Marriott Grande Ocean views

[JBRES1]

Today we were confirmed into the G.O. resort for next july 13,2007 using a "gift of time " deposit from the Ocean Pointe resort.
We are very happy to have the exchange , and now I am trying to find out
what the Marriott code of "OCES" means. I tend to think that the OCES stands for Ocean Side , but was hoping another TUGGER may know for sure.
Thanks in advance,
Jim Breslin

 

[lweverett]

I could be wrong, but I think that all units are either oceanfront ot oceanview. The resort is layed out as sort of a "W". The southern half surounds the family and kids pools, snack bar, and beach bar. The bar tender there is sort of a celebrity. The northern half surounds a quieter pool with vegetation that blocks views from lower floors.

 

[Dave M]

The units are designated as "Oceanfront" and "Oceanside". About 75% of the units are Oceanside and a high percentage of them have no ocean view, primarily because of tree growth that obstructs the view. As stated, the most likely Oceanside units to have an ocean view are those on the top floor and those on the South side of the property (Kingfisher, Sand Dollar, Laughing Gull and Starfish) where there are fewer high trees.

Yes, OCES means Oceanside. However, even if the designation was for an Oceanfront unit, it's almost certain that as an exchanger, you'll get an Oceanside unit when specific units are assigned one to two weeks before check-in.

 

[rsackett]

Will all Grande Ocean units be non-smoking by next year?

Thanks Ray

 

[Dave M]

They should all be non-smoking by next spring.

All five of the buildings in the north half of the resort have had their 10-year refurbishment and are non-smoking. The remaining 149 units are due for refurbishing this coming winter and will then be non-smoking.

Smoking is still allowed on balconies.

 

[Dean]

The unit deposited will have no meaning. Exchangers are usually assigned the ocean side units with no view, usually 1st floor. Exceptions would be off season which of course this is not.

 

[Dave M]

I agree.

I tried to communicate that in the second paragraph of post #3, but Dean's comment is more complete.

 

[jme]

Regardless of where you're assigned, assuming 1st or 2nd floor, it'll be a great unit. The refurbished ones are beautiful , and as an owner, they turned out beyond my expectations. We just completed 3 consecutive weeks in June, and loved every minute. Views of the ocean will come only with oceanfront buildings or most 4th floors anywhere or all 5th floors anywhere. Most 3rd floors (and down) in ANY oceanside building will look into the gnarly oak trees.....Yes, it blocks the view of the ocean (sometimes) but it's also a wonderful view in that it looks into the shady undergrowth of those gorgeous gnarly oak trees around the lagoons in the North section, and views the various pools in the south section. As a trader-in, don't despair...you'll have a blast.... even as an owner, we don't always get ocean views, altho we do have one oceanfront platinum (& get it then) along with the other o/s platinums. In a full decade, we've never had a BAD unit, as there are none at Grande Ocean. Some of the (unexpected) best weeks were actually on the 1st or 2nd floors of the lagoon (N.) side , looking into those lagoons, and the evenings on the balcony listening to the "froggy chorus" were great, and the shady and serene setting was so wonderful..... To me, it's a big plus to have so many different experiences within one big resort, and we look forward to each assignment. jme

 

[JBRES1]

Thanks to all that posted.
I am looking forward to this trip next summer, and have hopes of getting a new unit .

Here is the only bad thing about this exchange- Now that I have my summer trip planned for 2007 what am I to so now.
Jim Breslin

 

[seatrout]

Summer is 3 months

You can also go in June and August

 

[MOXJO7282]

I exchanged into GO last Oct. I was placed in the Sand Castle building, which is the closest building to the road, so it had no view to speak of. Views really add to the experience for me, but the lack of one doesn't take away.

I had a chance to check out the OF units, because I made a friend of someone from my area, who was renting one. I thought so much of the OF units, its what enticed me to buy one, when I saw a good deal on one.

You will enjoy the resort immensely no matter which unit you get, but if you are lucky enough to get into a nice OF, it will truly be special.

Regards.
Joe

 

[Dean]

Here is the only bad thing about this exchange- Now that I have my summer trip planned for 2007 what am I to so now.
Jim Breslin

Start planning 2008. To me, that is one of the best parts of timesharing. When I go on vacation, I usually already have at least one more lined up (sometimes more) and am working on another or more. It does lessen the post vacation letdown I used to get. Have a great trip.

