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Aruba Ocean Club or Surf Club

nuwermj

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I'm considering a trip to Aruba and would like some input on why someone might prefer Marriott's Ocean Club or Surf Club. My reservation would be via an II exchange and I'd be looking for a one bedroom unit. I've been to Aruba already, but stayed on Eagle Beach.
 

m61376

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You’ll get a lot of split opinions here. The OC is smaller and quieter, the SC has about double the number of villas. The beach sizes are about the same, but it’s easier to get a palapa at the OC because there are more per keyed room so less competition. The pool at the OC is nice but unremarkable (in my opinion): the pools at the SC are bigger and more numerous. Pools at the SC include a kiddie pool, a toddler pool with a splash zone, a large pool with waterfall and spray features, as well as a nice curved slide through rocks, which connects to a large lazy river, adjacent to that is another pool with a pool bar and volleyball net. Hidden behind shrubbery is an adult only Serenity pool, with an adjoining hot tub.. there is another hot tub within the landscaping of the lazy river,
The SC has a play set, outdoor shuffleboard, pool table, ping pong and foosball by the splash pool, the OC has giant checkers and chess.
The SC has a large greatly club and the OC guests can share the facilities at the Marriott hotel next door. they can also use the hotel pool, except for their adult pool.

1BR units or the master of the 2BR at the OC have a jetted tub, while the SC has a large soaker tub. There are in villa washer and driers in the 1BR units at the SC but not at the OC, but there are units I believe on every other floor.

The units at the SC are a bit larger but both are nice. Both resorts have grills.
And both share the same part of Palm Beach and you’ll have a great time at either resott!
 

csalter2

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I'm considering a trip to Aruba and would like some input on why someone might prefer Marriott's Ocean Club or Surf Club. My reservation would be via an II exchange and I'd be looking for a one bedroom unit. I've been to Aruba already, but stayed on Eagle Beach.

Michael,

Are you looking to use Diamond Resorts points for this exchange? What time of your are you considering going? Certain times of year can be difficult to exchange into at the Marriott properties in Aruba.
 

nuwermj

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You’ll get a lot of split opinions here. ... you’ll have a great time at either resott!

Yes, I expected split opinions. But unlike Facebook, TUG members provide enough detail for one to make an informed decision. Your response is exactly that. Thank you very much for taking the time to formulate it.

Look at the Renaissance; you might like it.

Thanks for the tip. I think I would rather not stay in Oranjestad. But I'll check it out anyway. Maybe I've overlooked something.

Are you looking to use Diamond Resorts points for this exchange? What time of your are you considering going? Certain times of year can be difficult to exchange into at the Marriott properties in Aruba.

Thanks for your input Charles. I'm exchanging a 2BR week at either Vistana Resort or Welk Resort. I know these will get me a one bedroom at one of the Marriott resorts, as I've already been offered matches. But the trip fell through for other reasons.
 

youppi

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I stayed at OC and I visited SC. SC is nicer but was overcrowded when we were there.
If I return to Aruba, I will try Playa Linda Beach or Costa Linda Beach (I don't know if they are overcrowded too as SC).
 

Sunbum

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I am told that you have to be up at 3am for a palapa at the Playa Linda
 

Sunbum

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"I am told that you have to be up at 3am for a palapa at the Playa Linda"

That's pretty much at any of the large resorts.

Not at the Marriott Ocean Club. We are there Feb/Mar and i go down between 7am and 8am and get my free palapa. NP
 

Dean

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I'm considering a trip to Aruba and would like some input on why someone might prefer Marriott's Ocean Club or Surf Club. My reservation would be via an II exchange and I'd be looking for a one bedroom unit. I've been to Aruba already, but stayed on Eagle Beach.
If you're exchanging, take the first one that comes and if you place an ongoing search, list them both.
 

mdurette

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Personally....I (and my kid) prefer OC - but I would also take SC if that was my only option.

Why, mainly due to the size and the amount of people. Aruba to me is my relaxing vacation. Hang around by the pool and the beach and simply sit back and watch the world go by. I don't care to deal with chair tagging at SC or tripping over everyone's lazy river floats as I walk around.

Size: OC 218 rooms, SC 450 rooms

SC does have the lazy river and in room washer/dryer.....but I will take less people around me over both of those.

Dean's point is spot on. Take whichever comes up first. I would also add eplus to make a possible switch if desire.
 

mrsc

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I have an exchange for a 2_BR for Memorial Day week 2020 using a Custom House week. is this week hard to obtain for either Marriott in Aruba?
 

mdurette

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I wouldn’t call it hard because not high season, But still a great vacation!
 

CPNY

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I have an exchange for a 2_BR for Memorial Day week 2020 using a Custom House week. is this week hard to obtain for either Marriott in Aruba?
I went to the Bahamas Memorial Day week this year. What a great time to travel!! Sort of low crowds, great weather, and only 4 days off work :)
 

Dean

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I have an exchange for a 2_BR for Memorial Day week 2020 using a Custom House week. is this week hard to obtain for either Marriott in Aruba?
I think it's a great time to be there, not a particularly difficult trade. What view type did you get?
 
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