We left the ABC the first of July and was wondering if anyone has an update? I know they started renovations on a block of units in the tower building when we were leaving.

thanks...just curious and anxious!

We exchanged our 2005 La Cabana unit for ABC in June 2005. The Interval website indicated that the rennovations were scheduled for completion in May 2005. However, I don't know if Hurricane Ivan delayed the completion date.

__________________
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.
Mark Twain

They are still working on the first set of rooms. Just painted the outside walls and are putting the windows back in. Not much else. So it is going slowly but surely as the saying goes.

Thanks so much for the update...I thought for awhile I was the only one who was interested in the progress. Thanks for taking the time to update me. We will be back in June for two weeks and our units are scheduled to be done towards the end of the project. I know they won't be finished for awhile and just curious as to which portion of the building the renovations had moved to. They had started renovations on the Hi rise section (4 story) on the 1st of July and wondering how far they had progressed.

Thanks again.

Suzie

Same here Suzie... my units are scheduled to be done towards the end. I'll be there in Jan/Feb and don't expect that they'll reach my area. When I get back, I'll post here and let you know what's going on. Quite honestly, I don't think completion of all the renovations will be finished before my trip in '06, if then.

__________________




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

Hi just thought I would let you know they are still working on the first 9 rooms haven't got much head way they should be done soon the plumbling and electrical is done I believe just need to redo the floors and walls they have put the windows back and are painting the outside of these units now. I go there 2-3 times a week so if you want to know anything special let me know I will try to find out.

marcia

Thanks Elaine and Marcia,

I know things get done slowly in Aruba...Just a post an update now and then will be sufficient for me. I live in California and will be out there in June of 05 with my family. Just wondering if they would move us or not.

Thanks again,

Suzie

Suzie.... It's my understanding that they're going to try to accomodate anyone if the renovations are being done on your room or segment of rooms where you're located. Hey, if we're lucky.... they'll put us in the Royal Deluxe!! I'm more concerned with the noise.... Welllllllllll.... time will tell!

__________________




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

They haven't finished the first 9 rooms but have started on the next 6 so work is in progress. No need to worry about the noise like I said I go there 3 times a week and spend about 3 hours at a time there and you don't hear anything. So they are being very careful to not distrub anyone.

Thanks for the updates, Marcia.... it's greatly appreciated.

__________________




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

Just so everyone knows I do believe they have the first set of rooms done. Was by there today and we were going to go in and see how they look but didn't make it. Will check next week. I do know that the top floor had people in it over Halloween because of the decorations on the balcony. As soon as we go in and look I will let you know. If you need anymore info let me know and if anyone knows anybody that needs week 50 I have pool side for rent

Truck after Truck after Truck arrived at the Aruba Beach Club today with loads of brand new furniture. Just a fast update for everyone looks like everything is going good. Got a little sunburn today the sun was beaten down on the misguided (ha ha) people who came here to enjoy the cold (ha ha)

MC61, I really appreciate your updates on the renovation at ABC. My husband & I will be taking our 8 year old grand daughter there in June of 2005 & hope we're lucky enough to get one of the "new" rooms.

We've never stayed at ABC & we're not quite sure which resort it is, but I've read a lot of good things about the place. We own a timeshare at LaCabana & had to cancel at the last minute (weeks 48/49), so you've been my "link" to a much anticipated visit for our next visit to Aruba.

Thanks again, friend

__________________
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.
Mark Twain

Manzanita, you'll be very pleased with ABC. Everyone there is very friendly... staff and guests.
Marcia, according to the Newsletter I just got, the high rise building is supposed to be completed by December and Rooms 162 and 262, not in the high rise are already completed because they had plumbing problems and had to be renovated. Everything is supposedly on schedule.
The Club is also in negotiations for a Spa run by 3 local women. It'll be in the old restaurant office under the canopy on the Cayana Gardens deck.
So far....... that's the update!

