Mar 5, 2018, 8:07 pm
Last edit by: hhoope01
This thread refers to the various Marriott brands within a specific geographic area. Marriott Bonvoy hotels in XX usually have posts asking which property is better, etc. Trip reports are usually better suited in the property specific threads.
Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Aruba
Aug 10, 2011, 12:19 pm
#676
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Sep 2, 2011, 8:24 am
#677
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Richmond, VA
Programs: MR PP, USAirways Platinum, DMS Premier, and SA Gold
Posts: 92
Been to the Aruba Marriott & Stellaris? Did you receive an upgrade?
Honeymooning in Aruba in October on an awards stay. I upgraded from the base room to the Partial Ocean View room for a total of 310,000 MR points. I also purchased a $1000 in Marriott Cheques that I plan on using towards food/drinks during our stay.
A reservations manager emailed me with an offer to upgrade to their Tradewinds level (hotel within a hotel - improved service) for 70,000 additional points. I declined, as the rooms are the same, and I don't think we'll use many of the Tradewinds services (at least not to the point where it is worth 70,000 points). He did go ahead and upgrade me to an Ocean/Pool view room.
My fiancee REALLY wants an upgrade to the Grade Oceanfront King Suite due to the bamboo floors and huge corner balcony, but this is apparently only available as a points (240,000) + cash ($300/night) option.
Has anyone on the forum who has stayed here received a complimentary upgrade to a Grand Oceanfront King Suite? If they have empty suites, are they required to upgrade me based on my Platinum status?
I don't have a ton of experience with Marriott Resorts or FS Marriotts. I've been staying at a Fairfield Inn for business every other week for the last two years. They treat me well there and always work to upgrade me to their best room.
We're staying 10/17-10/24 (Monday to Monday)
A reservations manager emailed me with an offer to upgrade to their Tradewinds level (hotel within a hotel - improved service) for 70,000 additional points. I declined, as the rooms are the same, and I don't think we'll use many of the Tradewinds services (at least not to the point where it is worth 70,000 points). He did go ahead and upgrade me to an Ocean/Pool view room.
My fiancee REALLY wants an upgrade to the Grade Oceanfront King Suite due to the bamboo floors and huge corner balcony, but this is apparently only available as a points (240,000) + cash ($300/night) option.
Has anyone on the forum who has stayed here received a complimentary upgrade to a Grand Oceanfront King Suite? If they have empty suites, are they required to upgrade me based on my Platinum status?
I don't have a ton of experience with Marriott Resorts or FS Marriotts. I've been staying at a Fairfield Inn for business every other week for the last two years. They treat me well there and always work to upgrade me to their best room.
We're staying 10/17-10/24 (Monday to Monday)
Last edited by Justin7894; Sep 2, 2011 at 9:43 am
Sep 2, 2011, 8:53 am
#678
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Orlando, FL
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Posts: 1,434
Justin,
It's been a few years since I've been at that property. Been there 3 times in total. First one on a paid stay for our honeymoon and the other 2 on point stays. Although I'm a gold now all 3 stays were when I was a Platinum.
Have been "upgraded" everytime to ocean + pool view rooms without any extra points or cash. We have never been upgraded to the suites. The regular rooms are nice although my wife complained the floors were always cold (even on our honeymoon she refused to sleep in the same bed as me ....... kidding - her feet were cold from walking on the tile floors).
They had an option a few years ago of using points for an "all inclusive" stay and we found that was by far and away the best for us as we'd explored the island the first 2 times were went there. Not sure they do that anymore.
Make sure you sign up for the snorkeling trip to baby beach. Can't remember the name of the outfitter they recommended but it was a great way to spend an afternoon.
It's been a few years since I've been at that property. Been there 3 times in total. First one on a paid stay for our honeymoon and the other 2 on point stays. Although I'm a gold now all 3 stays were when I was a Platinum.
Have been "upgraded" everytime to ocean + pool view rooms without any extra points or cash. We have never been upgraded to the suites. The regular rooms are nice although my wife complained the floors were always cold (even on our honeymoon she refused to sleep in the same bed as me ....... kidding - her feet were cold from walking on the tile floors).
They had an option a few years ago of using points for an "all inclusive" stay and we found that was by far and away the best for us as we'd explored the island the first 2 times were went there. Not sure they do that anymore.
