Marriott's Aruba Surf Club Reviews & Ratings

The Surf Club is the top of our list for overall experience in our timeshare life (5 years, 8 locations). We own another Marriott and traded to go to the Surf Club. Wow, were we happy we did. The villas are magnificently designed. There is so much room, it was amazing. The bedrooms are very spacious, and provide ample room to store your belongings for your stay. The bathrooms are very good sized.

The pools at the resort are great. There are a total of 3 pools (2 connected). The "lazy river" is connected to the pool that has a waterslide and waterfalls. The "lazy river" was so relaxing. We went in each day and would doze off while we were moved around the river by the soft current. The third pool was our favorite, mostly because of the swim-up bar. Happy hour every day was fun, and amusing. It was like a school of fish coming in for feeding time when the bell rang.

I've read many reviews regarding overcrowding. I was a little concerned about that when we were heading down. However, I didn't notice it really. There are definitely some adjustments that need to be made with the reserving rules, but there were always chairs to be had. I noticed lots of spots opening up around lunch time. But, there were ALWAYS spots open at the 3rd pool connected to the lazy river. It is just the furthest from the BAR!! I was also told that a new pool is planned closer to the ocean.

The location of the Surf Club is perfect. You can easily walk down the beach or street to a strip of restaurants, bars, shopping, and other resort areas.

We have been at the resort for 3 weeks, within this time frame we are renting a week from an owner that we got last minute while on vacation on this sight. The resort is beautifull, clean and very close, within walking distance to many excellent restaurants and shops. The weather has been picture perfect every single day since February 24th. The transfer between the Surf Club and the Marriott hotel has been flawless and very efficient. We have visited one of the new timeshares for sale on Eagle Beach that is being rented out much cheaper than the Surf Club, and we are so happy that we bought and that we are staying at the Surf Club. Our sincere thanks to the staff for a very enjoyable vacation. We have come her twice a year for the past 10 years and will continue to come here for the rest our lives. There is no problem with the pool chairs and the beach chairs at this time, The management has things under control. We thank them very much. You always get what you pay for, this is not rocket science it's a real fact. The casino is really great too. HOORRAAYY MARRIOTT, A JOB WELL DONE ON THIS TIME SHARE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

Ask for an oceanFRONT room and you'll never have a bad view - just sand, surf, and sky. Very happy with my stay at this resort. Yes, the pool deck gets crowded, but if you ask the staff will happily enforce their chair-saving rules and clear one up for you if one's available. GREAT entertainment, food, and drinks are nearby (and cheaper) at the Moomba Beach Bar. You pay more when you buy from Marriott, but the service is quick and friendly, and they bring it right to your chair! The lazy river is great fun to float around in, too. Although the resort doesn't make floats available (owners would wind up tripling their maintenance fees the way people abuse things like that), they do sell very inexpensive floats if you don't bring your own. Also, the opportunity to use the Ocean Club and Marriott Stellaris pools means there's always an open chair. The rooms are exceedingly comfortable and well-appointed (Henkel knives in the kitchen!). All of the bedding was just replaced, too - we received elegant brand- new comforters, sheets, pillows, and duvets in the middle of our stay, and these look to be much more hard-wearing than the last set so they should stay in good condition for some time to come. The resort is actively upgrading Phase 1 units (which includes the 28 oceanfront units) with new blinds and so forth - they don't need it, really, but it does keep things looking fresh and comfortable. Free high-speed wired Internet access is available in the rooms, along with Dish Network programing and DVD players. So if you want to (for some reason) spend a day indoors, you've got plenty to keep you busy. I'm very pleased with the resort, overall, although my work schedule demands shorter vacations nowadays so it's unlikely I'll be able to return to Aruba again anytime soon :(. If I did, though, I'd head back to the Surf Club!

