Recommend Aruba timeshare please?

[Lves2raft]

Hi all, currently own HGVC Platinum deeded with Craigendaroch Scotland. Its 8400 points annually. However, recently fell in love with Aruba and want to be able to visit annually (maybe even more than once) - was thinking of buying into Marriott there perhaps?

Questions:
1. How is Marriott on resale? (What do you lose by not buying direct?)
2. Is there better timeshares to buy into there - DIVI perhaps?
3. Do any of the timeshares there come with all inclusive perks?
4. Reputable timeshare realtor you can recommend?

 

[dioxide45]

I can really only speak to the Marriott properties. When you buy a resale week, in reality that is all you are buying. You can't enroll it in their points product to book other Marriott resorts directly. You can use Interval International to exchange into other Marriott resorts and pay all the fees associated with exchanging.

 

[Lves2raft]

I can really only speak to the Marriott properties. When you buy a resale week, in reality that is all you are buying. You can't enroll it in their points product to book other Marriott resorts directly. You can use Interval International to exchange into other Marriott resorts and pay all the fees associated with exchanging.

You may want to remove the line about making an HGV points booking to rent out as that is technically a violation of the rules and could easily derail your thread.

Thanks! And thanks for heads up. How is using interval? Good to know about not being able to enroll for Marriott points. When I bought HGVC resale I was able to get into the points system. This was many years ago…

 

[dioxide45]

That is the fundamental difference between HGVC and Marriott. HGVC weeks are enrolled in the club points program where Marriott weeks are not. There is a backdoor way to get points for the week, but it required an expensive developer purchase.

An Aruba week will trade great in Interval International and you can actually lock off the week ($90 fee) and deposit both sides to get two trades. Of course, each trade has fees.

 

[Lves2raft]

That is the fundamental difference between HGVC and Marriott. HGVC weeks are enrolled in the club points program where Marriott weeks are not. There is a backdoor way to get points for the week, but it required an expensive developer purchase.

An Aruba week will trade great in Interval International and you can actually lock off the week ($90 fee) and deposit both sides to get two trades. Of course, each trade has fees.

Is there a link or something I can read more about the program for Interval and this idea of two weeks for one? That sounds promising!

 

[alwysonvac]

Everyone has their favorite location/resort in Aruba. It depends on what’s more important to you. For example, beach, resort amenities, etc. Here are some old discussions.

​

Aruba Surf Club vs Ocean Club

I apologize ahead of time if this information is elsewhere but I was not able to locate a comparison of these 2 properties. I am planning a trip to Aruba in March of 2018 for our daughter's college graduation. Grandparents are coming as well. After reading all the reviews for each property, I...

tugbbs.com

Aruba Question on which resort

We are planning a trip to Aruba. I want a clean resort that isn't dated, is clean with no roaches. I was set on La Cabana, then read reviews and now am undecided. Then Costa Linda, then read reviews and am undecided Renaissance but not sure if the location is good. Reviews can make you batty...

tugbbs.com

Aruba - DIVI resorts ?

Looking into going to Aruba in 2018 and staring looking at the RCI DIVI properties. It looks like there are about 4 or 5 different bookings I may be able to make. Divi Golf, Divi Village, Divi Phoenix beach resort, Divi Phoenix beach villas. Any info on these would be helpful. In looks like most...

tugbbs.com

Aruba questions

We are thinking of exchanging into Aruba, possibly summer or fall 2018. We don't exchange much with RCI (not Interval members)... a few questions: 1. Is there really any season better than others in Aruba? Or, is the climate pretty much the same year-round? 2. We'll likely only need a 1BR...

tugbbs.com

To learn more about the Marriott week based system hangout on the TUG Marriott forum. There’s a few sticky threads at the top of the Marriott forum (link). Here are a few newbie threads

Newbie question: can you use a resale Marriott week to book at other MVC properties w/o MVC points?

So as I am learning more and more about both Marriott and Hilton's programs, I have more and more questions... :) This forum is such a great resource. Thank you members for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Anyway, I have learned that that MVC's point system is not available to those who...

tugbbs.com

Lock off Unit and Interval Exchange

I have a lockoff unit at Beachplace Towers in FLA platinum week. I have never tried an exchange thru interval so have some newbie questions. I looked up the TDI for Beachplace on interval and I could book for a week with 150 points. Lets say I book a week and lock it off and just use the studio...

tugbbs.com

Marriott Vacation Club “tiger trader”?

