Marriott Aruba Ocean Club Owners Being Ripped Off By Marriott - READ IF AN OWNER

[ecwinch]

I only know that beaches in Aruba are public. Someone else will have to provide the legal insight to where that delinating line is.

However, since the beach (shoreline) is constantly moving, how can the palapas (which are fixed) delineate the break between public and private property?

Here is one definition of the shoreline:

"Shoreline" means the upper reaches of the wash of the waves, other than storm and seismic waves, at high tide during the season of the year in which the highest wash of the waves occurs, usually evidenced by the edge of vegetation growth, or the upper limit of debris left by the wash of the waves.

I think the palapas would be defined as minor structures, as noted here (references are from Hawaiian law - and would probably be entirely different from Aruba/Dutch law).

"Minor structures and activities permitted under rules adopted by the department which do not affect beach processes or artificially fix the shoreline and do not interfere with public access, public views or open space along the shoreline."

And in all the areas I have ever visited, I have never seen someone try to strictly enforce the shoreline. Though I think we might be steering off-topic.

The theme is really that OC was for a time granted a right, that the SC BOD later revoked due to the OC asserting their rights to not share the palapas. I think that it is quid pro quo. The right was "granted" by MVCI to offset the impact of the nearby construction. It was not a permanent grant.

Back to the topic at hand however. Are we not at the 14 day limit for the special meeting being called? Has it been called as required by the by-laws?

 

[qlaval]

From the first row of palapas to the resort is not public beach. That stretch of sand is included as resort property when they're built. Only the beach in front of the first row of palapas to the sea is public. That goes for all resorts. If the beach from the sea to the resort's back door was public, then the resorts couldn't build the palapas to begin with.

I don't think that's the case.
Resorts need a permit to build a number of palapas on the public beach.
One problem that the SC encountered is that the number of palapas allowed was much lower then anticipated at first.
More if you remember Marriott tried in the past to remove a few water sports outlets on the beach and was unable to do so because mainly because they were on public land...

 

[luvmypt]

I don't think that's the case.
Resorts need a permit to build a number of palapas on the public beach.
One problem that the SC encountered is that the number of palapas allowed was much lower then anticipated at first.
More if you remember Marriott tried in the past to remove a few water sports outlets on the beach and was unable to do so because mainly because they were on public land...

If, from the front row palapas to the resorts back door is public as you say then why isn't the public allowed to use that portion of the beach? On the hand, why can't I use the beach at the Costa Linda or any other resort if I'm not staying there? Like I said, each resort has a certain amount of beach area that belongs to that resort.

Enough about the beaches. This thread has gotten off course and needs to get back to the task at hand.

Anybody get their assessement bill yet or does anybody know when they're going to be sent out? Here it is almost the end of April and I've neither heard nor read anything current on the assessements.

 

[ecwinch]

Has the special meeting been called and set? I think we are past the 14 day mark now.

 

[m61376]

I don't think that's the case.
Resorts need a permit to build a number of palapas on the public beach.
One problem that the SC encountered is that the number of palapas allowed was much lower then anticipated at first.
More if you remember Marriott tried in the past to remove a few water sports outlets on the beach and was unable to do so because mainly because they were on public land...

That's true. One of the problems that Marriott encountered was that the Arubian government would not allow any palapas at the SC to be erected which blocked the line of sight from any of the villas, which resulted in fewer permits being granted. Marriott had not expected this, since the palapas at the OC were allowed to interfere with the villa views. This was a restriction that was enacted in between the two properties being built.

It is my understanding that anyone can use any beach, but they can't use facilities that are owned by any given resort. In other words, a cruise ship passenger can plop their belongings in front of the best palapas at the OC and block their views, but they can't do so with the OC lounges.

While the OC prohibits SC owners from crossing the imaginary separation line with their lounges, and they can't place the SC towels on the beach in front of the OC, if any SC (or any other owner/visitor/resident) wanted to bring their own chairs, beach blankets and/or beach umbrellas, they could set them up wherever they pleased.

In actuality, that is a real concern with the new condo development. While OC owners have protected their beach rights and unceremoniously throw off SC owners who venture over with their chaises, I don't think there is anything they can do if condo owners come down with chairs, umbrellas, blankets, etc. All that area at the shoreline that is now free, since the OC opted not to have bimini chaises at the beach, is prime area to occupy. If that development ever finishes, I think that is a real concern. People will flock to the least crowded beach in the vicinity and probably the beachfront behind the pier and the OC's are prime candidates.

 

[qlaval]

As of April 24, did anyone received the SA billing yet?

 

[vincenzi]

SA Billing

As of April 24, did anyone received the SA billing yet?

To date, I have not received the SA billing.

 

[lovearuba]

Chandeliers for the ocean club lobby

Does anyone from San Antonio know the artist Gini Garcia. I heard from friends that just came back from Aruba that the staff were talking about this artist. They indicated that Steve Richards also from San Antonio and VP of the Ocean club board chose her. I understand she is going to be commissioned to do new chandeliers. Not sure why we should be paying for new chandeliers but I am sure they must be beautiful. I found her website and have to say they look pricey.

