Aruba “event week” in full swing

[SueDonJ]

Pretty please, with sugar on top, POST A VIDEO OF ARUBA EVENT WEEK!

Words are great for some things, but this isn't it. It doesn't exist until we see it.

Based on reports of how some members of this group have responded to one-on-one direct confrontations, and especially considering that Marriott doesn't appear to be supportive in those instances, I definitely wouldn't be obvious about taking any pics/videos. Surreptitious, maybe, but I really don't know how to be paparazzi and don't want to learn.

I also think that it would be stupid to post video/pics of any of them to social media because it would (correctly IMO) invite a challenge from them as to their privacy rights, but more importantly in this context because publicly sharing it could jeopardize whatever function it might serve in forcing Marriott to finally respond appropriately with a longterm solution to this mess. If you have evidence I suggest, once again, that you share it with a competent attorney who can presumably help you to appropriately maximize its leverage.

 

[Marathoner]

Please take videos and share with us. I would like to really understand what all the drama is about.

Sent from my LG-H932 using Tapatalk

 

[Quadmaniac]

Yep. I always blame the victim too. Especially in this case because poor behavior should always be excused when it can be predicted and therefore avoided. Never mind that they paid up to stay at a quality property where, most reasonable people have preconceived expectations of a quality vacation experience. I fall into this group. (Stupid me). I also once bought cruise line passage on Royal Caribbean because of good reviews. Arrived, checked in and went to topside bar only to find 20 to 30 (a small faction of the total number onboard) inebriated bikers; one with his pants down around his ankles. And so went the rest of the week. Totally my fault as I’m sure somewhere someone new this “group which will remain unnamed” was having Sturgis at sea week.

Actually, I’ve been vacationing with MVC for over 15 years and my research is always focused on the destination, available activities, and weather. If I wasn’t a member of tug I wouldn’t know about this mischief and it would have a big impact on my vacation. I would probably complain and would not understand someone’s opinion that it was my fault.

There is a big difference between your cruise and this event week. Your cruise is random attendees unless it is a specific occasion where it attracts certain people. This specific week has been occurring for at least 16 years and published in multiple sites, not just TUG, but Tripadvisor and number of other groups.

In your "over 15 years" you indicate that you do your research on the destination, activities available and weather - where exactly do you research that ? Tripadvisor probably which has gathered all the relevant information. Would you not also research the resort, where it is located, what facilities it may have, what restaurants are close, what activities it is close, what the WEATHER may be at the specific time you're there ? If you did as you said you would, you would most likely come across at least one thread in this event. Would you also not google activities/events in January in Aruba if you were going at that time ?

So if you show up at Stugis, booking a hotel in the area without knowing it was going on, it would be the hotel's fault for not pointing it out to you specifically right ? You expect them to advertise and warning you AGAINST coming ?

I'm just saying the information is out there, whether or not you choose to seek it out is your choice. It is always buyer beware no matter what you buy or book. Do you not research the backpack you're going to buy ? Do you not research the university you are going to attend ? Do you not research car you're buying ? Not every product or service is created equal and there will be factors affecting your enjoyment of it.

The prime example which I mentioned earlier is buying a timeshare. The information is out there, yet many still go out to buy one blindly without doing any research about them at all, let alone each brand, how to use them, is it a good value, where to buy them, etc. Let's look at Marriott specifically, they sell points and tell you that you can book anything. Then after buying, they don't realize that not everyone can book Maui at Christmas time in a 3 br OF suite. They promote their big safari trips of a lifetime, but don't tell you that you can book that same trip for less than using your points on your own with cash ? Do they mention you have to book right at 12/13 month mark to get your week as a weeks owner for president's week ? If you think that a business is going to disclose their weaknesses or anything that will deter you from giving them your patronage, I think you're setting yourself up for disappointment. This is the reality of the world.

As a consumer, you are the one who suffers as a result at the end of the day if you attend during this event week and no matter how much you complain, it won't change the people already there having their get together. Blame the resort, stand in the middle of the pool and yell at the kids, does it change the end result ? Nope

 

[pedro47]

I have learn this from reading this thread do not book an exchange at this Marriott resort during the Month of January.

