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Living thru Hell Week Aruba right now

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Weimaraner

Weimaraner

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I know this is always a sensitive topic because it involves [a group that] takes over the Marriott Aruba properties, both Surf and Ocean, for a week in January. But I'm suffering through it right now so I am feeling like talking about it.

I have my small child for her first trip to Aruba and it's been ruined by inconsiderate parents who let their kids ages 7 to young teen run free in packs without supervision. Not just a few kids...we mean large groups of kids who have taken over to disrupt, steal and harass others trying to enjoy a pleasant vacation. Not everyone is bad and I've met parents of other small children who are friendly anc provide the same level of supervision for their 6 year olds as I do. I'm talking about the others.

What have I seen firsthand? Guests complaining of young boys stealing towels, young children jumping cannonball style into the lazy river, swimming backwards, making competition of swimming under my guest, throwing footballs near small children, and jumping off the rocks into the lazy river. Today was last straw when a teen threw a kid in the hot tub. He saw me and said "what is she going to call the police?" And soon after security showed up and I pulled him aside to talk to him when the teenager started to verbally assault me for telling on him. I am afraid of running into him again. Security said they received several complaints. If there were parents or chaperones doing their job, life would be better.

I'm embarrassed to also say we went to a cultural showcase at the Palm Beach mall where some of these kids moved to sit on stage, picked up a dancer's headdress to jump around and worst of all...jumped on stage to dance and bow as these young ladies tried to walk forward to be introduced and receive recognition for performing four Aruban dances. I would have hauled my kid off stage but these parents thought it was cute and took pictures.

Don't get me wrong I love the Aruba Marriotts but I wish I had heeded the warnings about this week. This is a great place to stay, except this week!!! We are Premier Plus owners snd I will avoid this week at all costs in the future.
 
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I will be there this July 4th week at the Surf. I guess I should expect the same but hopefully not. Sorry to hear.
 
You'll be fine in July. It's a week in January that all heck breaks lose. A big group that plans a conference and holds events on beach. I heard of it before but really wanted to take my daughter in January thinking it would not impact us. You would think a woman with a small child would receive a little respect, but no such luck.
 
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Wow, I'm so sorry to hear this - and such a lovely property. I hope you get away from the packs and get to enjoy some of Arubas beauty.

It's a great property - and I will note to visit in Feb.

Best,

Greg
 
Did you rent a car? I know you should be able to enjoy the resort, but Aruba has some fantastic beaches that are not to be missed. Check them out if you have a rental car. Perhaps getting off site for the day will make things more bearable.
 
GregT said:
Wow, I'm so sorry to hear this - and such a lovely property. I hope you get away from the packs and get to enjoy some of Arubas beauty.

It's a great property - and I will note to visit in Feb.

Best,

Greg
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I'm sorry to hear it, too, but that's what some of us say every year when these reports are posted. This isn't a new nuisance!

If I were an owner at Aruba Surf Club or Ocean Club I'd be contacting Marriott execs and my resort boards with my concerns. As an onsite guest, whether owner or not, I'd be insistent on meeting the resort GM in order to voice my concerns in person.

IMO it's ridiculous that Marriott allows this to continue year after year after year!
 
joewillie12 said:
I will be there this July 4th week at the Surf. I guess I should expect the same but hopefully not. Sorry to hear.
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We were there 4th of July week 2012. Actually at the Ocean Club. The beaches were crowded like Mid-Summer Myrtle Beach. Nearly every square foot of sand occupied.
 
SueDonJ said:
I'm sorry to hear it, too, but that's what some of us say every year when these reports are posted. This isn't a new nuisance!

If I were an owner at Aruba Surf Club or Ocean Club I'd be contacting Marriott execs and my resort boards with my concerns. As an onsite guest, whether owner or not, I'd be insistent on meeting the resort GM in order to voice my concerns in person.

IMO it's ridiculous that Marriott allows this to continue year after year after year!
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I agree completely.
 
I think of I had a phone that could take video, I'd be shooting some of the shenanigans and send them directly to MVCI with a well worded complaint.
 
Mr. Vker said:
I agree completely.
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There have been a few reports that Marriott responded to legitimate, detailed complaints with compensation. As sad as it sounds, I really think that this won't be stopped until the compensation equals or exceeds whatever financial benefit Marriott is gaining from this group. That's why I'd make sure to voice my concerns - because apparently, with this situation, nothing else seems to make a difference to Marriott.
 
