Surf Club Garden View and Crowds

amanda14 · April 15, 2012, 03:07 PM

Hi.

Going there July 3rd via points and wanted to know how crowds are at the resort and at that time is the beach chair drama still prevalent. I.e. getting up a 5:00 to make a reservation.

Also, what are chances if any getting moved from the 2 br garden view to an oceanview. Not a big deal but figured I'd ask. Any input on requests I should make in regard to rooms is appreciated.

m61376 · April 15, 2012, 04:30 PM

Beach chaises are plentiful all day. The issue is getting a palapa if you want (a fixed umbrella unit). Half can be reserved for free (half of those at 4PM the day before and half at 7AM that day) and half can be reserved for $15 for the first 2 rows or $10 for rows three and back for two days at a time, skipping 2 days between reservations.

Some people do get on line at 5 -5:30AM but you can still get one closer to 7 or even afterwards, just further back. Similarly, you can get one if you go on line by 3:30, or 3:45 in the afternoon the day before. There are also bimini chaises (chaises with canopies) that are generally available until late morning. This past Feb. they were getting a whole new batch of the biminis because demand was exceeding supply.

As for view- like the other Marriotts, you get what view you reserved (assuming you meant DC points) and they do not upgrade view. For a GV room- request the Spyglass building, high floor, and a room closest to the ocean (preferably a corner unit). Above the 5th floor or so those rooms have great ocean views.

Steve A · April 15, 2012, 07:13 PM

We will be at the Marriott Ocean Club timeshare next door at the same time. We frequently go over the 4th of July and it is not especially crowded on the island. You should be able to get a palapa without too many problems. The OC, which is a separate timeshare and whose facilities are not available to those staying at the SC, there are plenty of palapas and if you get up early enough you can reserve in the first or second row.

Chili Pepper · April 18, 2012, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m61376

Similarly, you can get one if you go on line by 3:30, or 3:45 in the afternoon the day before.

I'm also heading to SC this summer and didn't know that palapas could be reserved on line the afternoon before. Specifically, where would I go online to reserve once I'm there? What is the website I'm looking for?

Thanks for any help you could provide.

siesta · April 18, 2012, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chili Pepper

I'm also heading to SC this summer and didn't know that palapas could be reserved on line the afternoon before. Specifically, where would I go online to reserve once I'm there? What is the website I'm looking for?

Thanks for any help you could provide.

Typo, should have read "in line" as in getting in the line, not online

m61376 · April 18, 2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chili Pepper

I'm also heading to SC this summer and didn't know that palapas could be reserved on line the afternoon before. Specifically, where would I go online to reserve once I'm there? What is the website I'm looking for?

Thanks for any help you could provide.

People line up by the beach hut. The afternoon line is very social and not really a line- people sit on benches, lounge on chairs in the vicinity, and it is all done with an informal count off.

April 15, 2012, 03:07 PM	#1
amanda14 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Oct 17, 05 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 252 Resorts: Marriott Grande Vista Marriott Lakeshore Reserve	Surf Club Garden View and Crowds Hi. Going there July 3rd via points and wanted to know how crowds are at the resort and at that time is the beach chair drama still prevalent. I.e. getting up a 5:00 to make a reservation. Also, what are chances if any getting moved from the 2 br garden view to an oceanview. Not a big deal but figured I'd ask. Any input on requests I should make in regard to rooms is appreciated.

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April 15, 2012, 04:30 PM	#2
m61376 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Aug 2, 06 Location: NY Posts: 5,917 Resorts: Marriott's Aruba Surf Club	Beach chaises are plentiful all day. The issue is getting a palapa if you want (a fixed umbrella unit). Half can be reserved for free (half of those at 4PM the day before and half at 7AM that day) and half can be reserved for $15 for the first 2 rows or $10 for rows three and back for two days at a time, skipping 2 days between reservations. Some people do get on line at 5 -5:30AM but you can still get one closer to 7 or even afterwards, just further back. Similarly, you can get one if you go on line by 3:30, or 3:45 in the afternoon the day before. There are also bimini chaises (chaises with canopies) that are generally available until late morning. This past Feb. they were getting a whole new batch of the biminis because demand was exceeding supply. As for view- like the other Marriotts, you get what view you reserved (assuming you meant DC points) and they do not upgrade view. For a GV room- request the Spyglass building, high floor, and a room closest to the ocean (preferably a corner unit). Above the 5th floor or so those rooms have great ocean views.

April 15, 2012, 07:13 PM	#3
Steve A TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jul 28, 05 Location: 77.21 square miles surrounded by reality Posts: 449 Resorts: Two weeks at the Barony, HHI; one week at the Aruba Ocean Club. One week at the Marriott Grand Chateau.	We will be at the Marriott Ocean Club timeshare next door at the same time. We frequently go over the 4th of July and it is not especially crowded on the island. You should be able to get a palapa without too many problems. The OC, which is a separate timeshare and whose facilities are not available to those staying at the SC, there are plenty of palapas and if you get up early enough you can reserve in the first or second row.