Buying in Aruba...soon...help!

[rosepointe]

We almost purchased 2 years ago and decided not to. Now we are looking for a place that we can have a family week at. Since a cruise runs us 5000 or more and we need 3 hotel rooms when we travel we decided even with high airfare this would be a good place to congregate once a year. Aruba is an Island we like and the water is warm enough for my husband (born in Miami). We travel about 2 months per year (college professor) and have flexibility with time.
We are looking at either Playa Linda or Marriott Surf (resales) unless there is a great new developer deal. We don't need the unit until 2007.

We will be in Aruba this Saturday for the week and these are some of the thoughts and concerns we have are:

-Playa Linda older but seems to have a stable history. Owned by owners and deeded. Specific week. Rooms probably smaller and people not following rules with Chikees according to other posters. I do however think you can rent places on the beach with umbrellas (private vendors) aside the Hyatt. We have done this in the past. Units looked worn in past but we understand beds are being replaced and units redone. Price 2 bed/ 2 Bath/ July 13000 would offer between 9500 and 11500 per info I have gotten through research. Not sure if that is too high. This is a first floor not ground unit not very concerned about the view. We travel alot. Maintanance is $804 which includes a Capital Reserve Fund of $79.
Do not know what the owner paid over 5 or more years ago. 2 bedroom OF unit with wraparound blacony. Great beach location. My favorite area as we stay at the Hyatt and Radisson when we are in Aruba.

Marriott Surf: Larger, newer, more expensive (not certain what to offer resales) and listed mostly as flexible weeks more that specific which people write are sometimes hard to secure. I do not like the area as much as Playa Linda. Have some concerns about overbuilding and not being able to get Chickee coverage on the beach in the future although we are willing to pay for them. Not certain if dates will be available even though we are flexible if they are selling so much. Understand they are selling very well.

I also feel strange placing offers that are much lower than people are offering but it seems as though that is an expectation on these boards.

Any thoughts and input welcome.

Thank you all for the help you provide on the boards.

 

[rosepointe]

Buying soon Aruba

PS I am a member of the board. We paid yesterday!

Thank You.

 

[Dave*H]

PS I am a member of the board. We paid yesterday!

Here are instructions so that you will show up as a member instead of a guest: http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53

 

[xzhan02]

Marriott Surf: Larger, newer, more expensive (not certain what to offer resales) and listed mostly as flexible weeks more that specific which people write are sometimes hard to secure. I do not like the area as much as Playa Linda. Have some concerns about overbuilding and not being able to get Chickee coverage on the beach in the future although we are willing to pay for them. Not certain if dates will be available even though we are flexible if they are selling so much. Understand they are selling very well.

On www.myresortnetwork.com, there are a few GOLD (includes summer) units offered at or under $14K (some maybe Ocean club instead of Surf club). The large number of units should make it relatively easy to reserve if you plan reaseanably early, especially for summer that covers a long time.

 

[caribbeansun]

The two resorts are like apples and oranges - you should visit both while on island and get a sense of the atmosphere at each place.

 

[rosepointe]

Buying

I have seen both and realize the differences. The only draw for me is the location. Marriott is larger newer and nicer. Will look again this weekend.

 

[caribbeansun]

You should offer what you are comfortable offering but keep in mind that most people have an unrealistically high expectation of the resale value of their week based on what they paid the developer. What the week is worth to you won't be the same as the next person because your needs are different.

Marriotts seem to hold their value better. Newer resorts will hold their value better ususally because the supply isn't sufficient relative to the demand, as time passes that ratio reverses and the prices fall.

Have to checked the Playa Linda resort board for resales?

I also feel strange placing offers that are much lower than people are offering but it seems as though that is an expectation on these boards.

 

[biafrate]

Aruba timeshare comparison

Why not use the TUG Resort Database and compare ratings. Marriott Aruba Surf Club rates a 9.05 out of 10. Playa Lind rates a 8.50 out of 10. Does that help?

 

[rosepointe]

I have checked all of the ratings and all of the boards and all of the replies on Travel pages. Just wondering if anyone has any personal experiences or thoughts that we may have missed.

I am certain Marriott has the newer and nicer facilites. I saw them 2 years ago and the plan to build. My only concern is PL has a much better location (for us) on the strip but suspect Marriott will win our vote. PL is smaller and next to Hyatt, Radisson HI and many different casinos and restaurants. Hopefully there will be more casinos by the Marriott in the future if bulding continues.

We are looking forward to leaving this weekend but want as much info as I can gather before. We will not rush to buy anything because we don't need it until 2007. This summer is booked.

Thanks for the feedback. These boards ar every helpful.

 

[Larry]

As you can tell I'm biased since we own at Playa Linda and love the location. I also have a pet peave regarding Marriotts. Their maintenance fees are high and they don't include daily maid service. This may not be a big deal in a location like Orlando but at a beach resort I find that daily made service is a necessity. With each of us tracking in sand back to the room having maids mop up every day is a must plus getting everything cleaned including beds made and sheets and towels changed is part of what I have come to expect on my vacations.

In addition all developers subsidise maintenance fees during the sales period and Marriotts in Aruba maintenance will go up as soon as most units are sold out making the gap between Marriott and Playa Linda much greater than what is currently the case. I also like knowing exactly what view I have each year rather than reserving weeks 11 months in advance then hoping for a nice view when I check in.

Granted Marriott has great properties but I think that over the long run you will get better value for your purchase price and annual fees with Playa Linda ( you should be able to get Playa Linda. for about 20-30 % lower than Marriott)