Make sure you sign up for the snorkeling trip to baby beach. Can't remember the name of the outfitter they recommended but it was a great way to spend an afternoon.
Sep 2, 2011, 1:05 pm
#679
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: N Charleston South Carolina
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Posts: 1,655
Honeymooning in Aruba in October on an awards stay. I upgraded from the base room to the Partial Ocean View room for a total of 310,000 MR points. I also purchased a $1000 in Marriott Cheques that I plan on using towards food/drinks during our stay.
A reservations manager emailed me with an offer to upgrade to their Tradewinds level (hotel within a hotel - improved service) for 70,000 additional points. I declined, as the rooms are the same, and I don't think we'll use many of the Tradewinds services (at least not to the point where it is worth 70,000 points). He did go ahead and upgrade me to an Ocean/Pool view room.
My fiancee REALLY wants an upgrade to the Grade Oceanfront King Suite due to the bamboo floors and huge corner balcony, but this is apparently only available as a points (240,000) + cash ($300/night) option.
Has anyone on the forum who has stayed here received a complimentary upgrade to a Grand Oceanfront King Suite? If they have empty suites, are they required to upgrade me based on my Platinum status?
I don't have a ton of experience with Marriott Resorts or FS Marriotts. I've been staying at a Fairfield Inn for business every other week for the last two years. They treat me well there and always work to upgrade me to their best room.
We're staying 10/17-10/24 (Monday to Monday)
A reservations manager emailed me with an offer to upgrade to their Tradewinds level (hotel within a hotel - improved service) for 70,000 additional points. I declined, as the rooms are the same, and I don't think we'll use many of the Tradewinds services (at least not to the point where it is worth 70,000 points). He did go ahead and upgrade me to an Ocean/Pool view room.
My fiancee REALLY wants an upgrade to the Grade Oceanfront King Suite due to the bamboo floors and huge corner balcony, but this is apparently only available as a points (240,000) + cash ($300/night) option.
Has anyone on the forum who has stayed here received a complimentary upgrade to a Grand Oceanfront King Suite? If they have empty suites, are they required to upgrade me based on my Platinum status?
I don't have a ton of experience with Marriott Resorts or FS Marriotts. I've been staying at a Fairfield Inn for business every other week for the last two years. They treat me well there and always work to upgrade me to their best room.
We're staying 10/17-10/24 (Monday to Monday)
My experience with suites is that you negotiate it once you arrive at the hotel. Ask them how much, then offer them half. They may not take it, but them may. As long as you're happy with a normal room, that's what I would do. I never pay points for upgrades anywhere, and always get great non-suite upgrades. Sometimes I get suites, but I certainly don't count on them. I rarely ask, though.
But the 70K points for upgrade to Tradewinds level sounds really nice to me. Guess it depends on what you think it's worth, but I think it's worth it, although I have not used the tradewinds level.
Billy
Sep 2, 2011, 1:14 pm
#680
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Richmond, VA
Programs: MR PP, USAirways Platinum, DMS Premier, and SA Gold
Posts: 92
I've stayed there several times, and last time with 4 rooms, and have never been upgraded to a suite.
My experience with suites is that you negotiate it once you arrive at the hotel. Ask them how much, then offer them half. They may not take it, but them may. As long as you're happy with a normal room, that's what I would do. I never pay points for upgrades anywhere, and always get great non-suite upgrades. Sometimes I get suites, but I certainly don't count on them. I rarely ask, though.
But the 70K points for upgrade to Tradewinds level sounds really nice to me. Guess it depends on what you think it's worth, but I think it's worth it, although I have not used the tradewinds level.
Billy
My experience with suites is that you negotiate it once you arrive at the hotel. Ask them how much, then offer them half. They may not take it, but them may. As long as you're happy with a normal room, that's what I would do. I never pay points for upgrades anywhere, and always get great non-suite upgrades. Sometimes I get suites, but I certainly don't count on them. I rarely ask, though.
But the 70K points for upgrade to Tradewinds level sounds really nice to me. Guess it depends on what you think it's worth, but I think it's worth it, although I have not used the tradewinds level.
Billy
Your response has also prompted me to start a second thread about Tradewinds worth. Thanks!