 

[m61376]

I have learn this from reading this thread do not book an exchange at this Marriott resort during the Month of January.

Just fyi- it's not the whole month- generally it's the third week, occ. the 4th. It's the NY January Regent's week, when the private school has off. When our daughter was in law school we adhered to the college intersession schedule, and went down the second week in January without issue. We've also gone the last week, so overlapped on the weekend, and except for perhaps bigger crowds on Sat. we didn't see/hear any issues.

 

[davidvel]

There is a big difference between your cruise and this event week. Your cruise is random attendees unless it is a specific occasion where it attracts certain people. This specific week has been occurring for at least 16 years and published in multiple sites, not just TUG, but Tripadvisor and number of other groups.

In your "over 15 years" you indicate that you do your research on the destination, activities available and weather - where exactly do you research that ? Tripadvisor probably which has gathered all the relevant information. Would you not also research the resort, where it is located, what facilities it may have, what restaurants are close, what activities it is close, what the WEATHER may be at the specific time you're there ? If you did as you said you would, you would most likely come across at least one thread in this event. Would you also not google activities/events in January in Aruba if you were going at that time ?

Lots of people do, and many don't. No one should expect Marriott to allow this behavior, regardless.

So if you show up at Stugis, booking a hotel in the area without knowing it was going on, it would be the hotel's fault for not pointing it out to you specifically right ? You expect them to advertise and warning you AGAINST coming ?

Yes, most people would expect this.

I'm just saying the information is out there, whether or not you choose to seek it out is your choice. It is always buyer beware no matter what you buy or book. Do you not research the backpack you're going to buy ? Do you not research the university you are going to attend ? Do you not research car you're buying ? Not every product or service is created equal and there will be factors affecting your enjoyment of it.

So according to your logic, if there are multiple yelp reviews that people suffer food poisoning at a restaurant due to bacteria in the food (and this is true), the restaurant shouldn't be held accountable? (Yes, we know, there is nothing anyone can do about it, so just go back to the TUG Lounge threads.)

The prime example which I mentioned earlier is buying a timeshare. The information is out there, yet many still go out to buy one blindly without doing any research about them at all, let alone each brand, how to use them, is it a good value, where to buy them, etc. Let's look at Marriott specifically, they sell points and tell you that you can book anything. Then after buying, they don't realize that not everyone can book Maui at Christmas time in a 3 br OF suite. They promote their big safari trips of a lifetime, but don't tell you that you can book that same trip for less than using your points on your own with cash ? Do they mention you have to book right at 12/13 month mark to get your week as a weeks owner for president's week ? If you think that a business is going to disclose their weaknesses or anything that will deter you from giving them your patronage, I think you're setting yourself up for disappointment. This is the reality of the world.

As a consumer, you are the one who suffers as a result at the end of the day if you attend during this event week and no matter how much you complain, it won't change the people already there having their get together. Blame the resort, stand in the middle of the pool and yell at the kids, does it change the end result ? Nope

A very sad commentary on this situation in my opinion. I know you are trying to defend your position that "sorry folks, it is what it is, but just deal with it, it's not going to change." But your zeal to defend your position is exposing the absurdity of it.

Everyone (else) here is just stating how wrong it is that Marriott allows this to happen. Your response is buyer beware, and don't go those weeks. So imagine that there is an owner who has problems with his intestinal tract, and he craps in the pool where you own every time he goes in, and its shuts down every day during your stay. Marriott does nothing, and allows him to defecate in the pool every day of his 2 week stay. (Some people may even get sick.) But, this is well known, and there is a story on CNN, MSNBC or Fox (take your pick) every year, and any fool should know about it. And, they should just not book during these prime weeks, and be OK with that.

So according to your multiple posts, "too bad so sad." This thread is about what Marriott should be doing, as much as it's about what they are or are not doing. Sorry you can't see that.

