I've heard a lot of people talking about timeshare tours and great "free gifts" for going on them. I'd love for people to share any info they have on timeshare tours they've been on including what the free gifts are and how "high pressure" the people were at different resorts so we don't go on the wrong ones! I went to one in Cape Cod and the person was very nasty when we didn't buy! We'll likely buy a resale one, but would like to compare some resorts!

Most of the timeshares on the island are considered as Sold Out, meaning all their original suites have been sold. The only units that have now are ones they are reselling. The new Marriott may be the once exception.

For the most part you have to approach the resorts and see what they offer. You won't find yourself being approached on the beach being enticed to visit this resort or another.

__________________


Aruba for me

Not sure on the Divi Village and golf timeshare units, but you might check there. i know some new ones are being built. There are also some residential condos going up past La Cabana. Maybe buy one of those and rent it out when you are not using it. see www.divivillage.com and look for any info.

HEY SCUBABOS, love your avatar!!!!

We traded a week in a friend's time share at Divi Village for a week in our Cape Hatteras beach house one year. We listened to the spiel at La Cabana, and wound up buying one. I couldn't sleep all night that night worrying about it, and wondering if we were getting into a mess.

Starting the next year, when we first spent a week in our "new" time share, I fell in love with having a place in Aruba. Now I have an excuse to go back! My mom bought one next door, and one year we stayed in hers and rented ours to friends. Last year we stayed in hers and I put mine in the Interval International pool when they had a 2 for 1 offer. My daughter is getting married in August and using one of the weeks for a honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta.

Oh, yes, the original question: we got lunch, a rental car for 2 days, towels, etc for going to the sales talk.

I have a feeling we are going to fall in love with Aruba and would love to be able to buy a timeshare there. I figured as long as we're there we may as well take advantage of the "free offers" for looking even if we wait to buy until we get home We fell in love with the Cayman's a few years ago and wanted to buy there, but eating and doing anything is just so expensive. Aruba sounds like it has a lot to offer but is much cheaper once you get there!

When in Aruba check out the local paper for resales. Be careful all are not lifetime. If we can help please stop in our live chat room. You can find us on this site every MOnday & Thursday evening starting at 9:00pm est. Just hit on chat and come in.
Flora

We did the timeshare tour a few years ago at the Marriott Ocean Club. We had no intentions of buying but after seeing the villas we did buy. Also our sales rep was great, no high pressure from anyone. Six months later we bought at the Marriott Surf Club. I think the Marriott gives you a voucher worth $100 for certain restaurants or shopping if you do the 90 min. tour.

How much do the timeshares go for there? I was also wondering about the residential condos someone had mentioned. By the way...sorry to hear about your airfare. You may want to try USAIR next time-their lowest fare is something like 254 before taxes-if you can travel on Thursday it's great! We are leaving from Hartford though so do have to make a stop in Charlotte.

I believe the Marriott Ocean Club is now sold out. We bought pre-construction at the Surf Club and paid $11,900. What we love about the Marriott is that you buy a season....gold for us. We can choose a week between the end of April through the first week of December. Plus, we bought a 2 bedroom villa, so we have the option of locking off one side and actually getting 2 weeks vacation at one club. I think we can do that every other year. We locked off this year at the Ocean Club ( going in May) so we can go again in the fall. We deposited our week for the Surf Club with Interval this year and are going to Orlando with the family in October. I have no complaints whatsoever with the Marriott.

We went on the timeshare tours because of the "perks". We were approached on the street and said "heck, why not". We got towels, tee shirts, casino money, duffle bags, etc. During our second tour (LaCabana) my husband said "Well, what do you think". I almost fell off my chair. This is not our intention. Hey we have 5 kids to bring souveniors back for...so why not make some of them free. But hubby was serious. We sat there and talked for a long time (longer then the 90 minutes they want you for) and decided to go for it. Well that was for 1 week...we now own 4 weeks. We go in May and November. I consider myself very lucky to be able to travel every 6 months. I plan on trading and going to other locations in the future, but for now am very happy with going back to Aruba 2x's a year. I've been travelling since I'm 16 and don't mind the repeated visits! The best part of the whole thing is my husband LOVES Aruba and you have to know my husband to really understand how special that is! It takes alot to impress him. And it was all his idea!