Does Marriott have a resort that trades particularly well in II? Picked up a SDO a couple of years ago and having a blast with the trades we’ve scored. Don’t really care where the resort would be located. If I’m approaching this wrong I’d be open to suggestions. Don’t know much about MVC...

tugbbs.com

MGC Trader

Here I go again, possibly buying another timeshare. This time it’s an EOYE MGC 2 bedroom lockoff. The offer was accepted at $650 plus closing using LT. I doubt it would pass ROFR. In the event it does, can someone tell me; what costs can I expect? I understand the lockoff fee is around $90 and...

tugbbs.com

You might be able to trade into Aruba but it depends on,

• What time of year do you want to travel to Aruba?
• What unit size would you normally need?
• How flexible are your travel dates?
• Does view matter?

Reserving an Oceanfront Aruba Surf Club platinum week as an owner

I'm contemplating the purchase of an oceanfront unit at the surf club in Aruba. Since there aren't that many units that are oceanfront, I was wondering how hard it would be to actually reserve a week in February each year. I realize you have to call at 9 a.m., but wondering if I would be...

tugbbs.com

Good Luck and Welcome to TUG

 

[Lves2raft]

Everyone has their favorite location/resort in Aruba. It depends on what’s more important to you. For example, beach, resort amenities, etc. Here are some old discussions.

​

Aruba Surf Club vs Ocean Club

I apologize ahead of time if this information is elsewhere but I was not able to locate a comparison of these 2 properties. I am planning a trip to Aruba in March of 2018 for our daughter's college graduation. Grandparents are coming as well. After reading all the reviews for each property, I...

tugbbs.com

Aruba Question on which resort

We are planning a trip to Aruba. I want a clean resort that isn't dated, is clean with no roaches. I was set on La Cabana, then read reviews and now am undecided. Then Costa Linda, then read reviews and am undecided Renaissance but not sure if the location is good. Reviews can make you batty...

tugbbs.com

Aruba - DIVI resorts ?

Looking into going to Aruba in 2018 and staring looking at the RCI DIVI properties. It looks like there are about 4 or 5 different bookings I may be able to make. Divi Golf, Divi Village, Divi Phoenix beach resort, Divi Phoenix beach villas. Any info on these would be helpful. In looks like most...

tugbbs.com

Aruba questions

We are thinking of exchanging into Aruba, possibly summer or fall 2018. We don't exchange much with RCI (not Interval members)... a few questions: 1. Is there really any season better than others in Aruba? Or, is the climate pretty much the same year-round? 2. We'll likely only need a 1BR...

tugbbs.com

To learn more about the Marriott week based system hangout on the TUG Marriott forum. There’s a few sticky threads at the top of the Marriott forum (link). Here are a few newbie threads

​

Newbie question: can you use a resale Marriott week to book at other MVC properties w/o MVC points?

So as I am learning more and more about both Marriott and Hilton's programs, I have more and more questions... :) This forum is such a great resource. Thank you members for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Anyway, I have learned that that MVC's point system is not available to those who...

tugbbs.com

Lock off Unit and Interval Exchange

I have a lockoff unit at Beachplace Towers in FLA platinum week. I have never tried an exchange thru interval so have some newbie questions. I looked up the TDI for Beachplace on interval and I could book for a week with 150 points. Lets say I book a week and lock it off and just use the studio...

tugbbs.com

Marriott Vacation Club “tiger trader”?

Does Marriott have a resort that trades particularly well in II? Picked up a SDO a couple of years ago and having a blast with the trades we’ve scored. Don’t really care where the resort would be located. If I’m approaching this wrong I’d be open to suggestions. Don’t know much about MVC...

tugbbs.com

MGC Trader

Here I go again, possibly buying another timeshare. This time it’s an EOYE MGC 2 bedroom lockoff. The offer was accepted at $650 plus closing using LT. I doubt it would pass ROFR. In the event it does, can someone tell me; what costs can I expect? I understand the lockoff fee is around $90 and...

tugbbs.com

You might be able to trade into Aruba but it depends on,

• What time of year do you want to travel to Aruba?
• What unit size would you normally need?
• How flexible are your travel dates?
• Does view matter?

Reserving an Oceanfront Aruba Surf Club platinum week as an owner

I'm contemplating the purchase of an oceanfront unit at the surf club in Aruba. Since there aren't that many units that are oceanfront, I was wondering how hard it would be to actually reserve a week in February each year. I realize you have to call at 9 a.m., but wondering if I would be...

tugbbs.com

Good Luck and Welcome to TUG

This is really great. Thank you so much!

