Going to Aruba this July 28 - August. Staying at the Marriott Surf Club. Any one with information about this area is greatly appreciated. Things to see and do. We have 2 children 6 and 11. Thanks everyone!

We traded our Park City ski week for the Surf club. First time to Aruba. We had read all the threads complaining about how crowded the lazy river and pool were but didn't experience this during our week (6/1/07). Our two children were with us and their children (2 1/2 & 1 1/2). They loved the water slide and the lazy river. I think the wristbands are a great idea and may be the reason it was not as crowded. The beach is somewhat of a disappointment because it is slimy right in front of the Surf Club and the sand is not as soft. We did not spend time at the beach due to this, but it did not put a damper on our vacation. The villas were wonderful.

we are going in october to surf club. my first time. i have read about having to pay for half days for beach chairs! anyone know what the real deal is.

As far as i know there is no such charge. We have been going there for about two years and just came back in May, and have never been chraged anything

YES there is a new palapas policy at the Surf Club!

The new procedure will help alleviate the inventory shortage until more Palapas are built. (should they ever be allowed to build more...)
This policy which started on March 16, 2007 will remain in effect until further notice.
The new procedure for the Palapas reservations will be as follows:
There will be two (2) reservation shifts for the Palapas
Shift One: 7:00am to 1:00pmb.
Shift Two: 1:00pm to end of day
There will be a charge for ALL palapas
Rows 1 & 2 - $10.00
All others - $5.00

Only one (1) reservation shift per day per unit will be permitted.
However, if at 1:00pm not all the palapas are reserved and your AM shift has ended, you may visit the Towel Hut to reserve a palapa for the PM shift.
The Beach Attendants will be glad to assist in moving you to your new palapa.
The palapas can be reserved for 2 days at a time.
On the second day, another 2 days may be reserved if inventory is available.
Reservations for both shifts begin at 9:00am each morning at the Towel Hut on the beach.
If the reservation is for the AM shift, the palapa must be vacated at 1pm for the next reservation shift.
The two (2) hour occupancy requirement will be lifted for the palapas during the testing period.

Since there is no "First Come, First Served" palapas with this procedure, this eliminates the need for the owners/guests to rise early in the morning to stand in line to reserve a palapa.
This policy is applicable to Aruba Surf Club only.

If we're staying at the Surf Club - can we use the Palapas at the Ocean Club or the Marriott Hotel - for free?

If we're owners - doesn't that count??

Thanks!

No unluckily...
But I know that some of the Ocean Club palapas that are unused are rented
to the Surf Club directly who then rent them to the SC owners.

Well that's something.

So - we go to the towel hut & just say we want to reserve one. If there are some "empty" - can you just use them?

How do new people - who don't research where they are going know this??

Say a new person just goes to the beach & sets up shop at a palapa? Are there beach police who tell them they have to "move along"?

Thanks again!! I can't wait to be there!!

We bought 7 weeks, can stay 14 weeks per year. We love it to this day, loved it after our first vision in 1996 and have been going twice per year ever since, in Feburary/March and October. We decided to buy the timeshare instead of condo on Eagle Beach, and we think we made the right decision. Love the area where the Marriott Surf Club is located.

Hello !

I just got back from the Surf Club with Mommy and Grandma yesterday (9/7/07) and our first visit was GREAT !!

For anybody else going down for the first time, here's some things you may want to consider:

* Tropical drinks are about $9.00 each at the resort and neighboring eateries. This "tab" adds up fast ! If you're taking a cab from the airport, you may want to ask the driver to make a "pit stop" at either the Certificd Supermarket or even a Shop & Go close to the high rises like the Marriott. Get your basics there, from water and milk to vodka and beer, wine, etc. You'll save a bundle by having your own drinks available, not having to buy stuff at the Marketplace (onsite at the Marriott), etc.

* Unless it's really crowded, no need to rent a Palapa ahead of time. Just go to the hut as soon as you get to the beach, and see what's available. We got one every day close enough to the water and didn't have to pay.

* Contact your cellular provider beforehand and ask about roaming charges. Verizon is NOT a participating carrier, but Cingular and TMobile are. The cost of a call to the USA is $3.00 a minute, so a three minute call runs $9.00.

*Watch for "service charges" when eating out. This is an average 15% surcharge added to the meal, so an extra 5% will total a 20% gratuity.

*Get easy meals to fix for toddlers. We had Mac & Cheese on hand to make, along with scrambled eggs & sausage. Even a hot dog or grilled cheese sandwich gets pricey.

*Pack any lotions like sunblock in your suitcase. They'll take them from your carry-on at the airport.

*Pack plenty of diapers, as these cost a lot more on the Island.

*Definitely eat at Hadicurari, known for their "early bird" specials (5-7pm) that allow for you to experience the Aruban sunset. The manager Gregory there is the BEST !!

*Speaking of the BEST, Francisco of the Surf Club waitstaff is number one !! Ask for him by name while poolside or at the beach (they take turns working both).

Hope this helps ! I can't wait to see everybody again next year !!