I booked Surf Club for 9/25 not knowing that the lazy river is closed for repairs.

[hajjah]

I'm so sorry that I didn't read all the fine print back in August when I booked my stay at the Surf Club. I missed going to Aruba last year, but have been vacationing there since 2005. The lazy river is the highlight of this resort for us. After paying $998.00 for our flights this year, which has never been this high from the south, I am so disappointed. If I'm not mistaken, the only other pool is the serenity pool for adults. I wonder if the resort is allowing children to use this pool along with the adults. We are seniors and not really beach people. I guess this year we will have to grin and bear it.

 

[Pennytx]

Maybe you could use the main hotel pool?
So sorry … hope you have a good time anyway

 

[BigDawgTUG]

Did you mean September 2026? See https://hub.vacationclub.com/properties/marriotts-aruba-surf-club/

 

[dioxide45]

Did you mean September 2026? See https://hub.vacationclub.com/properties/marriotts-aruba-surf-club/

Please note that the Lazy River and Blue Water Pool & Slide will be closed for refurbishment from Aug. 31, 2026 to Oct. 9, 2026. During this time, all other amenities are expected to remain open. Thank you for your understanding as we make this important update.

September is almost over, so is the OP talking about 2025 or 2026?

 

[Pamplemousse]

Can’t imagine you bought expensive flights a year ahead so hopefully you are traveling soon and all is well you can float away in the lazy river!

 

[hajjah]

Please note that the Lazy River and Blue Water Pool & Slide will be closed for refurbishment from Aug. 31, 2026 to Oct. 9, 2026. During this time, all other amenities are expected to remain open. Thank you for your understanding as we make this important update.

September is almost over, so is the OP talking about 2025 or 2026?

Did you mean September 2026? See https://hub.vacationclub.com/properties/marriotts-aruba-surf-club/

Wait a minute! Do you mean to tell me that I misread the notification??? You have no idea how grateful I am to you Tuggers! You are absolutely correct. That notice is for 2026. We are checking in this Thursday, 9/25. I have to put my swimwear back in the suitcase. That was a real senior moment.

 

[m61376]

Please note that the Lazy River and Blue Water Pool & Slide will be closed for refurbishment from Aug. 31, 2026 to Oct. 9, 2026. During this time, all other amenities are expected to remain open. Thank you for your understanding as we make this important update.

September is almost over, so is the OP talking about 2025 or 2026?

Just so others know- the lazy river refurbishment is starting September 7, 2026; it was recently pushed back a week to accommodate guests coming for the last week of the summer before Labor Day.

 

[rapmarks]

This senior has a difficult time getting into the floats on a lazy river, so consider yourself fortunate

 

[hajjah]

This senior has a difficult time getting into the floats on a lazy river, so consider yourself fortunate

Off, my original topic: We checked in on Thursday and are in a renovated Lighthouse unit. There have been some issues, but management is trying to address my concerns. I do like most of the changes, but the lack of any privacy on the balcony door is very different. We were able to have a technician from engineering solve this problem yesterday by taping a plastic bag/covering on the door. This was an issue for us, but may not be one for anyone else. People staying in the Ocean Club would be able to see directly into our unit, especially at night. The new drapes are wonderful, but the balcony door has no block out for the sun. We plan to relax this evening in the lazy river. Having this amenity is a plus for us since I’m definitely not a pool person.
Btw, even with the increase prices in airfare from the south to Aruba, the planes are full! The airfare has doubled on Delta.

 

[22go]

Off, my original topic: We checked in on Thursday and are in a renovated Lighthouse unit. There have been some issues, but management is trying to address my concerns. I do like most of the changes, but the lack of any privacy on the balcony door is very different. We were able to have a technician from engineering solve this problem yesterday by taping a plastic bag/covering on the door. This was an issue for us, but may not be one for anyone else. People staying in the Ocean Club would be able to see directly into our unit, especially at night. The new drapes are wonderful, but the balcony door has no block out for the sun. We plan to relax this evening in the lazy river. Having this amenity is a plus for us since I’m definitely not a pool person.
Btw, even with the increase prices in airfare from the south to Aruba, the planes are full! The airfare has doubled on Delta.

Are you hearing much construction noise?

 

[hajjah]

Are you hearing much construction noise?

The construction noise isn’t so bad. It certainly is not a deal breaker for me. My problem has been with parking. I’m all over the place trying to park daily. I requested the Lighthouse building knowing before hand that it would be a little noisy. I really like being in a renovated unit, so I opted to choose my battle wisely.

 

[BigDawgTUG]

The construction noise isn’t so bad. It certainly is not a deal breaker for me. My problem has been with parking. I’m all over the place trying to park daily. I requested the Lighthouse building knowing before hand that it would be a little noisy. I really like being in a renovated unit, so I opted to choose my battle wisely.