__________________
"These are a few of my favorite things"
...Elisa
defecting to St. Thomas/St. John Oct. 10-17, '09, St. Thomas/St. John 2/23-3/3, 2010

Went to Aruba for the first time last September, stayed at the Marriott and took the timeshare tour basically for the $100. I was so impressed with my stay at the hotel and the timeshare that we bought a 2 bedroom. Karin, they have appreciated nicely since you bought yours. I was fortunate enough to meet 3 owners having dinner at Flying Fishbone that night. After talking to them for a couple of hours made the descision easy. I'm taking the entire family down this year from 7/30 to 8/5. One of the other perks I was able to negotiate was and additional week (good for 18 months) that I can trade through interval.

Can tell me about LaCabana? I was thinking of using the week to stay there later this year or early next year.

Chip

The best thing I can say is...Different Strokes for Different Folks. I chose LaCabana for lots of reasons:

1. Kid Friendly (we have 5 and will take them with us as long as they still want to come)
2. Only 4 stories. I'm not a highrise person, yes the view may be better but we can see just perfectly from the 3rd floor.
3. Convienent location. In between Oranjastad and Palm Beach. Can catch the bus or a cab to either.
4. Pools - love their front pool...kids love their back pool (by the Villas). It has a spiral slide, swim up bar and the other one has a waterfall.
5. Rooms - I really loved their studio. We had to get the 2 bedroom lockout due to the size of our family...but their studio is so light and airy I love the layout! When the kids don't come with us...my husband and I prefer to stay in the studio and rent out the 1 bedroom. (Studio has a queen size Murphy Bed (w/a spring mattress) and a queen sofa bed.

and so on.....

I'm extremely happy with my purchase. Like I said in my original post...I started out with 1 week and now have 4. Take a ride up to LaCabana and spend the day...you'll see for yourself. Also talk with other owners around the pool...we all love to brag about it (well most of us owners)!
Good Luck

__________________
"These are a few of my favorite things"
...Elisa
defecting to St. Thomas/St. John Oct. 10-17, '09, St. Thomas/St. John 2/23-3/3, 2010

TIMESHARES
The resorts that are actively soliciting tours at the momment are the Marriott and the Divi Links as well as La Cabana. Each has a unique product to offer and therefore the presentations are different.

1. Marriott is upscale and able to spend more money on their gifts. Since their time is considered as "Floating Time" they take longer to sell out due to the nature of being able to virtually sell every single available floating-week within their respective seasons. That said, they are selling at an amazing pace!
2. Divi Links is a verrrrrry close second and I would think that the gifts there are comparable. The product is less glitzy but (in my opinion) a bit more relaxed than some of the other resorts. I would think it is a good place to find the crowd that enjoys getting up in the morning and facing ocean on one side and golf greens on the other
3. La Cabana is more laid back and does in-house promotions and invitations. They have a very nice product as well that really draws families and that type. It happens to be a favorite with many locals also. La Cabana just feels good and is a nice place to be.

HIGH PRESSURE
This is not the standard Operating Procedure here on Aruba. The sales man will do all he can to make a sale, however they dop not crush bones. There is a simple reason for that (aside from the nature of the people here)
If you are at a DISNEY WORLD timeshare presentation and at the end, would like to give it some thought, there is always the outside chance you will get in your car and drive to Kentucky or some other state. Can't do that here. In other words, we are a destination and you are landlocked.

IN THE PIPELINE
Rumors float regarding a Wyndham timeshare - nothing I can find that confirms anything on dates etc. however if they do it - they will do it right. The ownership and management team are top notch.
Have also heard rumblings about a timeshare supposed to come in where the Bushiri Hotel School used to be (across from Kong Hing Super Market and on the ocean). No sticks and bricks moving about and nothig concrete that I could see.

