Aruba Ocean Club - too crowded?

[Mountainside Owner]

We are going to the Ocean Club in late October and am a little concerned about the crowds. Everything I read makes me think this won't be relaxing(2 hr. pool rule, get up early to get a palapa, all the "rules" between resorts, etc.). Is this the place to stay or would I be better off staying at Eagle Beach (or someplace smaller)?

Also curious about the probablility of getting an OF room at Ocean Club. It's pretty important to me but I'm not sure of the resort layout and how many OF rooms they have. Thanks for any input.

 

[ocdb8r]

Crowds - I don't think there will be any problem. We were there in mid-may and it was fine. Only had to get up if you wanted an ocean front palapa, there were plenty one or two rows back throughout the day. Similarly I don't think the pool at Ocean club was crowded either. Surf Club is another beast and it was apparent they have a Palapa shortage and can get crowded at the pools.

Ocean Front room - THAT may be a problem. Based on the layout of the resort I don't think there are very many....

 

[lll1929]

You are confusing Aruba Ocean Club with Aruba Surf Club. Ocean Club is much smaller. People who trade into Aruba Ocean Club are looking for the quiet resort that is not crowded.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[lprstn]

Just went there in May....NO crowds at all (however the Aruba Surf Club is more crowded). Had a wonderful time too, to boot.

 

[irish]

don't worry. october is a wonderful time of the year to go to the ocean club.

 

[lovearuba]

dont worry

Hi
we went the week after the 4th of July, it was not crowded, we had no problems getting a palapa and my friend went the week of July 19th with no issues either. October is the slowest time to go, it should be great Have fun

 

[griffer331]

As far as Ocean front rooms at the Ocean Club, the resort is U shaped, with the ocean front rooms at the tip of the U. I would think these would be very difficult to get if you are not an owner who bought ocean front.

Last year we met a couple that rented an ocean front room from an owner. They thought they were getting a 1 bedroom villa when in fact they only had a lockoff. They didn't seem too upset as they said the view from the room made up for the lack of space.

 

[Steve A]

The crowds are at the Surf Club not AOC. You do not have to get up early to get a hut unless you want one in the front row. The two-hour rule is for everyone benefit. Lots of Marriott tshares have it.