 

[Quadmaniac]

Lots of people do, and many don't. No one should expect Marriott to allow this behavior, regardless.

Yes, most people would expect this.

So according to your logic, if there are multiple yelp reviews that people suffer food poisoning at a restaurant due to bacteria in the food (and this is true), the restaurant shouldn't be held accountable? (Yes, we know, there is nothing anyone can do about it, so just go back to the TUG Lounge threads.)

A very sad commentary on this situation in my opinion. I know you are trying to defend your position that "sorry folks, it is what it is, but just deal with it, it's not going to change." But your zeal to defend your position is exposing the absurdity of it.

Everyone (else) here is just stating how wrong it is that Marriott allows this to happen. Your response is buyer beware, and don't go those weeks. So imagine that there is an owner who has problems with his intestinal tract, and he craps in the pool where you own every time he goes in, and its shuts down every day during your stay. Marriott does nothing, and allows him to defecate in the pool every day of his 2 week stay. (Some people may even get sick.) But, this is well known, and there is a story on CNN, MSNBC or Fox (take your pick) every year, and any fool should know about it. And, they should just not book during these prime weeks, and be OK with that.

So according to your multiple posts, "too bad so sad." This thread is about what Marriott should be doing, as much as it's about what they are or are not doing. Sorry you can't see that.

No I think you are missing what I am saying. If that restaurant has caused a lot of food poisoning and I spent a little time researching it, then if I decide to go, THAT IS A RISK that I am exposing myself to! Yes the restaurant is responsible but :

1) Restaurant knows about it
2) Restaurant doesn't do anything about it
3) Authorities or policies that are SUPPOSED to protect consumers have been ineffective
4) You go to the restaurant and you are now sick
5) You are suffering in the bathroom
6) Who is suffering at the moment and paying the price ? YOU!

The same goes for your example of a guest defecating in the pool. Yes Marriott is responsible BUT IF THEY DO NOTHING REPEATEDLY - Do you stupidly jump in the pool knowing that the issue is not being addressed and then complain you are sick when you could have avoided the pool until SOMEONE does do something about it ? HUGE difference in what I am saying. RECOGNIZING that your complaints are falling on deaf ears and taking the appropriate actions as a result is prudent. You are more than welcome to go swim in the pool while you are complaining if this is your solution.

I've said in numerous posts and you can go back and read it - I've said it is NOT RIGHT for Marriott to do what they are but as there is nothing stopping them, they have done it for 16+years.

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.

I'll summarize it in SIMPLE TERMS

1) YES IT IS WRONG - WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG of Marriott
2) 16 years of bitching about it has accomplished --> Didley squat!
3) Getting upset about it has accomplished --> Didley squat!
4) Instead of bitching like arm chair quarterbacks and it bothers you THAT MUCH - DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT THAT WILL PRODUCE RESULTS AS COMPLAINING HAS DONE NOTHING !!!!!!!!!!!!
5) Remember this is the real world and not FANTASY ISLAND, businesses will do whatever it takes for the bottom line at the expense of customers - that is a given. Look at what fast food places use to make their burgers and chicken nuggets - is it good for you ? NO!
6) Many businesses WILL NOT DO what is right unless forced to
7) WHAT WILL YOU DO TO FORCE MARRIOTT TO DO THE RIGHT THING ?
8) Talking about what Marriott SHOULD be doing has accomplished nothing. Will you continue doing the same thing, year after year, to get the same results ? What does that accomplish ? Does it make you feel better to vent it till it happens next year and you get to complain about it again ? Where does it end ? It ends when something forces it to change.

You aren't really upset about it if all you can do is be a keyboard hero. If you are TRULY SERIOUS AND UPSET, get up and change the channel instead of yelling at the TV, which is my point from the beginning. Yelling at it does nothing, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! If you are unwilling to do something, then be smart about it and avoid it or rent it out to make money from it.

 

[pedro47]

What would happen if all Marriott travelers would boycott that week in January in Aruba?
Would that send a message to someone?

 

[ilene13]

What would happen if all Marriott travelers would boycott that week in January in Aruba?
Would that send a message to someone?