Sep 2, 2011, 1:18 pm
#681
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Richmond, VA
Programs: MR PP, USAirways Platinum, DMS Premier, and SA Gold
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Aruba Marriott - Tradewinds club level
This is a spinoff thread that was prompted based on a response I received about the Aruba Marriott Executive King Suites.
For those of you who have stayed on the Tradewinds level - While I really would like an Executive King Suite, I was offered an upgrade to Tradewinds level for 70,000 MR points.
What are your thoughts? Is it worth it? To me, it seems the argument for Tradewinds is the free food/drinks; however, with my $1000 Marriott Cheque, this isn't a big concern. Are there other benefits that frequent Marriott stayers found beneficial?
Thanks!
For those of you who have stayed on the Tradewinds level - While I really would like an Executive King Suite, I was offered an upgrade to Tradewinds level for 70,000 MR points.
What are your thoughts? Is it worth it? To me, it seems the argument for Tradewinds is the free food/drinks; however, with my $1000 Marriott Cheque, this isn't a big concern. Are there other benefits that frequent Marriott stayers found beneficial?
Thanks!
Sep 15, 2011, 2:29 pm
#682
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Woodstock, GA USA
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There's been a lot of postings on FT about the Tradewinds. I researched it for my trip there last December. Decided against it. Just not worth it.
I was Platinum at the time and got upgraded to an ocean/pool view room. We used gift cheques and had a great time. The Ruth's Chris there is good and the pool bar is a lot of fun. Use you cheques to pay for the multiple rounds of drinks you'll consume during 2 for 1 happy hour at the pool bar
I was Platinum at the time and got upgraded to an ocean/pool view room. We used gift cheques and had a great time. The Ruth's Chris there is good and the pool bar is a lot of fun. Use you cheques to pay for the multiple rounds of drinks you'll consume during 2 for 1 happy hour at the pool bar
Sep 15, 2011, 2:37 pm
#683
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Woodstock, GA USA
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Posts: 906
We were there last December and got upgraded to the ocean/pool view room. The room we had was nice and sufficient. Being a honeymoon, having a suite is a nice perk and might be very memorable. The view from the ocean/pool view room is pretty nice, too.
The Tradewinds is not that big of a deal. Search the forum for details.
The Tradewinds is not that big of a deal. Search the forum for details.
Sep 15, 2011, 8:09 pm
#684
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Last summer I booked a base/island view/cheapo award room and was given a top floor, corner suite - probably one of the two nicest in the property.
Marriott's PLT upgrade T&C's explicity exclude suites
Free Room Upgrade: Suites not included; based on room availability at check-in and limited to a Member's personal guestroom.
Sep 18, 2011, 9:07 am
#685
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
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Aruba Surf Club Pool Closed September-October 2012
FYI: My DW found this on the Aruba Forums. Very important for next year's vacation planning for Gold Week holders.
http://www.aruba-bb.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=84465
http://www.aruba-bb.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=84465
Sep 21, 2011, 4:28 pm
#686
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Yikes... thanks for the update! I was planning a week stay there early next Sept. Would've been awful to show up and discover that the pool complex is closed. I wonder how they're going to accommodate everyone.
Sep 26, 2011, 8:54 am
#687
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Richmond, VA
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Posts: 92
I realize that suites are cash-only upgrades, but if the hotel isn't at full capacity, I don't see the harm. Especially for a platinum guest on his honeymoon.
Sep 26, 2011, 8:55 am
#688
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Richmond, VA
Programs: MR PP, USAirways Platinum, DMS Premier, and SA Gold
Posts: 92
Anyone else have experience with the Tradewinds?
Instead of offering me the 70,000MR points for a Tradewinds upgrade, I would have preferred a non-tradewinds suite upgrade.
Instead of offering me the 70,000MR points for a Tradewinds upgrade, I would have preferred a non-tradewinds suite upgrade.
Sep 26, 2011, 3:53 pm
#689
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Sep 29, 2011, 7:51 am
#690
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Richmond, VA
Programs: MR PP, USAirways Platinum, DMS Premier, and SA Gold
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I'll certainly keep my fingers crossed. I though about emailing the GM to put a request in, but I'll just take my chances during check in. I suppose I could always try to negotiate a points or small cash upgrade if they won't give me a complimentary upgrade. I do have $1000 marriott cheques that we were planning to use on food/drinks.