Aruba “event week” in full swing

[rickxylon]

Major incident at the OC hot tub today. At least 5 security guards with unruly kids. 1 from SC refused to leave so they wouldn’t let any more people in. Not sure how it ended as it became too dark to see. Last night kids were jumping from the top of the hot tub into the pools.

 

[davidvel]

Major incident at the OC hot tub today. At least 5 security guards with unruly kids. 1 from SC refused to leave so they wouldn’t let any more people in. Not sure how it ended as it became too dark to see. Last night kids were jumping from the top of the hot tub into the pools.

Before this thread spins out of control into prohibited areas, I want to add that my blood boils every year I hear about this entourage. They're like chair hogs on crack and steroids. So sad that such a group of people can exist and be allowed back each year ruining the hard earned vacations of others, while they demand special services and dispensations.

 

[mjkkb2]

Another example of profits trumping common sense. This 'event" would have never happened if the HOA was controlled by the owners...So sad. Thinking about possibly taking a trip next week. Anyone knows if this thing will be done by next weekend....1/27/18?

 

[bazzap]

I can understand that MVC want to maximise their revenue and profits.
At the same time, I regularly read about Aruba owners increasingly finding it difficult or impossible to book their “home” weeks, even 13 months out around this time of year, so I would have thought occupancy levels should be high anyway?
Without them going into any detail, I do believe at the very least that MVC could highlight on the Owners website, for those looking to book at this time each year, that there will be a very large group staying
(in the same way as they highlight any facilities closures, construction or maintenance work)

 

[davidvel]

I can understand that MVC want to maximise their revenue and profits.
At the same time, I regularly read about Aruba owners increasingly finding it difficult or impossible to book their “home” weeks, even 13 months out around this time of year, so I would have thought occupancy levels should be high anyway?
Without them going into any detail, I do believe at the very least that MVC could highlight on the Owners website, for those looking to book at this time each year, that there will be a very large group staying
(in the same way as they highlight any facilities closures, construction or maintenance work)

There are probably large groups staying at resorts at various times of the year, though maybe not as big and organized as this one. The problem is not thst it is a large group, the problem is that it is an unruly, uncouth mob that refuses to follow rules, and insists on making the lives of others miserable.

I doubt you could get Marriott to make such an announcement, as they are too afraid in this PC world of "offending" the perpetrators, who would likely claim discrimination. Also, it would expose their inability to properly deal with the problem.

 

[bazzap]

There are probably large groups staying at resorts at various times of the year, though maybe not as big and organized as this one. The problem is not thst it is a large group, the problem is that it is an unruly, uncouth mob that refuses to follow rules, and insists on making the lives of others miserable.

I doubt you could get Marriott to make such an announcement, as they are too afraid in this PC world of "offending" the perpetrators, who would likely claim discrimination. Also, it would expose their inability to properly deal with the problem.

I understand and that is why I was suggesting not going into any detail, just saying that there would be a large group.
To be honest, even if it were a very reasonable, perfectly behaved group I would not be too happy at any resort finding we were one of the few staying amongst many hundreds of people who were together in one party.

 

[Old Hickory]

Major incident at the OC hot tub today. At least 5 security guards with unruly kids. 1 from SC refused to leave so they wouldn’t let any more people in. Not sure how it ended as it became too dark to see. Last night kids were jumping from the top of the hot tub into the pools.

What? Those kids should have had helmets on.

 

[pedro47]

Are the kids guests at the resort and where are their parents or guardians ?

 

[jimf41]

We experienced this group in 2002. We will never return to Aruba again because of them.

 

[SueDonJ]

There are probably large groups staying at resorts at various times of the year, though maybe not as big and organized as this one. The problem is not thst it is a large group, the problem is that it is an unruly, uncouth mob that refuses to follow rules, and insists on making the lives of others miserable.

I doubt you could get Marriott to make such an announcement, as they are too afraid in this PC world of "offending" the perpetrators, who would likely claim discrimination. Also, it would expose their inability to properly deal with the problem.

I doubt Marriott would make any kind of announcement because they're active facilitators of just how much this group takes over the property and ruins other guests' vacations. Over the years there have been other resorts on the island that "uninvited" the group so if Marriott wanted to do it they could. But they don't; instead they accommodate the group by allowing them to bring outside catering facilities on-property in a section of the parking lot, allowing them to take over other common areas for their group-only activities, hiring extra housekeeping people to clean up after the slobs, not intervening when negative behavior of group members impacts other guests or when ACTUAL SECURITY RISKS are occurring, etc.

After all these years I'm convinced that the bottom line is, this group is the Goose That Laid The Golden Egg for MVC. If I were an owner who stumbled on this fiasco Marriott would be paying me a hefty portion of their obscene profit because I'd fight them through every possible means. There is just too much history documented on social media for this to keep happening year after year after year after year ...

This situation is IMO the absolute worst stain on Marriott Vacation Club, and that's coming from someone who loves her timeshares and is usually able to defend Marriott when criticisms are offered.

 

[SueDonJ]

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It may not seem like I've been around very much (big life changes are interfering!) but be assured that I'm reading every day and will monitor this thread very closely. All of the moderators know the TUG history of how these threads can degenerate. If you have an issue please click the "Report" button and every one of us will immediately be notified.

 

[SueDonJ]

Another example of profits trumping common sense. This 'event" would have never happened if the HOA was controlled by the owners...So sad. Thinking about possibly taking a trip next week. Anyone knows if this thing will be done by next weekend....1/27/18?

Check out the first post in the "Event Weeks" sticky thread, looks like you may hit the tail end of it.