These questions are moot as most of the guests there at that time are owners.

 

[davidvel]

No I think you are missing what I am saying. If that restaurant has caused a lot of food poisoning and I spent a little time researching it, then if I decide to go, THAT IS A RISK that I am exposing myself to! Yes the restaurant is responsible but :

1) Restaurant knows about it
2) Restaurant doesn't do anything about it
3) Authorities or policies that are SUPPOSED to protect consumers have been ineffective
4) You go to the restaurant and you are now sick
5) You are suffering in the bathroom
6) Who is suffering at the moment and paying the price ? YOU!

The same goes for your example of a guest defecating in the pool. Yes Marriott is responsible BUT IF THEY DO NOTHING REPEATEDLY - Do you stupidly jump in the pool knowing that the issue is not being addressed and then complain you are sick when you could have avoided the pool until SOMEONE does do something about it ? HUGE difference in what I am saying. RECOGNIZING that your complaints are falling on deaf ears and taking the appropriate actions as a result is prudent. You are more than welcome to go swim in the pool while you are complaining if this is your solution.

I've said in numerous posts and you can go back and read it - I've said it is NOT RIGHT for Marriott to do what they are but as there is nothing stopping them, they have done it for 16+years.



I'll summarize it in SIMPLE TERMS

1) YES IT IS WRONG - WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG of Marriott
2) 16 years of bitching about it has accomplished --> Didley squat!
3) Getting upset about it has accomplished --> Didley squat!
4) Instead of bitching like arm chair quarterbacks and it bothers you THAT MUCH - DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT THAT WILL PRODUCE RESULTS AS COMPLAINING HAS DONE NOTHING !!!!!!!!!!!!
5) Remember this is the real world and not FANTASY ISLAND, businesses will do whatever it takes for the bottom line at the expense of customers - that is a given. Look at what fast food places use to make their burgers and chicken nuggets - is it good for you ? NO!
6) Many businesses WILL NOT DO what is right unless forced to
7) WHAT WILL YOU DO TO FORCE MARRIOTT TO DO THE RIGHT THING ?
8) Talking about what Marriott SHOULD be doing has accomplished nothing. Will you continue doing the same thing, year after year, to get the same results ? What does that accomplish ? Does it make you feel better to vent it till it happens next year and you get to complain about it again ? Where does it end ? It ends when something forces it to change.

You aren't really upset about it if all you can do is be a keyboard hero. If you are TRULY SERIOUS AND UPSET, get up and change the channel instead of yelling at the TV, which is my point from the beginning. Yelling at it does nothing, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! If you are unwilling to do something, then be smart about it and avoid it or rent it out to make money from it.

I haven't read about people who know what is happening there, book those weeks specifically, then complain about it. But of course everyone else that is affected deserve it because they are too stupid to research and find information that gives them a picture of how truly bad it is.

Yep, very SIMPLE.

 

[Quadmaniac]

I haven't read about people who know what is happening there, book those weeks specifically, then complain about it. But of course everyone else that is affected deserve it because they are too stupid to research and find information that gives them a picture of how truly bad it is.

Yep, very SIMPLE.

If you don't do your research, you end up there, yes it is bad, yes Marriott SHOULD be doing something about it, yes Marriott has not done what they should, so you are going to suffer and put up with the disruption. You can complain till you are blue in the face, its not going to stop it at that moment as it is too late, so you will live with the consequences of not doing your homework. Is that or is that not realistic of how it will play out ? Please tell me in your view how the actual week will play out otherwise ?

Lets say you are 100% right, it all Marriott's fault and they should be taking responsibility, but they aren't going to do anything about it as they have done for in the past, does that change how you are going to experience the next week with all these people doing what they want at the resort ? Is this knowledge of personal satisfaction that Marriott apologizes to you on the spot, make your week better ? Will that stop the bad behaviour ? Does anything play out differently ?