CONDOMINIUMS
Whole ownership condominiums are starting to pop up like mushrooms after a heavy rain. The massive structure next to the Pova club (eagle beach) is a good example of that. Actually it is rumored to have been practically sold out before construction actually started. One of the large malls that will be constructed in the Palm Beach area is also rumored to plan condo units in the second phase of their construction. Aside from these, there are several other interesting projects such as Palma Real etc.

RE SALE OFFICES
Aside from the inhouse (on property) resale offices, you can look up a company called ITR (Independant Timeshare Resales). The company is owned and operated by Brian van Romandt - an expert in timeshare resales. Check it out. Of course the various BB and newpapres will keep you busy as well, BUT - no gifts with those.

T/S IN GENERAL ON ARUBA
I quote experts in the industry as saying that timesharing on Aruba is considered to be an excellent example of how it should be done. And I feel that is true.
Consider that whenever you take a living space and cut it up into 52 weekly time segments and then market it so that you hopefull have 52 different owners per segment, then multiply that by a couple of thousand units on an island smaller than down town Chicago, YEAHH WE DONE GOOD!

Go on your tour and get the gift and hopefully become an owner somewhere, resale or otherwise. Just make it Aruba.

charles
arubafastphones.com

Just thought I'd say "Excellent info Charles"!

Hey Charles...your last name...is that as popular as Smith here in the states? My husband has a friend who grew up in Aruba and now lives in New Jersey (has a ceramic tile business). His first name is Florentino Croes and is in his late 30's. He was apparently a very famous baseball player in Aruba, probably 20 years ago. He's the one that actually recommended Aruba to us...SO GLAD HE DID! So, any relation?

__________________
"These are a few of my favorite things"
...Elisa
defecting to St. Thomas/St. John Oct. 10-17, '09, St. Thomas/St. John 2/23-3/3, 2010

Hi and I hope the info helps. Nope! Aint related nohow!! Sorry. And yes - the name croes is extremely popular down here.

charles
arubafastpones.com

Charles (or any one else)

Do you know if there are any plans to develop the area right to the north of Costa Linda? (Would that even be possible?) We are considering buying a unit on that side. I wish I'd paid more attention when we were there. Thanks

Stefa, there isn't any room to build on the beach next to Costa Linda. That's why from La Quinta (resort after Costa Linda) to Amsterdam Manor the resorts are built across the stree from the beach. If anyone wants to build, they will have to build across the street.

However, I do hope they keep that part of Eagle Beach for the Arubians. There isn't much left that hasn't been built on (even if it's just the palapa, beach bars, etc.), and they deserve to have an area for themselves, especially since they'll be losing Fisherman's Huts to the Ritz. Taking walks along Eagle Beach in the morning or afternoon, I'll very often come across school children swimming there. I hope that they don't some day force them off the beach and into a pool due to greed.

We own timeshare on Palm Beach but love to drive down to the area of Eagle Beach you guys mentioned for a change of pace. I had heard that the Ritz project had been put on hold. Anyone have any details or confirmation? Thanks!

Right to the north and on the beach is a public area and many have taken their best shot at it however (in my opinion) it will not get developed. for local community reasons. Pretty soon there will not be beach to swim on for the locals. Another thing is that there is little to say about an island where you cannot see the ocean as you drive by. Development will be halted in certain placed. Go for it and enjoy your Costa Linda weeks.
Charles

RE SALE OFFICES
Aside from the inhouse (on property) resale offices, you can look up a company called ITR (Independant Timeshare Resales). The company is owned and operated by Brian van Romandt - an expert in timeshare resales. Check it out.
......

This is a mistake on my part. Brian Van Romondt has a company named VR Real Esate. ITR is someone else and I cannot recommend them since I know little about them. My apologies

charles

charles
arubafastphones.com[/QUOTE]

Thanks for all of the information on timeshares available...we just have to decide between Aruba and the Caymans now. Aruba has more expensive timeshares but is cheaper once you get there...the Caymans has reasonable timeshares but is SO expensive!