__________________




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

Thanks Elaine and Marcia for all your updates....I to will be back in June 2005. I own weeks 25, room 220 and 246 and week 26 room 240 and 246. 246 is on the beach front and they were scheduled to be some of the last ones to be renovated. I am not in a hurry just curious as to what is happening Again, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all the updates and will stay posted.


thanks again,

Suzie

I got some more information as to how the renovations are going at ABC. Following was written by Martin, the GM at the club. Looks like my wing will be the last done so hopefully by Feb. '06 I'll get to stay in a "new" suite. Hope this helps!



Aruba Beach Club makes progress with renovation of accommodations
Posted by Martin van Halteren on November 27th, 2004 Aruba Beach Club makes progress with renovation of accommodations

After a successful start of the current room reservations in August of this year,
your Aruba Beach Club is pleased to report that we are on schedule with the
attention to all High Rise rooms and intend on completing all 24 units of this
entire wing prior to Christmas 2004.

Through tireless efforts of our Project Coordinator Arlene Nagtegaal, the construction
crews and our in-house Maintenance and Housekeeping departments, various members
and guests have already had the opportunity to enjoy these remodeled units during their
annual vacation to Aruba this year.

Please find following pictures of the renovated High Rise rooms, with the new tile floors,
new kitchen and bathroom cabinetry and all new furniture and soft goods. Less visible are
the upgrades to the plumbing, the air conditioning and smoke detection system and all
the new doors and windows, inclusive of their new frames. New room number signs complement
the beautiful new entrance doors.

Following a short winter recess over the year-end holidays, the renovations of ABC will resume
in January 2005 with the West Wing, the short wing next to the Manchebo Beach Resort.

We look forward to showing you the new look of ABC upon your next visit!

__________________




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

Thanks Elaine....It helps a great deal...and very much appreciated. My Husband Mike and I are leaving tomorrow evening for St. Thomas. Neither of us has ever been there and the trip was free...But I'm sure it won't take the place of Aruba...When do you own at ABC? If I do not respond quickly it's because I am probably not here till next week..

Suzie.. have a wonderful time in St. Thomas. Lots of great shopping!! I own week 5 in 135, week 6 in 219 and week 7 in 227. In '05 I'll be there from January 29th until February 19th. Hopefully, in the next couple of years I'd like to buy week 8. I'm usually lucky enough to stay in one room for two weeks and sometimes three as long as the room is rented out and not being used by the owner. I've owned at the club for quite a few years, and love it... and, I've been lucky enough to make wonderful long lasting friendships with people from all over the country and abroad. I think the staff and management is wonderful.... kind, caring and genuine. Let us know about your trip when you get back! Have fun!!

__________________




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

Just returned from the Beach Club. Tower rooms ending in 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, and 08 are completed. The two remaining groups (ending in 01 and 02) are all but complete. We stayed in 305. The club has done a wonderful job. The new decor is lovely but the new plumbing and thermostat/air conditioning system are the real improvement.

To correct a previous posting 163 and 263 (not 162/262) are the rooms which have been updated due to a plumbing problem. The new furniture is not installed in these two rooms. Everything else is done...new counters, appliances, plumbing etc.

Kate.... Thanks for the update. I'll be there next month, but my section hasn't been started yet. I was the one who posted the incorrect rooms... 162 and 262. It was my understanding that the plumbing had to be redone in those rooms, but I stand corrected. So glad to hear that everything's turning out nicely.

__________________




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

Hi Elaine,

You were not the one who made the mistake...it was the ABC newsletter. If my memory serves me correctly they sighted 162/262. I felt the need to make the correction since the folks in 162/262 are going to Aruba believing that their units have been renovated.

I just spent three weeks there and am not sure exactly when they will begin the next phase. Seems everyone quotes/interprets Martin differently. Please keep us posted as to the status upon your return. We return in March and will be interested in the status of our March rooms.

Have a great trip. The hurricane was good to our beach. It is broad and beautiful.

Kate...I'll be sure to update you. I'm spending 3 weeks there too. It's very easy to misinterpret Martin. I'm never quite sure about things when I talk to him. Glad to hear our beach is in good shape... That makes me happy since I spend all 3 weeks just laying there...

__________________




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

I recently found out we have room 117 at ABC, week 24 (June 11 - June 18).
When I called the resort I was told the west wing renovations will start in Feb. with completion scheduled in April. I downloaded the resort layout from ABC's website, but it didn't note which units were the west wing.