Thanks for the heads up. I've read that's a very busy week. I don't mind kids and families having fun and horsing around a little but rude and obnoxious I will not tolerate. I have a 3 bedroom so I'll have a large crew to take care of any of the trouble makers.haha. Also bringing a very early riser to reserve those chairs and beach spots that will be at a premium for that week.
Mr. Vker said:
We were there 4th of July week 2012. Actually at the Ocean Club. The beaches were crowded like Mid-Summer Myrtle Beach. Nearly every square foot of sand occupied.
Click to expand...
 
dougp26364 said:
I think of I had a phone that could take video, I'd be shooting some of the shenanigans and send them directly to MVCI with a well worded complaint.
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Better yet, post them on the Internet. Post on YouTube or make a Facebook page for "Kids behaving badly at Marriotts". See how fast that negative publicity gets their attention!
 
This may not be the actual "hell" week group as they go to Aruba during NYS regents week. Regents week is next week. This could just be a group of extremely poorly behaved children.
 
I have read reports on this same group causing havoc at the Surf Club on other Aruba Forums. In fact, the post by Waimaramer pales in comparison to others I have seen. As I understand, the Resort prepares for their arrival by having extra security on hand. It is bewildering to the rest of us why this kind of behavior is allowed to continue. Apparently, this very large group throws lots and lots on money around.
 
ilene13 said:
This may not be the actual "hell" week group as they go to Aruba during NYS regents week. Regents week is next week. This could just be a group of extremely poorly behaved children.
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If this is true, you have not seen anything yet! It will get way worse.:(
 
We go every other year for two weeks to the Ocean Club including the fourth of July. Crowded but not overwhelming. Plenty of palabas available in the back. Surf Club seems much more crowded.

[inappropriate comment deleted]
 
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SueDonJ said:
There have been a few reports that Marriott responded to legitimate, detailed complaints with compensation. As sad as it sounds, I really think that this won't be stopped until the compensation equals or exceeds whatever financial benefit Marriott is gaining from this group. That's why I'd make sure to voice my concerns - because apparently, with this situation, nothing else seems to make a difference to Marriott.
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Very true. I was told it had gotten better after Marriott reps met with group representatives a few years back. Unfortunately, memories are short and especially with the new Ritz at the adjacent property I'd expect them to be especially responsive to complaints this year.

Sadly, it appears the parents have absolved themselves of parental responsibilities for their vacation, and unsupervised children are a recipe for disaster.

I am surprised that with the new Ritz they aren't really upping security this year. While owners certainly have the right to book their owned weeks, Marriott can strictly enforce resort rules to ensure a wonderful vacation experience that all guests deserve.

Please let's remember not to let this conversation devolve with ethnic or religious aspersions....
 
ilene13 said:
This may not be the actual "hell" week group as they go to Aruba during NYS regents week. Regents week is next week. This could just be a group of extremely poorly behaved children.
Click to expand...

Sunbum said:
If this is true, you have not seen anything yet! It will get way worse.:(
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It is true. This week is not NY Regents Exams, also known as hell week. It is next week.
 
joewillie12 said:
Thanks for the heads up. I've read that's a very busy week. I don't mind kids and families having fun and horsing around a little but rude and obnoxious I will not tolerate. I have a 3 bedroom so I'll have a large crew to take care of any of the trouble makers.haha. Also bringing a very early riser to reserve those chairs and beach spots that will be at a premium for that week.
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It was just busy. I can't remember any moments of frustration with other folks on vacation at the same time. Just tons of them. :D And hey, you are in Aruba! Enjoy. Sounds like you have a plan of attack.
 
ilene13 said:
This may not be the actual "hell" week group as they go to Aruba during NYS regents week. Regents week is next week. This could just be a group of extremely poorly behaved children.
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I checked the calendars of several of the schools and they are definitely off this week. I think this is "hell" week this year. I guess it doesn't necessarily coincide with NYS Regents.

I would definitely go to the management team and express your concern about the quality of your vacation. Explain to them that you are not just irritated, but concerned for your own safety.
 
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jlp879 said:
Better yet, post them on the Internet. Post on YouTube or make a Facebook page for "Kids behaving badly at Marriotts". See how fast that negative publicity gets their attention!
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Probably a better idea than sending them to a dead letter file at Marriott. If just one goes viral (facebook might help) with the Marriott name as a tag, it might get the necessary corrective action going. Sometimes one has to shine a light on the problem for it to be seen, recognized and then dealt with in an appropriate fashion.
 
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