Caribbean - Marriott's Aruba Surf & Ocean Clubs?

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Has anyone stayed at Marriott's Aruba Surf Club or Ocean Club before? I'm wondering how the units would compare to DVC. We're thinking about going there next summer. Anyone know anything about either property, which would be better?

Also, how is the location of these resorts? Are they close to shopping, dining, etc?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

 

[barb45]

Me too - I would be interested in these someday also.

 

[Dean]

I haven't stayed there but have stayed at several and seen many other newer Marriott's as well as talking to many who have stayed there. I'm confident that both resorts and units would be worthy of a DVC trade of 270 points Xmas to Easter or 244 points the rest of the year. If you can get a direct exchange with a member you will likely get a better unit.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I was even considering a cash rental, or would that not be wise? Would we get a "lesser" unit? It appears during the summer, a 2BR would be about $400 a night.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by CaliforniaDreaming
I was even considering a cash rental, or would that not be wise? Would we get a "lesser" unit? It appears during the summer, a 2BR would be about $400 a night.

That's through Marriott directly, not a good measure. Looking on TUG there are a ton of listings there. I'd guess you could get a 2 BR between weeks 18 and 50 for less than $2000, maybe as low as $1500, less for a smaller unit. You might also get something through II either using DVC or another timeshare. You may also want to look at package deals for air, hotel and possibly an all inclusive option. Remember air can be a bear for Aruba costing upwards of $600 pp from the east coast much of the time. Rates in the $400 range are generally considered great deals. About the only time I see much less is for charter flights though I will emphasize I don't follow the air lines prices regularly.

Actually a cash rental through Marriott is likely going to put you up the ladder for unit assignments.

 

[DisnutDave@work]

DW and I were in Aruba last October, we stayed at the Hyatt and loved it. We took a walk up the beach and did a quick tour of the Marriot properties. One of them (I think it was the Surf Club) was still under construction. Both are towards the end of the beach that houses all of the bigger hotels on the island. There is some dining and shopping to be found there, but you will want to take a car/bus/taxi to Aranjustad (sp) for the major restaurants and stores.

The Marriot properties really impressed us. Very nice units, comparable to DVC, beautiful pool and common areas. Definitely worth staying there, and we even decided to do so in a few years.

If you've never been to Aruba, we highly recommend it. The island is a really odd mixture of beaches and desert (that's right, desert), and has a really laid back, relaxed atmosphere.