 

[jme]

I agree with planning way ahead.....we are on a mission to try (several times) the various east-coast Marriotts, and we've been to Myrtle's Ocean Watch and Palm Beach's Ocean Pointe, and next month we're headed to BeachPlace Towers in Ft. Lauderdale. Can't wait. It's our last fling of the summer. I do love the various looks and feels of each beach resort. (We've also been to Kaua'i , Newport Coast Villas, and Frenchman's Reef/virgin Isles...amazing places!) I only wish Marriott would develop MORE coastal resorts, as they would sell quickly, now that folks have gotten the message as to the amazing quality and amenities of Marriott resorts. They should have one around the North Carolina coastal beaches, and another one or two in Florida. Amelia Island outside of Jacksonville would be a good choice, too----they should ask me first! Yes, the prices are way high, but the vacation experiences are very predictable, and for families with growing kids, they are ideal. The pools, deli, activities, etc. are fantastic. jme

 

[pcgirl54]

Dean,ditto on the preplanning. We do the same. Makes me happy to dream about the next adventure.

We stayed at GO last fall . I think it was building 8, on the 3rd or 4th floor. Need the 5th floor or higher for a view. It's a great location,one of the best on HH but I prefer a clearer view rather than have a dark grove of mature trees.

 

[JBRES1]

Dean,
I have this summer at Ocean Pointe to look forward to, Cancun for spring break , then G.O . next summer.
I have a request in with II for spring break 2008 and am now thinking about the summer of 2008, but not sure where we want to go yet so no plans. Who can think that far in advance ? Not me !!!

I think my big problem is that I love the hunt for the vacations, and when I get the reservation I move on to the next trip.
I'm kinda the same way in business, I love the work that leads up to the big order, but don't really like to follow up.
Jim Breslin

 

[garyo]

We just returned from our first visit to Grand Ocean during July 4th week. We were on the 3rd floor of Laughing Gull and were very pleased with the villa and the view. As was stated earlier the first and second levels had limited views because of the trees and shrubs. The only problem we had with the villa was a non-working ice maker that took them 3 days to repair.

We will be writing a review of the resort but we were quite surprised at the amount of disrepair of the resort. Many of the gas grills did not work and many of the pathway lights were out. The pools were quite dirty and the grounds in general were unkept and just did not have what I consider the Marriott touch.

Perhaps we just hit a very busy week there as the resort was completely full. Don't get wrong because we did enjoy our stay very much.

 

[Dean]

Dean,
I have this summer at Ocean Pointe to look forward to, Cancun for spring break , then G.O . next summer.
I have a request in with II for spring break 2008 and am now thinking about the summer of 2008, but not sure where we want to go yet so no plans. Who can think that far in advance ? Not me !!!

I think my big problem is that I love the hunt for the vacations, and when I get the reservation I move on to the next trip.
I'm kinda the same way in business, I love the work that leads up to the big order, but don't really like to follow up.
Jim Breslin

We're pretty much the same it appears just that I'm a few months ahead of you in planning. Maybe that'll give me a leg up.

 

[pfrass]

As a question to Dave's response that those who trade in as an exchange for an oceanfront unit will always be "downgraded" to an oceanside, would it be correct to assume that an oceanside owner could potentially be "upgraded" to an oceanfront unit? I realize that this would be a rarity, but it must happen occasionally. If so, has anyone had success with this as a request?

 

[Dave M]

The priority for assigning units at Grande Ocean is as follows:

1. Multiple-week GO owners
2. Single-week GO owners
3. GO owners returning on an exchange
4. Other Marriott multiple-week owners on an exchange
5. Other Marriott single-week owners on an exchange
6. Rental and preview guests
7. Non-Marriott owners on an exchange.

That order is a bit misleading because Marriott generally won't upgrade a GO Oceanside owner to Oceanfront. Also, someone who rents from Marriott will get what they reserve - either Oceanfront or Oceanside.

 

[Dean]

As a question to Dave's response that those who trade in as an exchange for an oceanfront unit will always be "downgraded" to an oceanside, would it be correct to assume that an oceanside owner could potentially be "upgraded" to an oceanfront unit? I realize that this would be a rarity, but it must happen occasionally. If so, has anyone had success with this as a request?

Always is a strong word. Those who own OF or OS will almost always get what they own. Those who rent from Marriott, will know what they are getting up front. Unless there are a significant number of units not in use for any given week, assume OS and first floor with no view for any exchange.

 

[KathyPet]

We own at GO and have called room reservations each time to request a unit. We own oceanside and have requested a upgrade to oceanfront and been told "Absolutely not. We do not give oceanfront except to those who own it".