Ocean Club rooms?

[JimIg23]

DH and I are thinking about going to Aruba for our anniversary (Europe is a bit too much money now) and are thinking of the Ocean Club later this year. I read some posting saying the rooms were going to be rehabbed in 2009 and I thought I saw someone say they already started.

How is the condition of the rooms in the Ocean Club? (will probably get a 1 bedroom) Is there a laundry machine in the rooms?

Also, can you walk to any shopping from the Marriotts? We don't plan on renting a car.


Thanks,
Jim

 

[griffer331]

We own at the Ocean Club and were there last Sept, going again this Sept. The rehab is scheduled to begin in 2009. But I believe the pool is to be resurfaced some time in Sept of this year.

I have read a few posts that the rooms were beginning to show there age but we found nothing wrong with them in Sept.

There are no laundry facilities in the rooms but every floor with the exception of the 1st floor has a laundry room.

Depends what kind of shopping you mean. If grocery shopping you will either need a car or taxi. They just opened a shopping center next to the Surf Club which is next door to the Ocean Club and within walking distance.

 

[gores95]

We don't plan on renting a car.

I would rethink this especially if you want to visit the other side of the island as well as all the great restaurants. Parking is free and driving is easy in Aruba! Just do a search on rental cars in Aruba. I highly recommend renting one unless you plan on staying at the resort all the time.

 

[lovearuba]

aruba and car

Hi
We go to Aruba often and seldom rent a car. You can walk down to the shopping area near the holiday inn. There are numerous restaurants along that strip which include

Smokey Joes
Iguana Cantina
Texas De Brazil
Benihanas
Hooters
Le Petite Bistro
Tony Romans
A new jazz place that is big on steaks
Bagel place
Dunkin donuts
McDonalds
Giavannis
Salt and Pepper

If you are not that active and cant do a 10-20 minute walk then you should rent a car.

If you need to go to town you can hop the bus in front of the hotel, its a couple bucks to get to town and the bus driver will drop you off in the center of town.

The only time we've needed a cab was to the air port and back and to reach an out of way restaurant like El Gauchos.

Aruba is a wonderful island and I do enjoy the ocean, it is starting to show some wear but its still beautiful

 

[Steve A]

We are just back from two-weeks in Aruba, our fifth visit. We always rent a car. My wife is not one to sit on the beach (I am), and this gives her the freedom to move about as she wants. However, there is lots of new development within walking distance of the OC including restaurants so you may not need a car. It's a personal choice.

The rooms are beginning to show their age. The beach is in great shape with plenty of huts and chairs. There is some tension between OC and Surf Club owners/guests over the use of OC facilities, since the former is less crowded than the latter. Security periodically moves non-OC owners/guests away from the pool and the beach huts.

 

[Phillie]

given the choice Surf or Ocean?

My wife and I are going to Aruba in Oct to celebrate my 40th. We currently have Ocean Club Effec booked but I am wondering if I should change. Surf is newer but the pool and beach I always read are very crowded. Ocean Club I have read is starting to look tired. We had been to OC about 7yrs ago and loved it. Do you think I chose the right property? Thanks.

 

[m61376]

My wife and I are going to Aruba in Oct to celebrate my 40th. We currently have Ocean Club Effec booked but I am wondering if I should change. Surf is newer but the pool and beach I always read are very crowded. Ocean Club I have read is starting to look tired. We had been to OC about 7yrs ago and loved it. Do you think I chose the right property? Thanks.

Congrats on your anniversary!

As to which facility, it depends on taste. The OC is quieter and less crowded, the SC is busier. IMHO the pool facilities at the SC are much nicer, but admittedly others would easily fore go the Lazy River for a quieter area. Keep in mind that the OC's pool is due to be resurfaced in September, and everything moves at "Aruba time" down there, so it may not be working when you are there; in that case, I believe OC guests were going to be using the hotel pool while renovations were being done, but I could be wrong there.

Aruba is a great spot and you will enjoy your trip regardless of which resort you are at. What I would suggest is looking for any Flexchange availability for your dates of a 1BR at either the OC or the SC and, if you can nab one, request the exchange. An upgrade from the studio to a 1BR would be worth a second exchange fee if you can afford it.

BTW- plenty of great restaurants and things will be relatively quiet that time of year there. Have fun!

 

[Phillie]

tks but it is my 40 birthday

:hysterical:

You bring up a point which gets different answers. If I were to ask to change from the effec I have at OC to say the one bedroom would I pay difference between 199 and 250 or would I pay 199 + 250? By the way it was an AC that I used to get it, therefore the 199 price.

 

[rosepointe]

It might be somewhat quieter at the Surf Club in Oct. We usually go in May and it is not as busy then as July. In fact we are going this Sunday and I am expecting a crowd. I think while the units are occupied off season the number of children are less. I don't think you can go wrong at either property.

Also the old car yes/no. The discussion has been going on for years. We solve it by having a car 1/2 the time and not the other.

Sue