Originally Posted by MaggieKay (Post 28197412)

I have never heard of that - maybe it's something that applies to this hotel only but I have always gotten a guaranteed upgrade. I wouldn't trust it, otherwise. Did you call the regular Ritz reservation line or the specific one for requesting a club upgrade? (1-800-542-8680). Also, you can't book a club upgrade on line if you are using an upgrade certificate - you have to call the number above.

Originally Posted by manda99 (Post 28132610)

Just got back from a week stay. We (2 adults, teen boy) booked a junior suite. Room was decent. The sitting room area was very large, balcony spanned the entire length of both the sitting room and the bedroom. Teen didn't complain about the sleeper sofa, so I guess it was tolerable for sleeping. The sleeper bed wasn't made up when we arrived and had to call down for that. Next time, they confiscated it all away and I had to call down again. Made it clear that time, that we'd need the bed EVERY NIGHT and we didn't have a problem after that. Never heard any noise from the adjoining room or hallway. The view was "partial ocean" and the ocean/beach part of the view was beautiful (we could watch the sunset from the balcony), but it overlooked a sort of local parking area for beach access. Not exactly view-worthy and a little noisy at times (but wasn't heard from inside). Service was decent, but not excellent. Room was well-cleaned and not worn, but some things were a bit dated (eg iHome with 30 pin connector). Grout in shower needed deep cleaning. They left a fresh fruit bowl and personal welcome note on the desk for us (not sure if this was because suite or because gold or because twitter or just standard).

We reserved a pool cabana for 4 days (not arrival or departure day or day we left property for a full day tour). Opted for that since I'd read about people having to get out there early to secure beach chairs, etc., and didn't want to fight that fight. Opted for pool over beach cabana because I'd read the blowing sand on the beach was an annoyance in the beach cabanas. The pool cabana was nice ($200/day plus $37 included gratuity). It included a small fridge with bottles of water, a fruit place, granola bars, bags of chips. Service was sub-par though. We've reserved cabanas at many locations and you usually have a pretty dedicated server who takes care of your requests and food orders, etc. I never saw the guy again who set up the cabana in the morning and we practically had to hunt down food waiters to take our lunch and drink orders. And beach chair availability wasn't as tough as I'd expected. We'd probably been fine without the cabana. The family pool was quite small and very warm. We didn't use it at all, as the beach was perfect and amazing. There's a little hut with a activity shop in it between the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton where you just fill out a one-time waiver and RC guests can just check out equipment at no fee. We never had any problems getting what we wanted - there were always plenty of paddle boards, etc. There's also some other things there where you can pay to do other activities. They are a little bit tight with the towels (you just have to ask for them), but that's better than most of the hotels on Aruba that give you tags for your towels and only allot a certain amount. Complimentary sunscreen everywhere (15, 30, and 50) and water coolers. The shallow water goes on forever. At the end of the roped swimming area, it will still barely past my waist most of the time. Minimal waves. Just calm and lovely. In the morning, the pelicans zip down and feed around you. :) They didn't seem to have the sand flea problems that were attacking us further down the beach around other properties (specifically Moomba).

On property, we ate at BLT (dinner), Solanio (breakfast and dinner), Madero (pool side lunch), and the Divi bar (dinner/sushi).

Divi - Sushi was okay, but not wonderful. Edamame was grilled or something? I didn't love it like I usually do. All the drinks were good. Eat on the balcony outside during sunset - it's delightful.

BLT - Everything we had was excellent, bugs were kind of bitey on the patio though. Service was top notch. I'm still dreaming about the popovers with salted butter.

Solanio - Dinner was good, we ate on the patio no problem. Breakfast on the patio, however, was spent fighting off birds. Lots and lots of birds. Buffet probably wasn't worth the price, but they charged my teen as a kid, so I'm counting it as a win.

Poolside - Teen reports the fish tacos were not only the best fish tacos he's ever had, but the best MEAL he's ever had, period.

Um... anything else?

Edited to add: Ceviche in Aruba is unlike ceviche I've had before... Divi did it very well. Try that. :)

Originally Posted by readyforvacation (Post 28197454)

Thank you! Yes, I called that number and just wanted to verify that the rate I wanted to book online would allow me to call back and book the club upgrade. It makes no sense that I could pay the regular club upgrade fee if there is no availability at check-in - if I can pay for it, then obviously it's available. I guess it's possible that the property only allots a certain number of "free" club upgrade certs - I'm going to try calling again and see if I can get more of a guarantee. Thanks so much for your help!

Originally Posted by GeorgeBurdell (Post 23561282)

There's too much rigidity expected of the staff and they are scared to death of doing something wrong.

Originally Posted by GeorgeBurdell (Post 23561282)

BTW, if you're considering the Trade Winds Club, it's not worth it. It's just a concierge lounge with free booze.

Originally Posted by pharmawalk (Post 28182210)

Great property - would recommend club level (used club level upgrade certs). Was upgraded to club exec suite. Culinary offerings were fanatastic - staff was great.

One thing I would for sure recommend is to rent a 4WD Jeep for at least a day and go cruise the back side of the island - 4WD allows you to go wherever you want.

Originally Posted by FlyAO2 (Post 28734401)

Anybody upgrade at check-in to the club level? If so, what did they charge you?

Originally Posted by FlyAO2 (Post 28734401)

Anybody upgrade at check-in to the club level? If so, what did they charge you?

Originally Posted by hockeyinsider (Post 28734692)

I think one could theoretically get an upgrade to a room on the club level on a complimentary basis, by virtue of Marriott platinum status, although you wouldn't actually have access to the club itself.

Originally Posted by ords (Post 28735536)

I would agree, upgrades to CL access are not allowed if booking from a standard room. However, booking a room on CL with CL access, you should get an upgrade as a Plat based on availability.

Originally Posted by hockeyinsider (Post 28736197)

Here is the policy:



I read it as saying you can be upgraded to a club room or a suite but not given access.

Originally Posted by oneworld82 (Post 29266110)

Hi,

I am booked with points for three nights this coming weekend. What's the best way to get an upgrade to Club Level and what should I be expecting to pay for it?

Thanks!