ABC has instituted some new things that don't make me, as an owner of 4 weeks, a happy camper.

1. No smoking in the rooms.
2. $30 as of June to list a rental on the website.
3. Energy tax to be added on to one's maintenance fees.

I know a lot of people don't have any sympathy for us smokers, but I want a say in what rules are made; I have every right to vote yea or nay for this, as opposed to someone dictating what will happen with no conversation or discussion. I have a good sum of money tied up in the ownership of 4 weeks.

Is there any other timeshare website that charges for putting a rental on their site by an Owner? I, personally, even though I don't rent out my units, find this to be unfair and a bad move by whomever made this decision.

A new rule was instituted by ABC that ABC timeshare owners can get to the beach at 6:30 AM to get a palapa; CDM timeshare owners have to wait until 8 AM to get a palapa on ABC's beach. CDM owners are going to the beach at 6:30 AM, sitting in a palapa until 8 AM, therefore having one for the day, and security is allowing this to continue! I received a call from a friend today who was there recently, and many words are being exchanged.

Someone better wake up.... these happenings aren't making for happy ABC Owners.

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I know I didn't vote! Haven't told my hubby of the changes yet...I hope he doesn't get to ticked off! Martin isn't here to yell at anymore....he always used to get Martin all in a dither...I thought it was funny!

I have another problem I have to deal with when I get there. In my second week we have a family there that literally takes over the ABC. They do what ever they want. I mentioned it to Cathy Brete, but I don't think anything will be done about them. I guess I will speak to the new GM.

So about these changes...I agree about the smoking thing. I am a casual smoker and usually smoke out on the balcony only.

As far as the fee to list my rental...which I have not yet done at the ABC, I usually rent out my two Costa Linda weeks and do it through Redweek at$19 for 6 months. I think I will keep doing it through redweek.

I think it is crazy to add the energy tax onto the maintenance fees? I wonder what can be done about this. And who made this decision for us ?

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

I didn't vote either, and missed the part that the energy tax was being added to our maintence fee. Where did you'all read this?

K

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Need some ideas

The energy tax being added on to the maintenance fee is in the talking stage... I hope it doesn't get added on even though I never rent out any of my weeks.

Suzie ~ the new GM is a very nice lady. Go talk to her!

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I know it was being talked about at CDM, but was not aware that it was at ABC. hmmm

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Need some ideas

Elaine,
the three things you talk about were never voted upon, to my knowledge. The only items to vote on for the last Annual Meeting had to do with Directors, Budget and Raising Maintenance Fees again....to which I voted a big fat NO.

I sympathize with your habit, but it really does make the room stink for the next occupant, especially since there usually aren't any open windows, just ac blowing smokey air around. Reminds me of airplanes in the 1980's! I am a social smoker and will also use the balcony as needed.

I just read the latest newsletter and 2 things stuck out at me actually...
1. the fact that no kids under 3 are allowed to use the big pool anymore....it's about time they did this. I speak for everyone that has ever been inconvenienced and totally grossed out. I think they should make it 5 years old, actually.
2. The new rule that no one is allowed on the beach until 6:30 am?!??! Are they kidding?? Are they going to tell me the beach is CLOSED?!?!? I know it's crazy, but I get up every morning (yes, on vacation) to watch the sunrise, the cruise ships come in and bask in the serenity and I absolutely love that time of day. I just bring my coffee mug, sit down and take it all in. I've been down at 6:00 am and haven't been the first one there! It's not about "reserving" a chickie, it's just what being in Aruba is all about to me! Just try to keep me from watching the sunrises!

Okay, I'm officially off my pedestal....sorry.

Dee ~ you're right about the smoking. I usually buy a few candles at Lings so it's not so offensive. I'm sure I'll be able to live with it, but it ticked me off that we, the owners, had no say.

I think the new pool rule has been too long in coming, but I'll betcha parents won't abide. It sure isn't the little ones because as long as they're in the water, they don't care.

The 6:30 rule's nuts! I go in February, the busiest time. Let's just see how the guards are going to enforce the CDM members not being allowed to get there before 8 AM. There are already problems going on so I've heard.

With me, it was all about being dictated to without having a say, and having even thought about raising the maintenance fee AGAIN was assinine. Hell, they just did it twice in a short period of time!!!

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I have to agree with you Dee and Elaine that the pool issue was way overdue. And I have experienced a youngster in the pool when something has happened and it is gross. Nothing clears a pool faster! As far as getting to the beach in the morning, I think they are just referring claiming your chickie for the day. I know there are many mornings that I do just as you Dee, grab my coffee and head on down. Just to feel the tranquility, peace and quiet and listen to the ocean.

But during the time I am there it is the slow season, and there are plenty of chickies for everyone.

As far as the fees go, we were just charged the assesment fees for the refurbishing! We still have it better than most on the island, but I don't think I care to throw in the energy fees on top of everything else.

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

Not to hijack ya'lls thread. No matter where you stay on the island the
rooms can smell like old smoke and or musty. Barb packs a travelers bottle
of FREBREEZE before we leave the states. You can use it to freshen your
room and it also works well on that shirt or blouse that you wore to the
Casino the nite before that smells smoky. Trust me it works!

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ARUBA....One Happy Island

Later,
millertime

Miller, that's a great idea! Especially for the post-casino stench!
Thanks!