- Joined
- Aug 2, 2006
- Messages
- 7,238
- Reaction score
- 293
- Location
- NY
- Resorts Owned
- Marriott Aruba Surf Club 2 & 3BRs
I think it is a combination of perhaps underestimating the demand but, more noteably, overestimating what the Aruban government would allow. They applied for many more than they were given permits for. Evidentally, the government allowed views from the villas to be impaired by palapas at the OC, but at the SC restricted their construction so as to give a clear line of view to the water. Marriott's mistake, perhaps, was not in determining what their limitations would be prior to designing the scope of the project. I think they assumed they would get what they want and were thwarted.
And, I REALLY agree that one of the biggest problems, not only at the SC, but at many resorts, is chair/umbrella/palapa "hogging." People think they have the right to retain an amenity for future use later in the day, or even in case they may want it later. People lie on the beach but reserve lounges poolside and vice versa. They go shopping or snorkeling on another beach, or take an excursion, but don't give up their palapa reservation, so they can be sure of having the one they want when they make it to the beach in the mid or late afternoon. It is the "if I can get it, why not keep it in case I need it" mentality and it becomes self-perpetuating- because since others do it, you become nervous if you don't then nothing will be left for you later on. While the 2 hour rule is nice (although I am not sure 2 hours is not excessive, except possibly during the lunchtime period), everyone knows it is a rule without much teeth, because it is nearly impossible for security to enforce it. Devising a way to monitor how long people are gone (possibly with a timestamp sticker system or some other way) would go a long way. Once people realize that saving for later will not be tolerated and their stuff moved, the cycle will be broken and there will be more facilities available for people to actually use.