This is the BEST resort on the Island. We just spent 3 weeks there and its the best. We have been to many Islands and you are not going to beat this place. Kent

We exchanged the week of Oct. 6, 2006 to this resort. We travel to Aruba at least twice a year, as well as other Caribbean islands, and this place has got to be the worst place ever! We have never had any complaint about any resort ever on this island, as they were always the best. We were given a room with no view (sitting above an air conditioning compessor room, which was very noisy) when we were told at the desk that we had an ocean view. We had a palm tree in front of our window that completely blocked it, which was also poolside in the corner/middle of the building on the 2nd floor. When we complained, we were told to meet with the manager at a certain time, and the manager had left for the evening. The hut system is all screwed up, in that the people assigning them play favorites. They double-booked us on a hut that we paid extra money to sit in the 1st row on the beach (what there was of it) and were asked to move because they had already assigned the same hut to someone else a week in advance. They told us that you could only book huts 2 days in advance & only 2 days at a time. We were then put in the 3rd row of huts at the Ocean Club part of the beach (which was a lot nicer), and did not get our money back for paying the extra to sit in the front row of the Surf Club beach. There are no facilities on the beach at this resort, so you had a long walk to bathrooms, restaruants, etc. I know it's under construction, but this place was just awful. The water sports vendors had all their boats parked in the swim area (on the beach that's about the size of a postage stamp). We had to use the Ocean Club's beach for swimming. This was our first experience with a Marriott, and will probably be our last! I think there are too many Marriotts on this island. For our vote, this place is already too big and after it's completed, will be even worse -- it's too crowded & not enough beach for the size of it. I also overheard from owners at the Surf Club that the Marriott had it in the works to purchase or already had purchased the Holiday Inn next door. I would like to see more resorts like Playa Linda & Costa Linda on the island, as they are truly the AAA+++ resorts. Vacations should remains just that, and not corporate agenda!

We had a nice time the first two weeks in December. We would prefer the low-rise hotel area on eagle beach next time.

Positive:

-A beautiful piece of architecture, high quality construction and decor.

-Beautiful ocean view, incredible sunsets.

-Discrete atmosphere, family friendly.

-Access to Ocean club and Marriott Stelaris provides variety.

-Great fitness classes in morning by beach and pool.

-Abundance of children and children activities, great fun for the kids, Iguana feeding , waterslide...

Negative

-Hotel lacks carribean ambience, feels more like being in the U.S.. (American Rock, american food, even the decor does not reflect aruban culture).

-too many units for beach and pool area, feels claustrophobic.

-The majority of staff gave excellent service (bell boy, chamber maid, waitresses, boutique clerks..) front desk seemed overwhelmed and a bit cranky.

- The beach was extremely crowded, (especially considering that most of Aruba's beaches are uncrowded) There was no surf, the water was not clear.

We rented week 51 this year, a 2BR suite that met all our needs for a family of 4 with 8/5 yr olds. Accomodations were excellent. Staff is very friendly. Concierge is highly capable. Pool is great. Lazy river will occupy most of your day. Beach was great, too. Hire a private snorkel or other water sports vendor vs the large tour companies.

The day we left the crowd showed up. I too would be concerned when they open the new buildings. On the lst day we had to claim our poolside lounges early. Squabbles had already broke out between guests who didn't understand how to reserve a lounge. It's a simple process.

On-site restaurants are excellent. Don't miss the Sunday Chinese Buffet in La Vista.

You will not be disappointed with this resort.

Exchanged our Westin Maui week for a week at Aruba Marriott Surf Club -- it was truly paradise! The lazy river was great fun -- and the kids loved the water slide. They are still finishing construction but it never affected us -- am a bit concerned about pool space after the last building opens -- otherwise, don't miss it!

Just returned from a stay at the Surf Club- what a beautiful, first-class resort! We had a one bedroom villa for two people and it was very spacious. Construction is ongoing but we did not find it to be an issue. The pools are wonderful and the beach is gorgeous! We loved Aruba and the Surf Club!

The best Place to be in! Seeing is believing! The place is so relaxing and fun that you just can't get enough of it all in one week, that's why I'm buying another week so I can pretend I live in Aruba......

paradise is one word to sum up aruba and our stay at the surf club. relax and and enjoy all of the beauty around you. the resort is amazing. everything is very very clean and the people are very accomidating. we will return yearly with our kids and enjoy every minute of it. i suggest if you have not gone to aruba try it and you will never regret it. you will be like all of the rest who return year after year.