Good luck with your decision.
charles

Toured Marriott Aruba Surf Club last week. $100 gift cetfitcate or 15,000 points. Took the points. No pressure. We own at Marriott Ocean Pointe in Florida (a lot cheaper) and traded for 2 weeks in Aruba. We took our own "tour" of Costa Linda - a tired facitltiy showing its age.

Congrats on the ton of points you got. MArriott Aruba is nice.

Grand women do not show their age, they simply show less of the original beauty. Perhaps Costa Linda falls in that category??? Personally - I love the resort.

charles

arubafastphones.com

Why am I doing this to myself? Here comes more flack GEEEEZZZ - I need to stop this.

charles, thanks for making me laugh. i needed it today. i agree with you on costa linda. we own there and have watched them constantly take care, replace and repair.

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Costa Linda a tired facility showing it's age? That's interesting 'cause it's one of the prettiest timeshare facilities on the island, and I don't even own there! Wish I could afford to though.

__________________




The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

Why Sherrie, you are most welcome!!

(HMMPHH making me laugh indeed... she is just setting me up for an attack.. let me see... where is it comming from? ,, Making me laugh - sure - very sneaky indeed ...)

charles, you are a skeptic. i try never to set someone up unless they really wouldn't expect it. would you expect a setup from your mild mannered meek moderator?

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Sherrie,
Am in a very nice mood and am just joshin ya gal!.

Just enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon at my puter. Watching my son walk around as I look out the window at lesser miracles, he is a tough act to follow or to beat. Junior and I drove out to the airport a while ago to watch the planes land and take off. Still don't understand what the fascination is behind that but the two of like to do it. Twenty seven (27) arrivals yesterday and a big amount today. We also went to the "cut-down" DIVI tree. As you all know, someone took the time to put a tree patch on it and brace it with steel and a scaffolding. Have no idea who did this - funny thing about that tree, it was anonymously hacked at and is now being anonymously doctored with anonymous well wishers from around the world. Somehwere in there is a messagee - I think - but am not sure.

The day is comming to an elegant end and the sun is looking for a place to rest. Enough tans for one day - (Must be hard work to bronze off so many bodies) . The wind has calmed down and there is kind of an orange glow to the last remains.

Man do I ever lover this place!

charles
arubafastphones.com

Thanks, for the description, Charles, as I was reading it, I felt like I was right there watching the sunset!!!!!! Which is a huge help today...20 degrees and a blustery white storm making it's was up the coast to Massachussetts...Thanks again for the "warm" sunset...

My pleasure - just like to ramble on.

Have you considered becomming a coconut ans seeking employment at a Southern Palm tree of your choice?

charles
arubafastphones.com

Yes, Charles..lol...I've had part-time employment for the past l4 years, in April...that is why your description was so real! Until then I will just have to rely on your accounts...or "hot chocolate"

See ya when you come on down

charles

And then the sun literally "falls" into the ocean - it's the most beautiful sight... One thing you forgot Charles was drink in hand thanking the Gods for a magnificent day!!

This bronzed body is fading quickly! Guess what I need??? (That could open up another whole can of worms.)

__________________




The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

Old thread, but has anyone been on a timeshare presentation lately? Any good goodies received?!

To the couple of you asking about Timeshare freebies or goodies, you won't find much in Aruba along those lines......this is NOT a hard sell location, thus enticements aren't necessary, as stated most resorts are totally sold out......Aruba could sell every time share unit with their eyes closed, the island REALLY SPEAKS for itself !!!

__________________
Some people get lost in thought because it's unfamiliar territory.

actually there are still 2 who are doing it that i know of. marriott and aruba phoenix. what they are offering as incentives i don't know but i do know people who have gone on the tours.