 

[Retired2025 aka AlmostRetired]

My grandfather used to say 'You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped or fix somethings that isn't broken'. The families are responsible but given it has gone on for so long, things aren't changing. They do not see their behavior as a problem. Marriott's GM either believes the behavior is okay or us powerless to do anything. I would video the behavior over the course of the week. If there is a Surf Club facebook page I would post it there to gain support of owners. If there isn't an owners facebook page, I would create one. i would send it to MVCI's executive team and legal. I would copy Marriotts CEO since it still represents the brand. This doesn't represent the values of most people that own or the values that Marriott sells. If nothing gets done then control what you can control and avoid the situation.

 

[davidvel]

My grandfather used to say 'You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped or fix somethings that isn't broken'. The families are responsible but given it has gone on for so long, things aren't changing. They do not see their behavior as a problem. Marriott's GM either believes the behavior is okay or us powerless to do anything. I would video the behavior over the course of the week. If there is a Surf Club facebook page I would post it there to gain support of owners. If there isn't an owners facebook page, I would create one. i would send it to MVCI's executive team and legal. I would copy Marriotts CEO since it still represents the brand. This doesn't represent the values of most people that own or the values that Marriott sells. If nothing gets done then control what you can control and avoid the situation.

Yes, it going to take one of those people who doesn't know how or refused to research properly to video this and get it viral. But likely the group will claim discrimination just like the airline videos.

 

[Quadmaniac]

My grandfather used to say 'You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped or fix somethings that isn't broken'. The families are responsible but given it has gone on for so long, things aren't changing. They do not see their behavior as a problem. Marriott's GM either believes the behavior is okay or us powerless to do anything. I would video the behavior over the course of the week. If there is a Surf Club facebook page I would post it there to gain support of owners. If there isn't an owners facebook page, I would create one. i would send it to MVCI's executive team and legal. I would copy Marriotts CEO since it still represents the brand. This doesn't represent the values of most people that own or the values that Marriott sells. If nothing gets done then control what you can control and avoid the situation.

This has to be one of the best replies to this thread and exactly what I was trying to get at but much better explained than I was able to. Do something about it to stimulate change or live with the consequences of inaction and adapt to make it work in your favor.

 

[Wally3433]

Based on reports of how some members of this group have responded to one-on-one direct confrontations, and especially considering that Marriott doesn't appear to be supportive in those instances, I definitely wouldn't be obvious about taking any pics/videos. Surreptitious, maybe, but I really don't know how to be paparazzi and don't want to learn.

I also think that it would be stupid to post video/pics of any of them to social media because it would (correctly IMO) invite a challenge from them as to their privacy rights, but more importantly in this context because publicly sharing it could jeopardize whatever function it might serve in forcing Marriott to finally respond appropriately with a longterm solution to this mess. If you have evidence I suggest, once again, that you share it with a competent attorney who can presumably help you to appropriately maximize its leverage.

Disagree. Nothing wrong with taking a video of stupidity and posting it in any media format. Happens all day, and every day. Heck, you can't even park illegally in my neighborhood for 5 minutes without someone posting a picture of your car and plate number on our Facebook neighborhood watch. This HELPS society. Pictures complete the story - without them, it's just anonymous narrative.

 

[pedro47]

This is now called reality tv and these tv shows are a hit liked Jerry Springer, The HouseWives of LA and Cops. They are nothing but trash and a very bad influence on our young kids & adults. That is my opinion only.

I think, I am showing my old age.

 

[Luckybee]

We were in Aruba at the OC weeks 51 and 52. Yes there were some iguanas who were killed at the Surf Club. The police were called because they are considered an endangered species. According to the management they did not know who had actually done the crime, so no one was going to be fined. Because of their endangered status if they do find who did it those people would each be fined about $3000. There were a lot of rumors floating around the beach but what I have stated is what I was told by Erwin.

Hi Ilene...how are you ? Thanks for the follow up. When I first read this I was hoping it was a rumor without traction. Sad to hear and if they didn't know who was responsible even more unfortunate

 

[ilene13]

It was sad. The different stores that were going around were ridiculous- an urban legend! We are good. I’ve been looking into flights for December and right now round trip fares from Florida are about $1200 pp. Crazy!!

