Aruba Ocean Club exchange

[siesta]

Haven't been to Aruba in more than a few years, and happy to have exchanged into a 1br @ MAO for week 17. It will be our first time at this resort and was wondering if there is there reciprocity b/w the marriott hotel and MAO pools? I understand that the pool chairs and palapas availability arent as much of an issue at this resort as compared to MSU. Im hoping i wont have to get up at 7 to make sure we get seats. But the early bird gets the worm, and if it must be I will be that bird. Also any other tips would be nice, and of course your favorite places to eat! Thanks.

 

[ilene13]

The OC owners and guests share the fitness facility with the hotel. They can also use the hotel pool. Only OC owners and guests may use the OC palapas and beach. Based on the time of the year and how busy it is will be how you decide upon your wake up time. When we are there weeks 51 and 52 5:30 AM is our wake up time.

 

[dioxide45]

Was there ever a determination made with regard to the new adult pool at the hotel? Can OC guests use the adult pool?

 

[m61376]

Was there ever a determination made with regard to the new adult pool at the hotel? Can OC guests use the adult pool?

No- only hotel guests have access, with entry limited by entryways requiring key cards.

 

[ilene13]

Was there ever a determination made with regard to the new adult pool at the hotel? Can OC guests use the adult pool?

Corey Guest, the GM of the OC, told me when I was there weeks 51 and 52 that he would begin negotiating with the hotel in the spring to gain access for the OC owners and guests.

 

[m61376]

Corey Guest, the GM of the OC, told me when I was there weeks 51 and 52 that he would begin negotiating with the hotel in the spring to gain access for the OC owners and guests.

That should be an interesting negotiation. I was quite surprised at how they limited access to key card entry. I tend to think that they created this little oasis to cater to hotel guests only, almost in preparation for competition from the forthcoming Ritz next door.

It would be a big plus for OC guests, but I am skeptical that it will happen.

 

[ilene13]

That should be an interesting negotiation. I was quite surprised at how they limited access to key card entry. I tend to think that they created this little oasis to cater to hotel guests only, almost in preparation for competition from the forthcoming Ritz next door.

It would be a big plus for OC guests, but I am skeptical that it will happen.

We were originally told last year (prior to its existence) that OC owners would be allowed to use it.

 

[DCBoy]

Corey Guest, the GM of the OC, told me when I was there weeks 51 and 52 that he would begin negotiating with the hotel in the spring to gain access for the OC owners and guests.

Corey Guest told me the same thing as well, but I'm very doubtful of it ever happening after seeing Marriott's promotional video about the pool that appeared in a similar thread recently.

 

[mkd44]

Siesta - a few tips... I just got back during crowded Pres. week. You can reserve a palaypa on the beach for up to 3 days for a small fee $10-15. This is done at 10am each day, so on your first day, go to towel hut with a cup of coffee around 8:30-9:00am and get in line for the 10am, usually I'm 3rd or 4th in line. At 10am they will begin "renting" what's available for whatever 3 days you want. You can usually get 1st or 2nd row. Or, as other posters have stated you can go on a daily basis (as early as you desire) to get a free one which they begin releasing at 7am. I always get 3 rented and then on the other days I get them at 7 or 8am (without going at 530am!) as there are still some available in 4th thru 6th rows.