 

[Lves2raft]

Everyone has their favorite location/resort in Aruba. It depends on what’s more important to you. For example, beach, resort amenities, etc. Here are some old discussions.

​

Aruba Surf Club vs Ocean Club

I apologize ahead of time if this information is elsewhere but I was not able to locate a comparison of these 2 properties. I am planning a trip to Aruba in March of 2018 for our daughter's college graduation. Grandparents are coming as well. After reading all the reviews for each property, I...

tugbbs.com

Aruba Question on which resort

We are planning a trip to Aruba. I want a clean resort that isn't dated, is clean with no roaches. I was set on La Cabana, then read reviews and now am undecided. Then Costa Linda, then read reviews and am undecided Renaissance but not sure if the location is good. Reviews can make you batty...

tugbbs.com

Aruba - DIVI resorts ?

Looking into going to Aruba in 2018 and staring looking at the RCI DIVI properties. It looks like there are about 4 or 5 different bookings I may be able to make. Divi Golf, Divi Village, Divi Phoenix beach resort, Divi Phoenix beach villas. Any info on these would be helpful. In looks like most...

tugbbs.com

Aruba questions

We are thinking of exchanging into Aruba, possibly summer or fall 2018. We don't exchange much with RCI (not Interval members)... a few questions: 1. Is there really any season better than others in Aruba? Or, is the climate pretty much the same year-round? 2. We'll likely only need a 1BR...

tugbbs.com

To learn more about the Marriott week based system hangout on the TUG Marriott forum. There’s a few sticky threads at the top of the Marriott forum (link). Here are a few newbie threads

​

Newbie question: can you use a resale Marriott week to book at other MVC properties w/o MVC points?

So as I am learning more and more about both Marriott and Hilton's programs, I have more and more questions... :) This forum is such a great resource. Thank you members for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Anyway, I have learned that that MVC's point system is not available to those who...

tugbbs.com

Lock off Unit and Interval Exchange

I have a lockoff unit at Beachplace Towers in FLA platinum week. I have never tried an exchange thru interval so have some newbie questions. I looked up the TDI for Beachplace on interval and I could book for a week with 150 points. Lets say I book a week and lock it off and just use the studio...

tugbbs.com

Marriott Vacation Club “tiger trader”?

Does Marriott have a resort that trades particularly well in II? Picked up a SDO a couple of years ago and having a blast with the trades we’ve scored. Don’t really care where the resort would be located. If I’m approaching this wrong I’d be open to suggestions. Don’t know much about MVC...

tugbbs.com

MGC Trader

Here I go again, possibly buying another timeshare. This time it’s an EOYE MGC 2 bedroom lockoff. The offer was accepted at $650 plus closing using LT. I doubt it would pass ROFR. In the event it does, can someone tell me; what costs can I expect? I understand the lockoff fee is around $90 and...

tugbbs.com

You might be able to trade into Aruba but it depends on,

• What time of year do you want to travel to Aruba?
• What unit size would you normally need?
• How flexible are your travel dates?
• Does view matter?

Reserving an Oceanfront Aruba Surf Club platinum week as an owner

I'm contemplating the purchase of an oceanfront unit at the surf club in Aruba. Since there aren't that many units that are oceanfront, I was wondering how hard it would be to actually reserve a week in February each year. I realize you have to call at 9 a.m., but wondering if I would be...

tugbbs.com

Good Luck and Welcome to TUG

@alwaysonvac - I’ve read through these links and I would like to run something by you to see if I got this right. I could buy a 2 bed gold season in Aruba MVC for about $7k and about $2k annual MF. Or I could buy two platinum weeks at Marriot Chateau in Vegas - total MF about $2400 but with the trading power of Chateu if I book early enough and am flexible I can likely get into Aruba and probably more than once a year. Or even do lock offs and get even greater value for about the same initial cost and maintenance fees?

 

[alwysonvac]

This is really great. Thank you so much!

You’re welcome. We like Aruba too

Fully disclosure, I don’t own a Marriott timeshare. I love the Marriott resorts and I’ve been tempted to buy a Marriott Aruba week but honestly I don’t have any problems using my non-Marriott timeshare to exchange into the Marriott’s in Aruba via Interval International (II).

Also, several resorts in Aruba are available via Interval International’s cash rentals (aka II Getaways) from time to time.

NOTE: If you become a TUG Member for $15 (link), you’ll have access to the member only TUG Sightings forum (link), where you can get almost a constant view of Interval International exchange availability at popular Marriott resorts.