Nicest time share on the island. Beautiful beach front with lots of space. Fabulous pools with a lazy river and water slide. Villas are spacious and nicely appointed. There is always something to do or just lay on the beach. Our favorite yearly vacation. Someday when we retire we will spend a month in Aruba and forget about Florida! This island is truly paradise with it's friendly people and perfect weather.

Marriott has done it again with the Aruba Surf Club. The lazy river is opening December 18th, 2005. How many companies can say they are ahead of schedule? Aruba is paradise. I have some pictures available on my rental posting april 21- 27th (cant go because my wife is due that week)

Just returned from a week at the Marriott's Aruba Surf Club. It was heaven!! Outstanding facility and the wait staff there are wonderful. Great beach and pool. Everything near by. Easy bus ride to town. Can't wait for this resort to be finished. It will be, by far, one of the best around.

This resort is 5 star top notch quality that Marriot always does wonderfully. Beachfront property with white sand, aqua water, beach cabanas. The lazy river will be completed in spring 2006 and with the sparkling warm walk in pool it is a delight in the afternoons with a colorful light show to swim by in the evenings unless you'd rather a fun evening in the casino which is a short walk across the property .

This resort is still being built. Guests can use the first building and part of the pool is opened. Great beach too! Staff is always willing to assist. When done this resort will be tremendous. Looking forward to going back and staying here.

Marriott's Aruba Surf Club is top notch-5 star all the way. Staff is friendly and very helpful. Timeshare sales people understand the words "Not interested". Location is phenomenal. You can do as much as you want to or as little as you want to. Nightlife is plentiful but you can just as easily relax enjoy the sunset and unwind without being disturbed. Aruba is paradise!

Incredible 2bedroom garden view, sleeps 8 for School vacation week rental

We've always had a fabulous time and been extremely happy with our stays at the Marriott Aruba Surf Club! Perfect for priceless family and/or friends gatherings - the beaches, the pool (lazy river, waterslide) and the restaurants, the friendly people...just the best!

Currently staying here and it has been awful. Just trying to make the best of it right now. 3 rd time in Aruba and first time here. Stayed at the Hilton for 6 days and now a week here. Loaded with kids and teenagers running rampant!! Check in time was 40 minutes standing in line and another 20 to get the keys! Up to the room and no AC! Engineering came and I fixed it and today it is out again! I love Aruba just don’t come the middle 2 weeks in January.

You can't really get better anywhere! Right on the beach, reliable weather, wonderful amenities, world class restaurants in walking distance, immaculately maintained property.

Great property with lots to do either on-site or very close by. The lazy river pool is worth the stay alone. Very relaxing. Bring your own inner tube or buy on in the gift shop. Walking distance to the Marriott hotel and Casino. Plenty of shady areas around the pool with waterfalls. Special pool for the very little ones and a separate "adult pool" (Serenity) for a more quiet experience.

Service is excellent, rooms are clean and large with Free Internet and amenities. Two bedroom suites are comfortable and not cramped with adjoining doors for larger families who want their privacy. Private balconies for each bedroom. Aruba is one of the friendliest islands we've visited. The beach (which is part of the hotel) is very clean and expansive with plenty of places to sit. You can rent a car at the Ocean Club (next store) for a very reasonable rate from Hertz. I would recommend this as taxis could get expensive. Nice downtown shopping area. Best to go when the ships are in as all store are open and ready to make a bargain.

Plenty of restaurants to choose from...from upscale to fast food. Two large grocery stores to do your shopping to stock your kitchen if that is your thing. BBQs available for outdoor cooking. Most rooms have an ocean view. The Surf Club is within walking distance of the outdoor mall with more restaurants, shops, movie theatre, and outdoor shows.

The week flies by. One nice thing is that U.S. customs is done in Aruba when you leave, so you do not have to go through customs again when you return the U.S.

One of our all-time favorite places to vacation.