Anyway, I'm not so much concerned if our unit will be renovated when we arrive but I'm wondering if construction will be going on within close proximity. Can't wait to get to the ABC & Aruba in June, since we missed out on this years trip. I'm sitting here in the middle of Ohio looking at about a foot of snow on my patio, & I can just feel the seasonal depression creeping up

__________________
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.
Mark Twain

Mazanita.... if I'm not mistaken, the wing you're in... which is the same wing I'm in, will be the last one done.

__________________




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

room 117 is on the pool side in the East wing I believe and by the sounds of it you should be all set

It is on the pool side of ABC... but that's the last wing to be renovated. At Aruba's pace, I truly am not sure if that wing will be finished in 2005.

__________________




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

Elaine, You must be getting ready to leave....Isn't that correct??? If so I am really jealous..can I go with you ...I have 185 days till I am there...


No seriously, have a wonderful time and let us know how things are going at ABC. I know the tortuga now takes the visit aruba card..but don't members get some sort of discount? Well have a relaxing time...

Suzie

Hi Suzie.. Leaving on Saturday. I'll let you know what's happening with the renovations when I get back on the 19th. As for the Tortuga, members get something like 5% off... I'm not sure if it's just for cash, and I didn't know they take the visist aruba card which I've never gotten anyway. Did you hear that ABC is in negotiations for opening a spa?? Will give you the skinny on that too!
Thanks for thinking of me, and I do intend to totally relax and have a "fabulous" time...

__________________




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

I had heard when I attended the weekly meeting (back in June 04) that they were negoiating a spa. How wonderful that would be..I hope it will be done by the time we get there this June. Have you ever tried the spa at Manchebo? they use the teak huts near the beach to do their massages and treatments.

Well have a good one! and enjoy!

We stayed at ABC in a studio for 2 nights (Dec 30 & 31) before moving into our time share at CDM. We were facing a Manchebo building, think it was either room 155 or 153. I can't complain about the cleanliness but it sure was in need of some rehabbing. In addition, over the summer we bought sight unseen from an owner room 118 just for extra space for our kids should we need it while at CDM. As it turned out our one son used it so we got to see inside that one. It was even more in need of rehabbing than the one we had rented for 2 nights. I did however also get to see one studio a couple of doors down from 118 than has been rehabbed. Why that one was done I'm not sure unless just as a model to show owners what the finished product is going to look like. I have to say it was really nicely done! The only thing I wish they were doing in those studio bathrooms was adding either larger counter space or some shelving to accommodate all the "stuff" we women like to leave out and handy while primping to go out, lotions, potions, hair stuff, etc.

The renovations are supposedly on time. The high rise is finished... They're now working on the west wing. (faces ABC and Manchebo) They're working on the rooms beginning from the high rise out to the beach. The projected completion date is June 30th although I can't imagine it being finished. The east wing (faces ABC and CDM) is scheduled to start July 1st, and they'll begin work on the rooms beginning from the beach inward. Room 142 had a plumbing problem so they're gutting it and it's in the schedule for the current phase of the west wing. When I asked Ida about the projected date of completion of my rooms for next February, she assured me that 135 and 229 would be complete, but 217 is questionable... it's on the cusp and may not be completed until June of '06. I know that someone asked about Room 117 for this June.... Obviously, this wing won't even be begun. The noise is a bit of an annoyance for those in the wing that's being worked on. Some people asked if they could close the doors of the suites they're working on, but the drilling is impossible to drown out. I really couldn't hear anything since I was in the east wing, but when they were working on 142, it was a bit of a pain. The beach is great.... the spa just opened, and the Tortuga is getting great reviews although I didn't eat dinner there... just lunch. Can't think of anything else... but, ask away if you have any questions.

__________________




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

Got back last night and work is being done at a feverish pace. To quote the manager "everthing is on schedule" and if you believe that I will tell you another one. Nothing in Aruba is done on time not just at ABC but they are doing their best to complete the work in a timely manner.

Barb.... I just got back last night, too! Martin tells you whatever you want to hear... lol Geez, bet you and I passed eachother!!

