Surfwatch Update

[CAROLW]

I have posted a few times about the problem with the lack of available lounge chairs during the week I was at Surfwatch (7/27-8/3). I also felt that more umbrellas were needed by the pools and by the bar. I know this problem (of people reserving chairs early in the morning by placing towels on them and then not using them most of the day) occurs at a lot of the resorts, but we all pay a lot of money for our timeshare weeks and the amenities that go with them, so I do not feel that the resorts should allow this to happen.

I just received a phone call from the manager at Surfwatch. He said this was the first time that this has ever been a problem at this resort and that because of the high temps (104 degrees on a few days) more people were at the pools. Also the jelly fish kept a lot of people off of the beach., etc, etc, etc.

Anyway he said they are addressing this problem and that it will never happen again. They ordered more umbrellas and they ordered place cards for each lounge chair. (forgot to ask him how exactly the place cards would work) He said he will personally be out by the pools each am and not allow people to leave their towels and then leave the pool area. He will then have staff check every 45 minutes and remove towels from chairs that are not being used. (and the owners not in the pool).

Of course this solution may or may not work. But if enough of us complain to our resorts when we and our children are forced to sit on concrete while most chairs are not occupied, eventually the practice of reserving chairs should stop.

For any of you who are going to SW soon, please let us know how the new policy is working there. (or not)

 

[tlwmkw]

We were at Surfwatch at the beginning of the summer and had no problems. The resort was at "full occupancy" according to the staff but didn't seem to be crowded at all. There were always chairs available and I didn't see any "reserved" with towels. Even the beach didn't seem too crowded- nothing like the area at MGO where the beach can get very crowded with all the Coligny people coming onto the beach. We didn't see any jelly fish but the water was probably colder then. I imagine that it is busier as the summer goes on (though how it can get more occupied than "full" I don't know).

That said I'm glad that you addressed this with the staff there- I hope this doesn't become a problem at all times. They need to stay on their toes to prevent problems like this.

 

[suskey]

I will be there the first week of Sept. I am impressed that the manager called you back to address the issues. That's good customer service.

Will let you know how it goes when I am there.

Is there any specific building I should request?

Susan

 

[CAROLW]

Yes, I was also very impressed that the manager called me at home...and is quickly resolving the problems.

We like the Ocean Marsh Building and the Tide Mark building as they both overlook the main pool. If you request an upper floor you will have a view of the ocean. Distant, but nice.

The Ocean Dunes building is the closest to the beach and is in between the beach and the main pool. Offers the best view of the ocean.

The walk on the boardwalk to the beach is really very nice. And if carrying too much, there are carts available. The cart drivers are so very nice and were great with my kids, especially Ozzie and Bernard.

 

[bobcat]

I will be there the first week of Sept. I am impressed that the manager called you back to address the issues. That's good customer service.

Will let you know how it goes when I am there.

Is there any specific building I should request?

Susan

We will also be there the first week of Sept. We are owners of Barony. I called to ask about a building request. I was told by the manager since we traded in what ever the II number is, that is where we will be staying. If it was a garden unit then you will stay in a garden unit. etc. I will call again before we leave.

 

[1st Class]

CAROLW,

How sad it is that the resort manager must become the "lounge chair police" simply because good manners are not universal. I am of the opinion that your approach was a good one since a gentle reminder from someone in authority may be needed for those who are clueless that their selfish behavior negatively impacts other guests. Thank you for speaking for the scores of others for whom civility and consideration are a way of life.

 

[suskey]

We will also be there the first week of Sept. We are owners of Barony. I called to ask about a building request. I was told by the manager since we traded in what ever the II number is, that is where we will be staying. If it was a garden unit then you will stay in a garden unit. etc. I will call again before we leave.

I just called today and they said they would be happy to take my request for a specific building. Wonder what's up with that?? Of course, they said it could not be guaranteed..but they would try to honor my request.

Susan

 

[David10225]

I am at Barony Beach this week. I sat by the pool for 2 1/2 hours this morning. When I got there, most of all the seats had towels on them. Directly across from me was a set of 8 chairs..all covered...during the 2 1/2 hours I was there..no one sat or came to any of those chairs...so this is obviously happening everywhere. I just don't understand what anyone can do about it....but I sure wish someone had an answer..

 

[m61376]

It really seems to be a universal problem. The Surf Club has taken a lot of bashing for this, but it seems like all the resorts with popular pools share the problem.

Management really should stop being afraid of incurring the wrath of inconsiderate people, because it creates a self-perpetuating system. It forces you to go down earlier and commandeer chaises for yourself, or risk not having any. It is very aggravating watching towels enjoy the shade of a nice umbrella or palapa or a good location/view.

Half in jest I've suggested a time-stamp system, such that you'd have to place a metered stamp on your lounge when leaving it; after an hour, your belongings could easily be removed with no argument. A few time-stamp machines in the area would save a lot of hassle, both for guests and management. It is hard for security to otherwise remember which lounges have been unoccupied for an hour or more. Admittedly, we are adults on vacation and it seems ridiculous, but too many people have a sense of entitlement rather than respect for others.

 

[CAROLW]

For the person at the Barony, call the front desk and complain. I am sure you wouldn't be the first person. If you do not see any response call management and if not fixed, give them a bad review on your customer survey when you return.

It took the bad review on the customer survey for me to get a response from management. The management team is affected by the reviews and it forces them to take action. If still a problem, a letter to Mr. Marriott himself might help.