Heading there in a few weeks. What's the issue with parking? Construction taking up spots?

 

[hajjah]

Yes, there’s no parking under the Lighthouse building and many of the spaces in front of the Spyglass building are also being used for construction equipment. Yesterday I parked in Ocean Club’s lot because I couldn’t find a space. I just asked the manager if I would have a problem parking there and he assured me that it was ok. We have a handicap permit, but those spaces are very limited. I’m needing to drop off my disabled guest at the main entrance, then park and walk back daily. I can walk a wee bit better than her.

We’ve had an issue with no hot water in the kitchen, but this was just addressed by engineering. As for the balcony doors, blinds have been ordered. This is something that wasn’t included in the initial design. The manager acknowledged that this was an oversight in the remodel.

Please note that I do like most of what’s been done in the remodel.

 

[hajjah]

We're just back from the Surf Club. Let me share that the construction noise for the last 3 days was almost unbearable. It started about 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Even with all of the noise, it was still not a deal breaker for us to stay in the Lighthouse building. The remodeled units are really nice. As for parking, we parked at the Ocean Club most of the week without an issue.

 

[hajjah]

Update:
We left the Surf Club last Thursday and are now at Marriott Cypress Harbour. I can still hear the banging noise from the Surf Club in my head.

As for Cypress Harbour, we are in an updated unit near the gym. Taking out the huge soaking tub is one of the best features for us as seniors. The redesigned shower and separate toilet are a plus for us. We hadn’t been here in 3 years. I always liked the size of the resort and amenities, but not the units until now.

Oh wait. I forgot to mention that Cypress has done an amazing job for those of us who use streaming devices while traveling. You no longer need to go behind, on the side, or on top of the tv’s to add the Roku or other devices! The inputs are on the wooden frame under the Tv’s. I can even recall climbing on a chair years ago while at Ford Colony trying to install my Roku on the top of that black box.

 

[claraj]

@hajjah I would love to see the pictures of the remodeled Cypress Harbour villa. Is the second bedroom still small?

 

[dioxide45]

@hajjah I would love to see the pictures of the remodeled Cypress Harbour villa. Is the second bedroom still small?

There's been no change to the second bedroom. Here are a few photos;

 

[hajjah]

There's been no change to the second bedroom. Here are a few photos;
View attachment 116749View attachment 116750View attachment 116753View attachment 116751View attachment 116752

Thanks. I was just getting ready to add some pictures. These are great. I thought that the second bedroom looked a little different. Oh, and the new shades throughout the unit are great for us.

 

[dioxide45]

Thanks. I was just getting ready to add some pictures. These are great. I thought that the second bedroom looked a little different. Oh, and the new shades throughout the unit are great for us.

The only significant difference in the second bedroom that I can see is the premium vinyl flooring instead of carpet.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Rick loves a soaking tub, but I couldn't get in and out of that big tub anymore, so I won't miss it. I love the new shower. That is a great addition.

 

[Red elephant]

I am at the surf club and the renovations are well done. Much better IMO than Newport. I like soaking in the tub so I am happy they kept it. Not much banging noice but I am on the 12th floor so not sure if that makes a difference.

 

[hajjah]

Rick loves a soaking tub, but I couldn't get in and out of that big tub anymore, so I won't miss it. I love the new shower. That is a great addition.

Exactly. I’ve been choosing Grande Vista over Cypress for the last three years. I also prefer the lockoff units at GV. This new unit does appear to be roomier, which is definitely a plus for me.

I am at the surf club and the renovations are well done. Much better IMO than Newport. I like soaking in the tub so I am happy they kept it. Not much banging noice but I am on the 12th floor so not sure if that makes a difference.

We were on the third floor at Surf Club. It’s possible that the construction level has decreased. We were notified that the noise would be the greatest during our last three days. Without a doubt, they were.

 

[hajjah]

I am at the surf club and the renovations are well done. Much better IMO than Newport. I like soaking in the tub so I am happy they kept it. Not much banging noice but I am on the 12th floor so not sure if that makes a difference.

Oh, we’re heading back to NVC next month. I always request a unit at the top of the hill for the views. I have to choose this battle wisely. I stayed in the lower units some years ago and disliked it. So, no remodel for us in November.

 

[Red elephant]

Oh, we’re heading back to NVC next month. I always request a unit at the top of the hill for the views. I have to choose this battle wisely. I stayed in the lower units some years ago and disliked it. So, no remodel for us in November.

Thats the option they gave me. Lower renovated unit or upper unit with views but not renovated. I will not do that again as the renovations were not to my liking. Cheaply done.

 

[claraj]

@dioxide45 Double sofas in Cypress Harbour? Are they both pullout? Does it look like you have to move one if you were to open up and use one as a sofa bed?