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Old 01-19-2009, 08:24 AM   #1 (permalink)
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Info on Occidental

It looks like we are gonna book a room at the Occidental Grand for our honeymoon. I did a search on here but there doesn't seem to be much info. There were a few post of people staying there and saying they were gonna post a review but I could not find them.

We are wanting an ocean front room but it looks like the majority of them are on an angle facing the pool. Is there a certain room/floor to ask for?

Not sure if we are going to rent a car or not but is there a rental company at the hotel? If not what company will bring a car to you and decent deal $$.

We have been looking at various travel companies for the best deal. Would it be best for us to book our excursions through them or on our own? It seems the price is about the same either way? Do most of you buy the insurance with your packages?

Also, how is Delta with flying to Aruba through Atlanta? We are in Cincinnati (Delta hub) and I have thought about flying Delta to get more sky miles. I would probably have enough after this trip for two free flights back. Though I hate flying through Atlanta because I always get delayed there.

Thanks!
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Old 01-19-2009, 08:57 AM   #2 (permalink)
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We own a time share at Occidental and you are correct about the room. To my knowledge when they state oceanfront they are at an angle facing the Ocean but not actually in the front. My timeshare is in the front of the building but it is a large suite a w/ master, livingroom, full kitchen and two baths. I think that is how all the rooms in the front are set up... as large suites.
I suggest you ask for as high a floor as possible above the tree line. That is the best view. (floors 7-9 probably be your best bet).

Rental cars are very easy to get. I believe 99% of them will go right to your hotel. Do a search here in the forums.

For excursions I suggest getting Aruba Discount Coupons to save yourself some $$ and book when you are on the island.
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Old 01-19-2009, 09:20 AM   #3 (permalink)
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As far as adventures and such, I would book them directly-you can usually save some money that way. When you go through a concierge or travel agent you will not get the 'discount'. For example, the Jolly Pirates allow you to save like 12% if you book directly, or they offer 10.00 off per couple. Most things you might want to do usually offer some sort of discount, even if its 5 %. Pretty much what kthy66 said.

Also look into the Honeymoon package that might be available at the hotel you are staying at. Usually includes a free bottle of champagne in room upon arrival and great things like that...just make sure to call hotel prior to arrival and let them know you are honeymooning.
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Old 01-19-2009, 09:25 AM   #4 (permalink)
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One Cool Honeymoon (Year round)
Aruba has always been a favorite destination for romantic getaways, honeymoons and more recently, weddings. Honeymooning couples have always received the red carpet treatment on Aruba. The island, long thought of as a couples' paradise for its idyllic scenery and laid back lifestyle, now offers even greater amenities through its One Cool Honeymoon (OCH) program. Honeymooners receive a bottle of champagne in their room upon arrival, a souvenir gift from their resort as well as a free night upon their return anniversary visit. Newlyweds only need to identify themselves at the time of booking their resort to automatically receive the above listed package features, FREE!
FEATURES INCLUDE:
  • Bottle of champagne upon arrival
  • Souvenir gift
  • Free night upon return Anniversary visit
  • Aruba Off Road: $10 off per couple on Baby Beach Tour or Snorkel North Coast Tour
  • Atlantis Submarines: $15 off per couple for submarine and $10 off per couple for Seaworld Explorer
  • De Palm Tours: Free gift with purchase of De Palm Island full day pass or any half day Jeep Tour Activity or Palm Pleasure Snorkeling Adventure
  • Economy Car Rental: 20% off regular car rates, not in combination with other promotions or discounts
  • JADS Dive Center: Free ‘photo experience’ CD with purchase of Honeymooner’s Discover Scuba Dive
  • Jolly Pirates: save $10 per couple on Morning Snorkel and BBQ Cruises from 9:30am-2pm
  • Moomba Beach Club: One bottle of champagne
  • Mathilde Restaurant: A glass of strawberry champagne
  • Red Sail Sports: 10% discount on Sunset and/or Dinner Sail
  • The Mill Resort & Suites-various shopping discounts and a $10 casino voucher
  • Tierra del Sol Resort, Spa, & Country Club-daily breakfast, 1 couples massage at Body and Soul Spa
PARTICIPATING RESORTS:Amsterdam Manor Beach ResortAruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris CasinoBrickell Bay Beach ClubBucuti Beach Resort and Tara Beach SuitesDivi Aruba All InclusiveDivi Aruba Phoenix Beach ResortDivi Dutch VillageDivi Village Golf and Beach ResortHoliday Inn SunSpree Aruba Beach ResortHyatt Regency Aruba Resort & CasinoManchebo Beach Resort & SpaMVC Eagle BeachOccidental Grand Aruba All InclusiveRadisson Aruba Resort, Casino & SpaRenaissance Aruba Resort & CasinoTamarijn Aruba All InclusiveThe Aruban Resort and CasinoThe Boardwalk The Mill Resort & Suites*The Westin Aruba ResortTierra del Sol Resort, Spa & Country Club*
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Old 01-19-2009, 10:42 AM   #5 (permalink)
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Kthy66, thanks for the info on the room. I guess that angle view would ok. I'm sure the front rooms are pretty $$. Where can I get the Aruba discount coupons, on this site?

FFgoo, I guess we would have to have our travel agent mention this promotion to get that "OCH" One Cool Honeymoon deal?

Any info on Delta?
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Old 01-19-2009, 11:24 AM   #6 (permalink)
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I would try through them first-I would follow up directly with the hotel as well though, just to ensure that is was done. You might even just want to call the hotel yourself, once you are booked, and keep out the middle man.

I am not sure about the Occidental but at the Marriot resort we have always found a couple of discount booklets in our room. You can usually find discount coupons anywhere-local shops, airport, hotel lobby etc...
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Old 01-19-2009, 01:40 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RK05 View Post
Kthy66, thanks for the info on the room. I guess that angle view would ok. I'm sure the front rooms are pretty $$. Where can I get the Aruba discount coupons, on this site?
Here is the site... http://www.arubadiscountcoupons.com/
Just go there and pick the ones you want and print them out!
I always bring a stack with me to the island with duplicates of my favorites!
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Old 01-19-2009, 10:17 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Occidental

Hi,

I own several timeshare units at the Occidental. You CAN get an oceanfront unit BUT only if you rent it from a timeshare owner. All of the rooms facing directly at the ocean are owned. Also, 7th floor and up is also timeshare, except in the Royal Club.

If you have a date, I can see if I can get you one of my suites for the dates you need. It will be less expensive and much larger than a hotel room. You can add the all inclusive, if you like at a reduced cost but it is not mandatory when renting from an owner. Email me at macalh@aol.com

Mary Alice
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Old 01-20-2009, 08:27 AM   #9 (permalink)
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Mary,
I responded to your reply from the Timeshare forum. We have to book today to get "our" price from our friend. If you could PM the cost of the room and AI additional cost we will consider it.

Thanks,
Tom
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Old 02-28-2009, 03:36 PM   #10 (permalink)
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Occidental Grand

Any info on anybody staying there lately and how it was?
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