Surf Club vs. Ocean Club

[pfrass]

Would someone be willing to summarize the differences between Aruba Surf Club and Ocean Club? Which do people prefer and why?

 

[gores95]

We own at SC primarily because its newer, has a nicer pool area (we think) and has W/D in the rooms.

Honestly if you do a search you will find a TON of info on this subject. Try one.

 

[m61376]

Marc is right in suggesting a search. But- very briefly here are the advantages of each:
SC:
newer
units a little bigger
washer/dryer in each unit
larger resort
high rise buildings- some like the better view from the higher floors
Lazy River/bigger pool complex

OC:
smaller resort
low rise- only 6 floors. All units OF or OV; some views blocked by palm trees and line of sight may be blocked by palapas (palapas at the SC were not allowed to block line of sight)

More palapas per keyed room so more readily available
less crowded pool and sitting area; quieter


The two resorts are adjacent so share the same slice of beach. The OC is a quieter resort, the SC has nicer facilities (that is purely my opinion and there are many here who will say just the opposite). The OC is between the SC and the Marriott Hotel. They are both great resorts and Aruba is a really nice destination, so you can't go wrong with either.

 

[qlaval]

At the OC you can book either Xmas, New-Year, Presidents weeks and Spring break.
Units are newer in the SC but by 2010 it will be the other way around..as the OC units will be entirely redone.
But then a few years later when the SC will redo his it will be again the other way around and so on...

 

[DaveMac]

Quick Question: True or False, if you own at either Ocean Club or Surf Club you can use the pools, gyms, etc at the Marriott Resort and the other Vacation Club property during your stay (Stay at one/Play at all). Thanks!

 

[bogeygolf]

Comparing pools

I've been to both, and I have to say the pool at SC is so much better than OC. It's much bigger, has a water slide, lazy river and just overall nicer! With that being said, however SC is much more crowded and harder to get lounge chairs and good spots. With OC, the pool is quieter and less people.

How's the beach these days? Do they still have the boat dock near SC? I did not like the beach that much when I visited.

 

[Zac495]

False - you can't use the pool at either - only your own.

Ocean Club - I much prefer it. I am a BIG pool person. I love a great pool Ocean is a GREAT pool. Surf is a bigger pool. Both have swim up bars. Surf is big because of the lazy river - but it's not a great lazy river (go to Hyatt Coconut plantation - now THAT is a lazy river!)

The views are great at OC. Of course if you have a low floor, it won't be ocean, but it's so nice there! I prefer the smaller area.

Surf - the marketplace is right there - that's a plus.

 

[gores95]

I've been to both, and I have to say the pool at SC is so much better than OC. It's much bigger, has a water slide, lazy river and just overall nicer!

Does SC have a water slide? We were there three years ago but I do not remember the slide.

 

[bogeygolf]

Does SC have a water slide? We were there three years ago but I do not remember the slide.

Yes, it does have a water slide. It's not great but it is a water slide. I believe it was located right adjacent to the entrance of the hotel lobby, on one end of the pool opposite of the beach end. My kids used it daily and I remember having to slide down with my daughter because she wasn't tall enough.

 

[frb]

So does the Ocean Club have central washers and dryers? It would be nice to do laundry instead of having to pack for the whole week (especially for a family of 5).

 

[MOXJO7282]

SC has washer and dryers in the 2 and 1 BDRM units.

Regards.
Joe

 

[qlaval]

So does the Ocean Club have central washers and dryers? It would be nice to do laundry instead of having to pack for the whole week (especially for a family of 5).

There are FREE washers and dryers on each floor. (not in the villas)

 

[qlaval]

Quick Question: True or False, if you own at either Ocean Club or Surf Club you can use the pools, gyms, etc at the Marriott Resort and the other Vacation Club property during your stay (Stay at one/Play at all). Thanks!

False.

Except for the OC guests that can use the Marriott Stellaris gym.

 

[m61376]

As you can see, OC and SC owners each have a big difference of opinion as to which resort has nicer pool facilities. Personally, I love the Lazy River at the SC and find it a very relaxing way to spend an hour or so during the day. The SC pool is significantly larger, it has the Lazy River and a water slide for the kids, but it is more populated. I did not find it crowded, even in peak season, but others might consider it crowded. The pool at the OC is much quieter.

The boat dock is now to the side of the SC; it was moved from its former position. That has opened up the beach area significantly and they have added more palapas to the area, as well as bimini chaises (chaises with a built in canopy for shade).