 

[Luckybee]

It was sad. The different stores that were going around were ridiculous- an urban legend! We are good. I’ve been looking into flights for December and right now round trip fares from Florida are about $1200 pp. Crazy!!

Uh yep we know....looking at the prices from Toronto or Buffalo for Nov/Dec we decided to use our points instead on Air Canada (and at least we can get a non stop out of Toronto) . I was surprised....usually Buf is way cheaper but not this time.

 

[DavidBr]

We were in Aruba at the OC weeks 51 and 52. Yes there were some iguanas who were killed at the Surf Club. The police were called because they are considered an endangered species. According to the management they did not know who had actually done the crime, so no one was going to be fined. Because of their endangered status if they do find who did it those people would each be fined about $3000. There were a lot of rumors floating around the beach but what I have stated is what I was told by Erwin.

I was at the Surf Club on 12/20 when the incident with the Iguanas occurred. At least a half a dozen people pointed out the young man to security. The next day, he was at the pool as if nothing had happened. Again, several guests inquired about what was going to be done about this. Several members of the management team came to the pool area on Thursday 12/21 to reassure the guests that this was being taken seriously. We were told that the police went up to the individual's room. There is no way that Surf Club management did not know who the individual was by Thursday afternoon. That's because there were many guests telling the managers who came out to the pool "it's that guy over there in the red baseball cap." By the way, he and his family all had pool floats with their last name written in Sharpie. Anyone who actually saw this guy knows that name. When I checked out on Christmas Day, I had a conversation with one of the managers whom I have previously spoken to at the regular Tuesday owner's meeting. He was also well aware of the identity of this individual and told me that there would be a fine/sanction at the airport when the individual would leave the island. Obviously, I have no way of knowing whether a fine actually occurred. As an aside, I was at the Surf Club this past weekend (2/10-2/11), and my wife is still there. Although there is a bit more wind and rain than is typical for February, everyone I encountered was well-behaved.

 

[dfeetham]

I was there that week and my real concern was with all of the very young children unattended in the pool. I overheard one of the parents tell her 7 year old at the beach to just go up to the pool and find some kids to hang out with.
What upset me the most is watching them doing very dangerous stunts that could seriously harm them. I witnessed a young 3 year old wandering around the pool by herself and nobody was looking for her. We turned her over to the security.
Or the 6 year old girl in the pool that my girlfriend had to jump in and save from drowning and no parent around.
Or the 16 passed out drunk on the floor of the lobby and no parent to be found. This to me is very nearveracking.
My friend who asked the boys in the lazy river to stop jumping off the rocks because they almost landed on her and the she got threats by them of harm.
Where are the parents. If any of this happened in the USA child services would be brought in.

 

[Goaltender]

My wife and I were at OC 1/20 - 1/27 and were unaware of "Event Week". We were a bit shocked when we arrived and went to the pool bar for Happy Hour and found teenagers 12-15 deep. The manager saw us and quickly brought us to a table and had a waiter get us drinks. I am an early riser and was in line @ 7AM for the free day/of rental of palaces and reserved the same front row for 4 of the 6 days we were at the beach. I had conversations with a number of people from the community both adult and 18+ yo's and all were pleasant. With that said, we will never return to Aruba in January! The young children are not supervised at the pool and it seems like the parents go to the casino next door and let their kids roam the resort. Every nite when we came back from dinner the lobby was full of tweens and loud. We took a late nite walk on the beach returning around 10PM Friday and there was a group of 6 young girls walking in front of us and my guess is the youngest was between 6-8 and the oldest couldn't have been more than 10. Who lets young girls walk along at nite? We did see kids up in the hot tub after hours and a father throwing a ball around the pool to his kids on the last day and was asked 4-5 times to get closer to the kids so others could enjoy the pool. He kept telling security he was close enough! I'm sure there was more happening but we did beach during the day, dinner off-site each night and walk on the beach when we returned and then bed. We will go back next year...... in February!