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we always stay at the Divi.. and we do the timeshare presentation there (they have a full time rep in the lobby that wont leave you alone unless you do it!)... and they always gave great things away..
free jeep rental for a day.. $100 in casino chips, depalm stuff, etc.. its always about 80-120 bucks in freebies.. plus two tshirts and a bag. the first time it was low pressure.. second time a bit more. especially since our rep didnt like how i responded to her question of 'what brang me there for the presentation?' My response was 'their pushy representative in the lobby that wouldn't take no for an answer!' oops!

Some of the resorts have used No Cash Value chips at timeshare talks, which can be used once at the casino (if you win, they take the no cash value chip and give you an ordinary house chip), but cannot be cashed in. Sometimes, you get double the value, or get to keep playing the chip until you lose it. In any case, they can't be cashed. In 2006, the Casablanca had some of these chips on the tables (old Venezuelan currency chips). I asked them where they were distributed, and they said they thought they came from a restaurant, and/or possibly a timeshare talk.

I am very interested in no cash value chips. If you are paid in chips at one of these timeshare talks, look at the chips carefully. If they say "no cash value" or something equivalent, or they just do not match the standard house chips of the same denomination, and their face value (denomination) is $5 or less, I would love to get a couple. By the way, a $5 no cash value chip is actually worth only $2.50 if they take the chip since you end up with $5 or $0 at the end of the bet. I would pay you the full $5. If you get any, please PM me!!

__________________
Chip Collector

The chips we got were (i think so anyways) no value chips... they were only to be used for play on 1:1 bets and you could not cash them out.. you would get normal chips on winnings made from a bet with the 'special chip.' some poeple would just go to a roulette table, put half on black, half on red, and be guaranteed at least $50 in 'cash.'

i will keep a lookout for you.

Cool. Thank you very much!! arty:

Here are pictures of some Aruba no cash value chips:

1. Americana chip used by the Occidental:



2. Venezuelan value chip used by Casablanca as a match play chip:



Just thought you might like to see a couple.

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Chip Collector

i took 5 tours in 3 days i bought at the mill in mar 06 for a studio for 4100 ib4 i went i put in a request to view resales on my resort i got a call yesterday from a reseller who wanted 8000 fora 1 bedroom for me the studio is better i usuall go by myself and it has both a patio and kitchenette which th 1 bedroom doesnt have

We were there a few weeks ago and we, and the couple with us, were approached at the lighthouse by a rep from Divi. It was the day the boat was in port so they must position at all the sightseeing spots. We negotiated, right there, what we were going to get for going. Took the tour of Divi and each couple received a round of golf with clubs, $100 certificate for diamonds international, 4 t-shirts, a Divi Links golf shirt and Divi bag to cary the stuff. I should have asked for sleeves of balls.

I was impressed with what they had to offer, It makes me feel better to see developers building a quality product on the Island. If we didn't already own 2 weeks at the Surf Club I may have been real interested in a 2 bedroom unit overlooking the course with a slight view of the Ocean.

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I agree, the Divi puts on a good show.

I don't even remember when I posted this. My husband is SO resistant to doing one of these-we did one once in Rhode Island years ago. We are going to be there for almost 3 weeks and I'd love to do one or two. I figure with our 4 and 5 year old they aren't going to try to keep us forever and a bit of extra cash, etc. would be great. Is anyone still doing these?

I know Marriott is still doing them and I imagine Divi is also. There are probably others that I'm not aware of.

__________________
Make some time to lose track of.
Breath in, Breath out, Move on.
Visit us at www.beccasports.com

Divi is definetly still doing them... depending on the presenter they can be VERY low pressure too... They beat us up on our second presentation though! (back to back years!)

DH and I went last month to tour the Marriott Surf Club. We own at ABC. We were honest with the salesman and said we were simply curious to see the units and the amenities. We told him that we really don't like the crowds down at the high rise section, or screaming kids. He laughed, gave us the tour (beautiful, by the way), credited me with our 15,000 points and we were on our way. No pressure, very nice salesman. Beautiful resort, just not my cup of tea.

Glad to hear the marriott is still offering pts for the tour. I am going in May so I am hopeful tours will be avail at that time.

What does Marriott give if you don't need points? Also, how long are the tours. I really want to persuade my husband