When I booked this trip I was a bit skeptical of Aruba for my kids as I thought there wasn’t much to see or do here, and the airfare to get here was too expensive for a relaxing vacation….Was I ever wrong!

We stayed in the Marriott Ocean Club, a beautiful resort with all the amenities of a Hotel. The only other large resort developer on the Island is named Divi Aruba, who had just as nice accomadations, but there site was a little more spread out. Marriott’s site has all the restaurants, entertainment, beaches, and other amenities just a short walk away.

We rented a car (which I suggest) and chose to take Avis insurance because if you damage a car in Aruba, you have to pay for the damages before you leave and get reimbursed by your insurance company when you return to the states.

We arrived at the resort and got placed in room 5273 which was on the 2nd floor of the main building, it was a “garden view” in which we had a great view of the pool and if we turned our heads to the left we could see the beach. Our room was a 1br, with a 2 person Jacuzzi tub, 2 person shower, and a sleeper sofa. The kitchen had granite counters and a breakfast bar. The resort had a great pool, although you couldn’t use the pool at the Marriott Surf club, I didn’t mind as the Ocean Club was MUCH less crowded and congested and had a more cozy feel to it than the Surf Club. The beach was riddled with covered huts called Palapas with beach lounge chairs under them, and if you wanted one in the morning you could just reserve it for free. However, I was always able to get a front row palapas no matter if I reserved one or not. We packed seasoned meat that I froze, and pre-cooked Minute Maid rice for dinner. I also pre-ordered online eggs, ham, cheese, bread and milk for our breakfast, that we picked up from the onsite market when we arrived. It was already packed and ready to go. My first evening here we just relaxed by the beach, watching the sunset and drinking a Pina Colada…yum.

We went to the beach, packed a picnic lunch & drinks from our room and dipped in the beach (my 1 complaint about this resort and this part of Aruba was the sand was HARD, with lots of crushed seashells and if you didn’t wear swim shoes you could cut your feet). The beach water temp was warm and blue, with pirate ships, wind surfers, and other water sports right onsite and in view. They had a band playing in the background, and iguanas roamed freely. The onsite casino, which we didn’t feel paid out to well, and they had high bet minimums at the tables (we play black jack) starting at $10. So we went up the road to the Alahambra casino that paid out well and we could play black jack for $5 a hand.

The large gym rivals some gyms you may pay for a membership to join, then went out to explore some of Aruba on our own. Mostly everything in Aruba will be closed on Sunday. A short walk down the beach will take you to the bar called Moombas for drinks. Dinner at Smokey Joes, a fantastic rib joint, where the rib dish was about $15 and they had these great Jaimacan beef patties…yum yum.

They usually had another band playing all day, and you can make dinner reservations for Madam Jeanette’s a cozy, romantic Carribean / dutch restaurant. They have pastries and ice cream at the elaborate snack bar in the casino. Definately reserv the 8 hour jeep tour (which is the best tour for you $ at 79 pp and includes a great lunch and all the sites the Island has to offer in 1 swoop). We went on the tour with ABC for the 8 hr tour of Aruba that covered the natural pool, baby beach, the oldest catholic church in Aruba, the caves, ostrige farm, old gold mines, the natural bridge and the lighthouse…definitely well worth every penny! We came back the room and had dinner at Simply Fish (a restaurant on Marriott property), located on the beach at the Marriott where we were staying. We enjoyed the dinner, location, and the service.

Don't leave without stopping at Linda’s Pancakes for a late brunch…YUM… YUM… then we turned in the car, went flew home.

Definitely a do over vacation! The Marriott Aruba Ocean Club far exceeded our expectations and is a definite do over.

Have stayed at The Aruba Ocean Club several times and love it more each time we stay. We purchased here 7 years ago and are very happy with the resort. The beach is beautiful, the pool area is not crowded and we feel safe whenever we stay at The Ocean Club.

We have gone every year for the past 7 years. No other place on the island can compare. The staff is exceptional and always willing to go the extra mile to make everyone happy!!1

We love the Marriott Ocean Club, smaller and more cosy than the Surf Club but with the same amenities. Great for families or couples.

We just returned from the Aruba Ocean Club and liked the facility very much with one exception - out of control kids running up and down the hallway and slamming doors at all hours of the day and night. Running kids everywhere including the pool area, etc. Other than that, we loved it. We will definitely go again, maybe at a quieter time than during the week after New Year's Eve!!

Stayed at the Ocean Club December 1-8, 2006. This is a very nice resort and we enjoyed it very much. Because of its more intimate atmosphere, I actually liked it more than the Marriot Surf Club next door.

I would most definitely return to the Marriot Ocean Club in the future.

We sent our daughter and new son-in-law here for their honeymoon in August of this year. They had nothing but great things to say about the facilities, and the usual excellant service from the Marriott staff.

As a matter of fact - my daughter is pretty picky and she had absolutely nothing bad to say about the entire experience!

She has convinced us to exchange our week another year (our home resort is Cypress Harbor) for ourselves... 8-))

Just came back from our 7th trip to Aruba in June 2006. love the island the people the weather the food especially the Marriot Ocean club try Simply Fish right on the Marriott beach for a sunset show and dinner.

The best in Aruba.....

One of the best places to stay in Aruba. Great beach, lovely shops, beautiful rooms, wonderful views. Only negative was that the rooms are not ready on time. Had to wait 1 1/2 hours past check in. Don't come early.

Outstanding resort! Units recently done over. Staff very friendly to guests. Outstanding pool, and super nice beach with lots of water activities at your doorstep. Guests can use the facilities of the Marriott hotel on one side and the Marriott Surf Club on the other side. Parking is free if you rent a car. I will go back in a minute.

Wonderfull place. Always breezy, sand does not get too hot, no waves, beautiful water, friendly people, mostly U.S. visitors, no poverty, everyone speaks english, Can use U.S. dollars everywhere, little crime, no political problems. If you buy here, you can exchange for anywhere easily! You can't beat it! Rick

We have stayed and bought at the Marriott Ocean Club and absolutely LOVE IT!! It's a beautiful resort and the ammenties are wonderful along with the service and people. It's a truly a beautiful resort!

You can not get a better resort , This is Aruba,s finest

We have stayed here on two occasion's. It is without a doubt one of the finest timeshares in Aruba. This is a typical 5 Star Marriott facility. Plus you get an added bonus - it is right next door to the Marriott Hotel and Casino. As a guest at the timeshare you get to use all of the facilities of the hotel and have charge-card privlages. If you haven't been to Aruba - then you must go! It's a wonderful island, great restaurants and the locals are dedicated to your having a wonderful stay.

We were there in the middle of construction and it was still a great place to be. I am sure it is even nicer now. Aruba is worth the airfare. If you get this property any time of year it is a good exchange.