__________________




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

Linda, 122 was refurbished a few years ago as a model room. The furniture that's going into the newly renovated units will be scaled down a little from what's in there since some pieces are really too large. My understanding is that they are going to put shelving into the bathroom. Although I wasn't happy about the assessment, I can't wait for next year to see what everything's going to look like. The rooms are really "tired" and in desperate need.

__________________




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

Elaine,

Thanks for the update, I really appreciate it...it looks like my units have not started the renovation process yet and that is fine by me. Did you happen to get the spa prices and what the name of the spa is? I will probably give it a try this year. I hope you had a wonderful vacation. I am on my countdown now. Only a few months to go.

Take care,

Suzie

__________________
Aruba, no other place like it!
Our next trip June 19 th - July 3rd 2010

Suzie... The spa only opened a few days before I left, and no I didn't get pricing and I can't remember the name. Mrs. Kelly, my towel lady friend, told me that the women who own it are very good... that's about all that I know. You'll have to give me a report. I'm not much for spas... I'm too busy sunning.. lol

__________________




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

Anything new on the renovations? We're not going until June, just curious. We are in #402, week 26. I think those are all finished but would like to add a week and rent. Not sure if they're renting at all until everything is completed.

Segerd, the high rise is all finished... When I was there in February, there were a lot of renters. Why not go on ABC's website and see what's available or
e-mail Ida. I don't think you'll have a problem if you're open to another type of room or location.

__________________




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

Thanks for letting me know about the renovations! I did try to get a rental either before or after our week. They said there were no rooms available because of the construction going on. Will try again next year but until then, we'll go with CDM. THANKS!

Segerd.... keep checking www.arubabeachclub.net... lots of people put their rentals on there and it's cheaper dealing with an owner. I'm looking to buy another week... week 8 - so when I see that someone is renting it, I take a chance and e-mail them to see if they're interested in selling. I check about once a week.

__________________




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

GREAT idea! Thanks so much for that bit of information. I too am looking to buy another week, either 25 or 27 as I have week 26 and would love to stay for two each year. THANKS again!

You're very welcome. If you're looking to buy, there's another link on the website for resales, too... I have 5, 6 and 7 so 8 would give me a month when I retire. In the meantime, should I buy it... I'll rent it out. Good luck!!

__________________




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

Segerd,

My husband and I own weeks 25 & 26 in unit 246 and will be at ABC at that time also. If you are looking for an additional week try www.redweek.com or check as elaine said on the ABC website. I also know that in the past owners were trying to rent week 25, on the aruba-bb bulletin board, at least that is the way it has been the past couple of years. I am really looking forward to our trip, we are leaving a day earlier from California and will be arriving in Aruba on the 17th. ABC stated they did not have any available unit for one night, so we are staying our first night at the Wyndham. Our Daugther works for the Wyndham Buttes in Phoenix and was able to get us the friends and family rate for one night. I have never stayed anywhere else but ABC, so this should be interesting. Would really love to meet you when we are there in June.

Suzie

__________________
Aruba, no other place like it!
Our next trip June 19 th - July 3rd 2010

Segerd,


Just checked the ABC website under Rentals and exchanges link. There are about 4 adds of owners wanting to rent their units for week 25. One of the units is #407. At this time there were no rentals by owners availble for week 27...just an FYI.

Suzie

__________________
Aruba, no other place like it!
Our next trip June 19 th - July 3rd 2010

Thanks for all the great information! I hope we get to meet up with you at Happy Hour at ABC captmorgnsgrl!

Me too, Suzie

__________________




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

Elaine, are you planning a trip in June? If so, sure would like to meet you too!.

__________________
Aruba, no other place like it!
Our next trip June 19 th - July 3rd 2010

Wish I could, Suzie. Unfortunately, I take all 3 weeks in February..... but, feel free to toss down a few for me!!!

__________________




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

Unit #117 is not in the section being done yet. The section being redone now is on the other side of the pool closer to Manchebo so you will not have any problem with where you are staying.

Suzie... did they say that your unit will be finished in June?? I would think that it's in the last block to be done....

__________________




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