 

[rickxylon]

Another example of profits trumping common sense. This 'event" would have never happened if the HOA was controlled by the owners...So sad. Thinking about possibly taking a trip next week. Anyone knows if this thing will be done by next weekend....1/27/18?

Yes, most of this group will leave starting Thursday.

 

[Sunbum]

I heard last year the "group" had to cut a 6 figure check to cover the extra costs of staff and damages and were happy to do it.

 

[JIMinNC]

We experienced this group in 2002. We will never return to Aruba again because of them.

From what I've read of the problems this situation creates for guests in Aruba, I can see why you would never want to return during that time (and when we go, we will avoid it for sure), but why would that make you not want to return to Aruba at some other time of the year?

 

[davidvel]

I doubt Marriott would make any kind of announcement because they're active facilitators of just how much this group takes over the property and ruins other guests' vacations. Over the years there have been other resorts on the island that "uninvited" the group so if Marriott wanted to do it they could. But they don't; instead they accommodate the group by allowing them to bring outside catering facilities on-property in a section of the parking lot, allowing them to take over other common areas for their group-only activities, hiring extra housekeeping people to clean up after the slobs, not intervening when negative behavior of group members impacts other guests or when ACTUAL SECURITY RISKS are occurring, etc.

After all these years I'm convinced that the bottom line is, this group is the Goose That Laid The Golden Egg for MVC. If I were an owner who stumbled on this fiasco Marriott would be paying me a hefty portion of their obscene profit because I'd fight them through every possible means. There is just too much history documented on social media for this to keep happening year after year after year after year ...

This situation is IMO the absolute worst stain on Marriott Vacation Club, and that's coming from someone who loves her timeshares and is usually able to defend Marriott when criticisms are offered.

Yes, I meant to say all that too!

 

[pedro47]

Are these kids or young college students? How can kids write a six figure check to cover damages and other related costs?

 

[jimf41]

Are these kids or young college students? How can kids write a six figure check to cover damages and other related costs?

No this is a family group. Numerous families with common relationship that travel together at the same time. The groups adult participants cover the damages.

 

[pedro47]

No this is a family group. Numerous families with common relationship that travel together at the same time. The groups adult participants cover the damages.

Sounds like these families needs to take a 101 course in basic manners and how to act in public. That is my opinion only.

 

[jimf41]

From what I've read of the problems this situation creates for guests in Aruba, I can see why you would never want to return during that time (and when we go, we will avoid it for sure), but why would that make you not want to return to Aruba at some other time of the year?

On Long Island Spring, Summer and Fall are beautiful and we don't travel much. In winter we want warm wx, good beaches with shade and nice restaurants. The Marriott hotel in Aruba was very nice but that's about all we liked on the island. The wx was not great, everyone says it's a little breezy but when you're on the beach there is a steady 10 kt wind that becomes annoying. Every 10 minutes or so the "breeze" whips up into a mini hurricane that will knock over a drink or fill it with blown sand. There is very little shade and if you want some or a lounge chair you better be up by 0500. The restaurants were OK, not great but good enough but there weren't that many of them when we were there. I understand that has changed dramatically for the better since we were there.

I could go on but the fact is the place left me with a bad taste in my mouth and I don't want to go back. We own in St Thomas and spend our winter vacations there. Each to his own, folks that like Aruba really aren't too fond of the USVI. Doesn't make either a bad place it's just what you like. This year St Thomas was a nogo due to the hurricanes so we opted for Grand Cayman. Never been there before but we're going with friends that have so we'll see.

 

[davidvel]

Are these kids or young college students? How can kids write a six figure check to cover damages and other related costs?

Pedro (and others), I know it sounds a bit strange, but Tug rules prohibit the discussion of certain aspects of this issue that involve politics, religion, or contentious social issues.

For background, please see this closed thread, but don't discuss prohibited topics in this thread:
Closed thread about Aruba Event Weeks

 

[happymum]

Although I generally disapprove of social shaming, this seems like an instance where a few videos of the outrageous behaviour would be appropriate. People can draw their own conclusions from what they see.

 

[bazzap]

Pedro (and others), I know it sounds a bit strange, but Tug rules prohibit the discussion of certain aspects of this issue that involve politics, religion, or contentious social issues.

For background, please see this closed thread, but don't discuss prohibited topics in this thread:
Closed thread about Aruba Event Weeks

Steering clear of politics and religion may well be a good idea, but if bad / abusive behaviour by whoever it may be is ruining the vacation for other owners and guests that seems like a social issue well worth addressing.

 

[Quadmaniac]

NOT SAYING IT IS ACCEPTABLE but from Marriott's standpoint if they are dropping that much money, what would you do if that was your business ? Turn it away ? Come on.....Yes it doesn't reflect well on Marriott but much like any other hotel who might host a wild party, can you afford to turn it away to please other guests who probably don't spend a fraction of what this one group brings in for the week. Do you accommodate or push them away ? I think that would be difficult for any business owner to refuse them.

If you are aware this happens year after year, it's widely published everywhere that Marriott won't do anything about it and it is not something you want to be around, book at another time to avoid this week. If you have to go that week, be prepared for a gong show.

 

[mjkkb2]

This is the key point - 'if one is aware'. How about all those "unlucky" owners, renters and exchangers that have no clue what they're up for? No one here is surprised why Marriott allows it to go on year after year. It's all about the profits - and this is precisely why many, myself included are upset at the resort management. I could only imagine how I would feel if I was personally affected by this 'event'. I don't even have a horse in the race and it ticks me off quite a bit....