Expanded check in days for Marriott Aruba Surf

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Just saw this on the Aruba forums BB, that the ASC is going to offer c/i on Monday and Thursday as well as F/S/S.

This should be a great boon in trying to pick up cheaper airfare for folks who want to go to the SC.

Full post is at the BB HERE

[billymach4 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close billymach4]

Pat Greyfal posted this OY as well. I like the change, but Pat likes the Sat to Sat stay.

Pat I think you are in the minority on this change.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Pat Greyfal posted this OY as well. I like the change, but Pat likes the Sat to Sat stay.

Pat I think you are in the minority on this change.

I am sure it will mean some challenges for some things, like direct res with Marriott....we don't own Marriott, but we think it will be appreciated for some folks who have found themselves searching for the cheaper airfare....of course, it could backfire, and the airlines catch on and just keep the airfares high on those off days.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Pat GrayFal posted this OY as well. I like the change, but Pat likes the Sat to Sat stay.

Pat I think you are in the minority on this change.

Sorry, I thought I posted this here as well

I am NOT a fan of these 'alternative check-ins' at a strictly "fly to" location.....makes it harder to get the Saturday/Sunday check-in most require for vacation time off.

Dear XXX & XXXX

As a valued Owner with Marriott Vacation Club® we would like to pass along important new information regarding reservation check-in dates.

As you begin to make your 2010 vacation plans, please note that we are adding both Thursday and Monday to Owner check-in arrival days. You may now check in on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. We will be testing this concept as it has proven to be quite successful at our larger Marriott Vacation Club sister resorts. Our hope is that by expanding our check-in dates, both Housekeeping and the Front Desk staffs will have more time to assist and devote to each Owner

As a reminder, you may place your reservation requests beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern time 12 months prior to the first check-in date of your desired week. With the addition of Thursday check-in, you are now able to call one day earlier than in the past for reservation requests.

For example, to request an arrival date of April 29, 30, 2010, or May 1, 2, 3, 2010, you may now make your reservation request as early as Wednesday, April 29, 2009. Please note, if you are a multiple-week Owner, you are eligible to book consecutive or concurrent week reservations beginning 13 months prior to the first check-in date of your desired week. For example, to request an arrival date of April 29, 30, 2010, or May 1, 2, 3, 2010, you may now make your reservation request as early as Monday, March 30, 2009.

It is important to remember that the first eligible check-in date determines when inventory will be released, NOT the day of the week.

If you have any questions or wish to make reservations, please call Owner Services at 800-845-4226 or visit My-VacationClub.com where you can receive instant confirmation(s) for your booking(s).

We hope you find this information valuable as we strive to continually improve the level of service we provide. We are committed to excellence in serving you and look forward to helping you plan your next vacation.

Sincerely,


Scott Derickson
General Manager

I was surprised that so many people thought this was a GOOD change.....
I do not know the breakdown of room assignments....
I assumed when it was the three check-in days - that 1/3 of the rooms were available Fri,Sat,Sun....
Will it now be 1/5 each day? - leaving only 40% of the rooms available for people who work 'traditional' Monday-Friday jobs or have children in school with Monday-Friday schedules?

It will also make coordinating an exchange for 2 consecutive weeks a bit more challenging.

I am okay with having one overlapping day - Saturday check-in the first week and Friday or Saturday the second -
but would NOT be happy to have a Saturday or Sunday or Monday check-in the first week and end up getting a Thursday or Friday for the second - potentially making my 14 night 2 week vacation a Monday and Thursday check-in equaling only a 10 night stay.

JMHO

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Pat, I knew that you would be able to describe some of the down side of this new change. I certainly agree that it can potentially become problematic.

There are many Th to Sun/Mon checkins also in Hawaii resorts, I think....I wonder if they pose this problem also? Be interesting to research.

[d1950m Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close d1950m]

Aruba in March

We are considering going to Aruba. Is March a good month to go? I really have no idea if any months are better or worse. Thanks for your help.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

d1950m

We are considering going to Aruba. Is March a good month to go? I really have no idea if any months are better or worse. Thanks for your help.

Welcome to TS4M's

March is a great month to visit Aruba.......Peek season is from Xmas through April, although April is slower than the other months.

You can't go wrong in March, weather wise. Also, it may be a hair less crowded than Feb., other than Spring Brk....Although Aruba has fairly consistent weather, year round, March seems to be considered the best winter weather month, by some that visit often.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

We are considering going to Aruba. Is March a good month to go? I really have no idea if any months are better or worse. Thanks for your help.

Welcome to TS4M's

March is a great month to visit Aruba.......Peek season is from Xmas through April, although April is slower than the other months.

You can't go wrong in March, weather wise. Also, it may be a hair less crowded than Feb., other than Spring Brk....Although Aruba has fairly consistent weather, year round, March seems to be considered the best winter weather month, by some that visit often.

March is actually my favorite time in Aruba - weather wise - it is not humid and not toooooo windy!

[d1950m Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close d1950m]

chances of getting a trade?

Do you think I have a good chance of getting a trade with II for a Marriott property March 12-19? I am doing a request first trade of my Marriott Waiohai 2 bedroom for a 2 bedroom. Should I make plane reservations now $500 round trip or wait?

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Do you think I have a good chance of getting a trade with II for a Marriott property March 12-19? I am doing a request first trade of my Marriott Waiohai 2 bedroom for a 2 bedroom. Should I make plane reservations now $500 round trip or wait?

Hi and welcome to TS4Ms.
I actually have a trade for that week to go along with my owned week - I traded a studio for a studio back in March.

Because it is already May, I would wait to buy your tickets - you have the 'trade power' (if your Hawaii week is 51,52,1-15 or 22-34) to get a unit there but MANY people lock-off at this property. Put in your trade....but wait for the airfare.

In the future, when u r looking to exchange into a resort with lock-offs and u want a two bedroom, putting in your exchange request at 13 months before check-in would GREATLY increase your chances for success. I know this would mean that u would have to deposit first - just to let u know, as an 8+ year Marriott owner, I have always deposited first and gotten my requests.

[d1950m Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close d1950m]

got my exchange

I got my two bedroom exchange at Marriott's Surf Club for March 12-19. Any suggestions on what to do or NOT to do? I have never been to Aruba. Is The Surf Club is Marriott's newest in Aruba (2004) It was built as a time share correct? There are more pictures on Marriott's website than II. I guess I should book my flights !!!