eli

We have a free week at any Marriott and decided to take a family vacation at the Aruba resort. I can upgrade to a suite for an extra $60 a night. Anyone happen to know if it is worth it to do that for a week. Since a snore like a madman, I thought it might be worthwhile. Anyone have any other comments about the hotel or relevant tips? Thanks

Susan

YES, definitely upgrade at the Aruba Marriott. We stayed there on our honeymoon in the Executive Suite and it was AWESOME!<BR><BR>You truly couldn't ask for a better room with a view!<BR><BR>You and your family will love the resort, very top notch. The pool has a waterfall in it, also they pu up a volleyball net for adults and or kids to play. <BR><BR>They have a swim up pool bar and water aerobics every morning. All the watersports can be rented in front of the property.<BR><BR>The Marriott is the last high rise on Palm Beach, so it isn't very crowded. It really is suitable for everyone. We saw kids there having a ball as well as honeymooners, etc.<BR><BR>Have a blast. I hope you choose this spot, you will not be disapointed with the weather, the service, and the kind friendly people!<BR><BR>Bon Bini

eli

thanks susan for your comments. I feel a lot better since some posters previously said the rooms there were disappointing; I think some said the mattresses were cheap foam rubber, etc.. I hope getting a suite will make a difference. The resort sounds like it will be a blast for my family. If you have any other tips re things to do or not do (e.g., snorkeling, horseback riding, etc.), please let me know.

Linda

Hi Eli - I would definitely spend the extra $$ and upgrade to a suite. I'm not sure if the Marriott Hotel has suites and I'm wondering if they will put you next door at the Marriott Ocean Club, which is all suites. The MOC is wonderful and if that's where you are going then it is really most definitely worth the extra $$. We stayed there a year ago and it's been our best vacation to date.

JBfamily

We are also taking our family to ARUBA for a free Marriott week. I wasn't aware that you could upgrade for $60 a night. We're doing the 066 cert for 6 nights plus the 010 for an ocean view upgrade. Did you call the hotel directly to arrange the extra room suite? Sounds likes an incredible deal! Have fun.

aruba bound

Hey Eli-<BR> We are going to stay at the Marriott & have upgraded to a suite...I sure hope it's good too! We've never been before. About your snoring, talk to your Dr. about sleep apnea. My brother has it (snores terribly), he wears a special breathing mask and hasn't snored since. Have fun!

Susan

Just to forewarn you: Marriott now manages 3 Aruba properties:<BR>1. Marriott Ocean Club (very nice 5 star condos on Palm Beach)<BR>2. Marriott Resort & Casino (just north of MOC. Not nearly as luxurious as MOC. Badly in need of refurbishment. Claims to be 5 star but is only about 3) <BR>3. I can't remember the name of the 3rd property! But of the 3 it is by far the least attractive so make sure they don't put you there. It's either called Reanissance or it used to be a Renaissance...can someone help me out here??? Marriott recently acquired this 3rd property.)

B

My husband & I stayed at the Marriot Resort & Casino a year ago and thought the hotel was quite nice and I consider it a 4 star hotel. The room was comfortable and the maid keep it clean. The pool area with the waterfall was also very enjoyable. I like the swim-up-to bar! The staff was very friendly and helpful. The Marriott Ocean Club next door is a Time Share property, I'm not aware that you can book a vacation there unless you have a time share. The lobby area in the Resort & Casino building is much nicer than the one in the Ocean Club. We had a great time and hope to go there again! PS- how does everyone seem to get a "free" week at a Marriott?????

Brocks

You get a free week by staying joining the Marriott Rewards programs and by staying at Marriotts a lot. My company doesn't let us stay at Marriotts anymore, so this is our last Marriott free week.

Laura

Can someone explain the location of the Ocean Club relative to the Resort and Casino? I heard that the Ocean Club guests can use all of the ammenities and pools etc of the Resort and Casino, but is it close by? Walking distance? Are there Ocean views at the Ocean Club? <BR><BR>We also have many free weeks at Marriotts and are considering this hotel for our honeymoon. We are just trying to decide between the regular hotel and the Ocean Club condos. <BR><BR>Any info would be greatly appreciated. <BR><BR>Thanks!

Susan

Hi Laura,<BR><BR>Yes, that is true, you can you both facilities. I really love the resort itself, because I am not one to cook on my vacation/honeymoon.<BR><BR>They are kind of interlinked between each other. Both resorts, you have to take a path to the fitness center. That is centrally located between the two.<BR><BR>You really can't go wrong with either. In my opinion though, the ocean club seems to have somewhat of a more homey type feeling...the Marriott Resort has more of a resort feeling. I do think the pool at the Marriott Resort is much prettier...with waterfalls too. Can't remember if the otherone has waterfalls. But you can use eachothers facilities, so you should be fine

Cariblover

The Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino was the first Marriott property on the island. In 1998 the have completed the Marriott Aruba Ocean Club timesharing resort which is south next to the Aruba Marriott Resort. <BR><BR>In April of 2002 Marriott Corp took over Sonesta Resort in Oranjestad and renamed it Aruba Rennaissance Resort and Casino. In May of 2002 Marriott started construction of a new resort of 420 rooms South of the Aruba Marriott Ocean Club it will be called Aruba Marriott Resort Surf Club. Marriott will be the largest resort corp in Aruba having atleast 1,700 rooms on the island.

Laura

What about the difference between a Suite at the Resort vs the Ocean Club condos?

Susan

Laura-<BR><BR>The suite at the resort is amazing, and absolutely worth it. It does not have a kitchen, if that is what you are looking for.<BR><BR>The suite is on the very front and has a wrap around balcany...super wonderful. My husband and I stayed there on our honeymoon.<BR><BR>The ocean club has various rooms, but all are very nice. You probably won't get such an amazing view like the suite though.