Schnauzer, I had a great time as I knew what to expect. I think the importance of a forum such as this is to provide information so that others can make an intelligent decision on where to stay, what to do, etc.

As an example, I enjoyed watching the small kids having a great time with their parents in the pool. If I was on my honeymoon this may not have been what I wanted. My wife especially liked to watch the construction progress each day but to some the noise was intolerable. I hated the walk from the pool to the beach as did my wife. I think the walk along the concrete walkway from the hotel to the Moomba beach area, at night is dangerous due to no lighting.

All in all, I would hope that those that read this forum take in all the information that is available and make an informed decision based upon what is important to them.

I was at the Surf Club the week of 4th of July. The pool area was very crowded. I think I have to agree with you. While the construction is going on it is not going to be picture perfect. We spent a week there and a week at the Hyatt while both were under construction. I think the Surf Club anywhere you went you could not get away from the construction. At the pool or beach
either place had massive size cranes. I have 4 children and it is very difficult with the beach situation having to walk over to the Ocean area. Also, some parts in front of the Surf Club hut area vehicles are driving on the sand to pick up and drop off boats and equipment. All the kids do not want to be at the same place at the same time.My
husband and I have gone two years to the Surf Club it will be beautiful in the end. I have the same concern it will be overcrowded. You do have a right to your opinion.

I was at the Surf Club in July- I am also an owner. As others have stated, there is construction but it is temporary. Yes the pool area is crowded, but people are on vacation and either will use a pool or the beach-that's a given. I have visited other places in Aruba and Marriot is top notch! when everything is completed people will be fighting to own it. I guess some people have to find something to complain about. Aruba is booming- there is construction everywhere which means they recognize and make good use of the tourist dollar

To Medic5:
I have to tell you I thought exactly what you said; I stayed at the ocean club this past June; and I thought the surf club was far worse than even you stated.
As for timeshare persons telling you to fork over the money to be an owner; why would I want to fork over 25,000 dollars so after I sign my name its only worth half?? Timeshare resale is usually half of what you pay and it will never, ever, increase enough to make your ititial investment worth it. Secondly and most importantly; the "maintenance fees are around $1000 a year. Now instead of giving them 25 grand and a grand every year ; just stay 7 nights at any hotel and not be an owner and consider the 1000 maintenance your hotel stay. Marriott calls you an owner; but is reluctant to clean your room unless you pay $30 a day for maid service...what an owner, you think Bill Marriott as an owner gets maid service..

I'm staying at the Ocean Club in April 2007. Is this construction supposed to be finished by then?
From experience do you know if April is a peak time in Aruba?
Is there grocery shopping near by to fill the fridge with essentials?

To Douglas,
Your ignorance is amazing. I own at the Ocean Club and not at the Surf Club. Try buying a 2 bdrm unit there for less than $23,000 - $25,000. That means that most owners who purchased 7-8 years ago can now sell for a profit!! Your 50% loss on purchase price may apply to most timeshare properties, but certainly not Marriott properties. Furthermore, check out what Marriott was selling the units at the Surf Club when they first started sales. You would be amazed at how much they have gone up in price -- close to double. I doubt you can find another timeshare development that has appreciated as much. I'm sure the Surf Club is not for everyone, however there are always people who find things to complain about, and personally, I can't stand vacationing with those people. So let the complainers buy elsewhere -- and watch their investments tumble 50%. Also, in response to your maid service comment -- it is the owners who ultimately decide how much maintenance they want to pay and how they want it spent. I think it makes lots of sense to have people pay a nominal amount to have their units cleaned when they wish. Also,fyi,the Ocean Club renovated all their units after the property was only 7-8 years old. There are not too many properties that would do that. One last point I would like to address is your point about staying at any hotel and considering the $1000 your hotel stay. Check out what the nicer hotels in Aruba charge per night for Christmas and New Years weeks. A thousand dollars gets you a little more than one night (including taxes) -- the Marriott charges $650 plus 19$ tax per night for those dates. Anyway, I am not trying to be confrontational. I am only trying to state some facts in response to your comments.