance. As a matter of fact, your kids will prefer the "private island" at the Renaissance over the slightly crowded Marriott beaches. And yes, we did stay in the Ocean suites.

The Marriotts are definitely newer, classy and more sophisticated, but the Renaissance had very respectable facilities and a very accomodating staff. We actually found that being in the heart of downtown in the Renaissance was a MAJOR advantage - we had easy access to all the restaurants and stores. You kids may find this to be another advantage.

In conclusion, you really can't lose either way - Aruba is FANTASTIC. If you'd like you can e-mail me or send me a private message and I will answer ANY questions you have. I'll even give you my phone number if you'd like to discuss a few things in detail.

Best wishes,
Dave

 

[aceshigh73]

To KIM33: I cant PM you back since my thread count isnt at 10 yet.. if I spam this board enough I'll be able to reply.... Hopefully you see this.. I cant believe you cant PM until you reach 10 posts....
Jeez, I've only been using the web since the NCSA Mosaic browser... never seen this requirement anywhere...

 

[KIM33]

Dave, I sent you another pm with my email address.

Kim

 

[aceshigh73]

I think you meant me.... (Mike) and I spammed the board enough to reply now...

thanks!

-Mike

 

[aceshigh73]

Hi - I'm Dave. Here's the link to the trip report I posted on the Aruba Renaissance including photos: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1724650

In a nutshell, the Marriotts are the best BUT if they are unavailable you definitely WON'T be disappointed in the Renaissance. As a matter of fact, your kids will prefer the "private island" at the Renaissance over the slightly crowded Marriott beaches. And yes, we did stay in the Ocean suites.

The Marriotts are definitely newer, classy and more sophisticated, but the Renaissance had very respectable facilities and a very accomodating staff. We actually found that being in the heart of downtown in the Renaissance was a MAJOR advantage - we had easy access to all the restaurants and stores. You kids may find this to be another advantage.

In conclusion, you really can't lose either way - Aruba is FANTASTIC. If you'd like you can e-mail me or send me a private message and I will answer ANY questions you have. I'll even give you my phone number if you'd like to discuss a few things in detail.

Best wishes,
Dave

Dave,

How did you find the airplane noise? the hotel is pretty close... and the Island it ON TOP OF THE RUNWAY...
I google mapped it last night and had forgotten how close you are to the runways....
We are trying to decide if we should change into the Beach Suites at the Ren or stay in the Marriott hotel and deal with the lack of space...
I own at the Surf Club, but we are not staying there (long story) this time...
We are going with family who gave us marriott pts for the room.... Timeshares unavailable for pts for easter week...
My kids are 1 and 4, and we are going with a family that has a 6 and 9 yr old...

 

[JLitfin]

I stayed at the Aruba Renaissance for a night a couple of years ago before checking into the Marriott Ocean club. I found the best thing about the Renaissance is the private island. We took the boat over and it was not crowded at all, the beach area was wonderful. Than we checked into the Marriott and it was great. There was so much room in the villa compared to the Renaissance. We had a 1 bedroom. The kids loved the pool area. Yes, it was hard to find a seat around the pool, but we were in the water most of the time, so it didn't bother us that much. We will be heading back this July and this time staying at the Marriott Surf Club, can't wait I just loved Aruba.

 

[WelcomeHome]

Dave,

How did you find the airplane noise? the hotel is pretty close... and the Island it ON TOP OF THE RUNWAY...
I google mapped it last night and had forgotten how close you are to the runways....
We are trying to decide if we should change into the Beach Suites at the Ren or stay in the Marriott hotel and deal with the lack of space...
I own at the Surf Club, but we are not staying there (long story) this time...
We are going with family who gave us marriott pts for the room.... Timeshares unavailable for pts for easter week...
My kids are 1 and 4, and we are going with a family that has a 6 and 9 yr old...

Dear Aceshigh73,

First and foremost, remember you cant lose either way - Aruba is fantastic! Once again, for quality and elegance, Marriotts are hard to beat. In all honesty, I think the adults in your party will prefer the Marriotts and the kids will prefer the Renaissance.

The Renaissance is in the heart of town (and the Ocean Suite on the beach side just across the street from the Hotel/Casino), and there are several very kid friendly restaurants in the mix (Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Hagan Das). In addition, the Renaissance's private island is Fantastic for kids - it's an exciting 10 minute boat ride from the hotel and has many advantages including it MUCH less crowded than the Marriott, it's immaculately clean, there's a nature trail the kids will love, tame flamicos that wander around, beautiful parrots, you can rent snorkel equipment and they have a store, the island has a special beach exclusively for adults, there's a work out center and a nice outdoor cafe with reasonable prices for lunch. They even feed the iguana's at noon every day by the rental shop which always draws a crowd - how can you go wrong?

As far as the airport, you are absolutely correct, it's next door to the private island. But rather than being a disturbance, the planes are fantastic to watch landing so close tby. There are plently of "ooohs" and "aahhhh" every time a plane lands - and the roar of the jet enjines are more impressive than dististurbing - it's kind of like a front row seat to a space shuttle launch - the kids will love it.

Keep in mind that if your going for more of an elegant and refined adult vacation experience then definitely stick with the Marriotts. The Marriotts are definitely more elegant and refined, but the Renaissance is definitely more fun and adventurious.

Having defended the Renaissance as I just did, I think it's fair for you to know that I just purchased a 1 bedroom timeshare resale at the Marriott Ocean Club (we visited there during our stay at the Renaissance). Keep in mind that me daughter is now 24 years old - if she was between 4 to 12 years old, I would have definitely bought at the Renaissance instead! Hope this info helps.

Best wishes,
Dave