I also heard these are estimated to be around $18K dollars and that the artist visited both the ocean club and Orlando to plan for the new lights.

Here is the website, has anyone else heard about this plan.

Gini Garcia http://www.garciaartglass.com/index.php

 

[qlaval]

...Not sure why we should be paying for new chandeliers but I am sure they must be beautiful. I found her website and have to say they look pricey...

As for myself I don't mind paying for a very nice lobby.
The "Whoa" factor always count when you're looking to make a good impression.
Most resorts/hotels have a few of these artists items in their respective lobby.
I don't see why the OC wouldn't have them as well.
When renting, using or inviting guests it is always nice to proud of "your" resort.
If they were to purchase expensive imported rugs for people to step on then I would mind but to make the place beautiful then I don't.
I don't want my resort to look like a another regular TS on the island as I expect more for the price I paid...

 

[lovearuba]

Chandeliers for the ocean club lobby

Good Point. I'm not really opposed to new chandeliers, just curious about the timing and the artist. I was wondering if Marriott uses her for all of their hotels.

 

[Zac495]

Good Point. I'm not really opposed to new chandeliers, just curious about the timing and the artist. I was wondering if Marriott uses her for all of their hotels.

Yes - I'm interested, too. Have you heard of this artist, Eric? Aren't you from the same area? THANKS!

 

[Sunbum]

Does anyone from San Antonio know the artist Gini Garcia. I heard from friends that just came back from Aruba that the staff were talking about this artist. They indicated that Steve Richards also from San Antonio and VP of the Ocean club board chose her. I understand she is going to be commissioned to do new chandeliers. Not sure why we should be paying for new chandeliers but I am sure they must be beautiful. I found her website and have to say they look pricey.

I also heard these are estimated to be around $18K dollars and that the artist visited both the ocean club and Orlando to plan for the new lights.

Here is the website, has anyone else heard about this plan.

Gini Garcia http://www.garciaartglass.com/index.php

Wow! Are they ever ugly! I think they need to re-think this one. Just MHO.

 

[ecwinch]

Yes - I'm interested, too. Have you heard of this artist, Eric? Aren't you from the same area? THANKS!

I am from San Antonio, but I have not heard of her.

Of course, I with the economy down, I am not in the market for 18k chandeliers, and her studio is down on the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is kinda like Liberty Park to us locals.

 

[ecwinch]

It is now 21 days since the special meeting request was sent. What is going on?

 

[vincenzi]

Assessment Fees Are On Website

I just checked the Marriott website. The assessment fees are listed. For my two weeks, I owe $1,278.50 which is due on June 1, 2009. Ouch!

 

[lovearuba]

Special assessments

Ouch is right. Its really a shame. Also, Eric I have not heard about the status of the requested meeting but I'm sure when some worthwhile news is available it will be posted.

 

[Chemee]

Our is there as well. At least it's not due in April!

 

[luvmypt]

Ours is listed as well and for our two weeks it's $1131.55. It would have been nice if they had stuck to the original June date to begin with.

 

[d19lane]

Former Ocean Club owner

I've been following this thread for some time now. As a former owner at the Ocean Club, I must say I'm glad to be out. We traded for the Surf Club. I too was not happy with the increase in MF and the special assessments, but I was satified that the numbers were justified. We were at the Ocean Club last Oct and the property is showing it's age so, I think the 10 year remodel is needed. It is just difficult to accept the extra costs...especially in this economy but, as previously stated, I believe they are justified.

Also, I believe the 48% (or whatever it ended up being) that Marriott paid for the roof is more than fair. If the roof was defective (I don't believe it was) then the association is to blame for not finding it before the property was transfered from Marriott. Buyer beware!

I hope your efforts do no negatively impact the Marriott relationship with the Ocean Club nor the Surf Club. I think the Marriott name itself brings value to the properties.

Good luck.

 

[modoaruba]

got statement

Own 4 weeks. Bill is about $2,000.
Great financial timing.
I'm glad the chandelier maker will be able to feed her family. Whew!

 

[NickGpro]

Recieved my statement.

I own 1 week and I owe about $640.00, the timing couldn't be better!

 

[lovearuba]

assessment fees

How many of you got those bills twice? Seems like that must cost money to send the bill more than once but maybe they want to make sure we pay it.

 

[luvmypt]

How many of you got those bills twice? Seems like that must cost money to send the bill more than once but maybe they want to make sure we pay it.

We've received two bills for our one bedroom so far and none for our two bedroom. I guess there's an abundance of money in the MOA fund to waste on these double billing expenditures. BTW, we've already paid the assessments last week on-line.

 

[tlwmkw]

luvmypt,

This is completely off topic but what does your screen-name refer to? Is PT your wife/girlfriend? Or perhaps you love your parrot? I'm always curious how people come up with their screen-names. (Mine is just a combination of initials from my family). Hope I'm not being too nosey.

Thanks, tlwmkw

 

[AwayWeGo]

Just A Guess.

This is completely off topic but what does your screen-name refer to?

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