@alwysonvac - I’ve read through these links and I would like to run something by you to see if I got this right. I could buy a 2 bed gold season in Aruba MVC for about $7k and about $2k annual MF. Or I could buy two platinum weeks at Marriot Chateau in Vegas - total MF about $2400 but with the trading power of Chateau if I book early enough and am flexible I can likely get into Aruba and probably more than once a year. Or even do lock offs and get even greater value for about the same initial cost and maintenance fees?

Yes, if you’re flexible however the questions I previously asked are an important factor to consider. I’ve listed why below.

Q: What time of year do you want to travel to Aruba?
As you can see by the linked threads, there‘s lots of competition during Marriott’s platinum season in Aruba. If that’s when you want to travel then you might be better off renting.

Q: How flexible are your travel dates?
Exchanging works for me because I can travel anything during the year. Not a few specify weeks but anytime over several months.

For Aruba, I generally travel when there’s the greatest exchange availability (see TDI link below). It’s also less crowded and airfares are lower.

Here’s a link to Interval International’s Travel Demand Index (TDI) for the Caribbean (supply vs demand) - https://www.intervalworld.com/iimedia/images/tdi/2022/2022_TDI_78.jpg

Q: Does view matter?
Marriott legacy week owners are guaranteed a view based on their home resort week ownership.
Marriott DC point owners can also book a guarantee room view.
II exchangers don’t get a guaranteed room view and/or location.

NOTE: The Interval International exchange will indicate a Marriott unit code (link) but it’s not a guarantee .

 

[Lves2raft]

I prefer going during summer anyways due to kids being out of school but I can honestly go anytime! The view though…that does matter. Hmm haha ! Thanks for the membership link. Didn’t know about that. Will join.

 

[dioxide45]

Exchanging will add $263 or more to your annual costs. So calculate that into the decision. Is the couple hundred dollars in savings worth the headache of trying to exchange? Any time you are traveling during school holidays, it makes exchange harder.

 

[Lves2raft]

Exchanging will add $263 or more to your annual costs. So calculate that into the decision. Is the couple hundred dollars in savings worth the headache of trying to exchange? Any time you are traveling during school holidays, it makes exchange harder.

True - the initial cost is half though for the purchase itself. I see Aruba Marriott listings for rent (not sale) on Airbnb, Redweek, and the marketplace. Is this allowed with Marriott?

 

[dioxide45]

True - the initial cost is half though for the purchase itself. I see Aruba Marriott listings for rent (not sale) on Airbnb, Redweek, and the marketplace. Is this allowed with Marriott?

Yes, you can rent reservations made with Marriott. You just can't rent confirmations received through Interval International (II).

 

[Lves2raft]

Yes, you can rent reservations made with Marriott. You just can't rent confirmations received through Interval International (II).

Thanks! If I can’t vacation one year - and I get a decent booking time at the Chateau- can it at least cover maintenance fees renting it out?

 

[dioxide45]

Thanks! If I can’t vacation one year - and I get a decent booking time at the Chateau- can it at least cover maintenance fees renting it out?

Grand Chateau is far harder to rent than Aruba. With Grand Chateau you are also competing against 150,000 hotel rooms.

 

[alwysonvac]

I prefer going during summer anyways due to kids being out of school but I can honestly go anytime!

Thanks! If I can’t vacation one year - and I get a decent booking time at the Chateau- can it at least cover maintenance fees renting it out?

Here are some threads I found searching the Marriott forum regarding renting and summer exchange availability.

Marriott Grand Chateau - Room Configuration and Renting 2B Lock Off

Looking at Redweek Marriott Grand Chateau listings a 2 bedroom sleeps 8, a 1 bedroom sleeps 4 and a studio sleeps 2. I believe the studio has a king bed and sleeper sofa, so why would that not be considered sleeps 4? For renting, would you get more money listing the 2 bedroom or is it better to...

tugbbs.com

Aruba Summer 2018

Hi all I have an OGS using a 2 bedroom Grand Vista looking for a 2 bedroom Surf or Ocean Club for any time between June 21st - July 31st 2018. All I currently see are a few 1 bedrooms available for that time period. I know it is still early, but do you think my chances of getting the 2...

tugbbs.com

Exchanging will add $263 or more to your annual costs. So calculate that into the decision.

@dioxide45 also provided a detailed cost breakdown in the “MGC Trader” thread as well (see post #6 above for the link).