RCI Exchange- Aruba or St Lucia

[jjgarv]

Anyone ever use the exchange process and stay in the RCI offerning in either Aruba, St Lucia, or Dominican Republic? We might be looking into a week next spring for our anniverasry.
Thansk for any info.

 

[PiratesCove]

No, but I would love to hear what others have experienced as well. We may do something like that in the next year or two.

 

[Anal Annie]

What place is offered in Aruba? Last time I looked they didn't even have one!!

 

[islandtimect]

The best one in Aruba is Costa Linda, which is supposed to be one of the better properties on the island. Tried to book it for Presidents week and of course not available. Stayed at Windjammer Landing in St Lucia yrs ago and as long as you stay in 1 or 2 br, it will be nice. Remote location, takes 90 minutes to get to it from airport. Nice beach, beautiful views. On a hill so make sure you can do lots of climbing.

I always check out tripadvisor before booking any nonDis property.

 

[popstar7867]

I'm actually going to St. Lucia next week on an RCI exchange! I'll let you know how it goes

 

[Dizny Dad]

Aruba - Been there, done that, not again!

Too HOT, too dry, too much broken glass, too many lizards!

Give me a tropical island (not desert island) everytime.

 

[jpolak]

The marriott has two properties that are outstanding (IMO of course) that I believe are available through RCI. I think it was 160 points for the week.

 

[Ramsfan28]

I go to Aruba every year and own at the Marriott Surf Club. I love Aruba and while it may be hot, it has amazing beachs and crystal clear water to enjoy.

However, I don't think the Marriott properties are part of RCI.

 

[Dean]

None of the Marriott's in the Caribbean are in RCI. Only a few of the older Marriott are in RCI at all, esp if you don't count the ones in Orlando. I've read hot and cold about the Windjammer, I'd be reluctant. Better to try to find a direct exchange to one of the Marriott or Starwood properties. For Aruba, PL, CL and CDM are all below the level of DVC but worth considering. CL is likely the best but PL is in a better location for getting to restaurants, etc. Without a car I'd do PL, otherwise CL and CDM would be better choices, IMO. Since DR was mentioned, I'd look twice and closely at any AI resort as they are often very expensive and/or not great choices overall.

 

[sanbornangel]

We used our exchange to go to Playa Linda (Aruba) in November. Although Arubas beaches are beautiful, the weather is gorgeous, the RESORT IS NOT. I did not feel that it was Disney quality. It is 25 years old and it shows. Not the Disney clean that we are used to. If you want a Chickie (grass umbrella) on the beach, you must get up by 6am and go to the beach and "save it". There were also fees to stay there (occpancy, and utility txes @$100.00). Now on a positive note the ocean view is breathtaking...we did really enjoy our stay..it was only 124 points for a one bedroom. Most of the restaurants are good...excellent stone cooked steaks at La Petit (directly in the front of the resort) for only $20.00 per person.

 

[Belle & Ariel]

I don't know about the resorts but can give info on islands.
St. Lucia is one of our favorite cruise stops. It is always very green and lush. The Pitons are amazing. The people there are very friendly, happy, and not pushing souvenirs. I would avoid the volcano--it's just smoldering ruins. It's one of those ports you hate to see the ship pull away from.
We have been to Aruba a few times and yet to find a clean beach we are impressed with. It does have casinos if you enjoy that. Like pp said it is like a desert--not lush like St. Lucia.
Finally, the DR is now what Cancun was 20 years ago--cheap, mass market beach trip. It does have some nice beaches, but people go there because of the price, not the beauty.
Your points are about the same regardless. I would go with St. Lucia. I'm sure you will love it.

 

[popstar7867]

We just got back from our RCI exchange at the windjammer landing resort in st lucia! The resort was beautiful and we had a great time on the island! The staff was very accomodating and there was a lot of activities and entertainment that was available at the resort. I would definitely go again. It wasn't Disney (but hey I do looooovvveee my Disney), but it was a nice relaxing change of vacation pace! I have some pictures. PM me your email address and I can email them to you if you would like