The Marriott Surf Club is perfect for families. It is a bit crowded because of how big the resort is, but also full of nice people. Our family was a bit dissapointed that we had to stay on the 3rd floor, so we didn't get a full ocean view (we were
more +facing the pool). But it was a small price to pay. We borrowed someone's timeshare, so we got our adjoining rooms at an excellent price. The main room is extremely spacious and pretty, with a kitchen with all necessary appliances, a breakfast area, open living room, and balcony. We had a nice sized TV and sofa, with additional chairs and a coffee table. Attached to the main room was a bedroom, also with a TV. There is a jacuzzi tub in the bedroom separated by a half-wall. It also has its own bathroom with a stand-up shower. The kids' bedroom itself (the adjoining room) was the size of a standard hotel room and had a queen sized bed, TV, balcony, small living area, and bathroom. All rooms were very clean.
Check-in did take a bit longer than expected, but we recieved our room and keys without a problem. Luggage was piled on to a cart for us and brought to our room. They also had a man giving out complimentary popcorn to guests waiting on line.
The hotel is separated into a few different "towers", which had me a bit confused at first (I wasn't sure of which elevators to use, or which doors to enter), but I got used to it. To add to more of my stupidity, I wasn't aware of the great fitness center it had until the last full day of our stay -- from the pool area, you can see only one of its rooms through a glass wall, and I thought this was the only room available, upset that I wouldn't be able to use the elliptical machine daily like I planned. But there are actually 3 separate rooms, two of which were blocked from view. PLEASE don't be as stupid as me if you're planning to use their gym.
The pool area has a lazy river, a pool with a volleyball net and swim up bar, a hot tub, and a serenity pool for adults. It also has a small waterslide that anyone can use. There's plenty of room for everyone, but bring your own pool noodles and tubes if your planning to use the lazy river--the hotel doesn't rent them out. Make sure that you get to the pool early and reserve lounge chairs for you and your family -- they let people start at 7 AM. And be aware that there are iguanas roaming freely around the area. It's their natural habitat; dont be afraid of them. Just tell your children in advance so they don't get too scared =). The beach, needless to say, was gorgeous. The water was clear blue, calm, and warm. It also offers water sports and activities.
The only big complaint I have about the hotel is that the walls were not anywhere near soundproof. We could hear other guests running around and laughing in the hallway, and even in their rooms, when we were trying to sleep. Don't get me wrong, we're generally not a quiet family either. But I think everyone would be happier if their normal conversations couldn't be heard by people across the hall.
As for dining options, there weren't many at the hotel itself. There is just the Captain's Bar and Grill by the pool. There was a marketplace in the lobby that sold clothes, basic foods and snacks, and vacation incidentals. It also featured a sort of deli that sold sandwiches, but they would run you $9 - $12. Their ice cream though, was fairly priced and very good. The Marriott Ocean Club (the hotel's neighbor) offered the Champions restaurant and bar, this one being indoor and more Applebee's style. The regular Marriott hotel, which is a very short walk away, featured my favorite restuarant -- La Vista. We went to their Italian and Sicilian dinner buffets. The food is amazing, and includes a variety of meats (chicken parmagiana, beef, pork, lamb, veal, etc), pastas, pizza, full salad bar, and a large selection of desserts. The prices are $40 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and under. We were very pleased with the food, service, and atmosphere of the place. Another one my favorite restaurants was J.H. Yee's Asian Bistro. They had delicious food and started the meals off with these great asian chips (don't know what they're called). The portions are big and they give you plenty of meat. Be sure to try their fried bananas with ice cream for dessert!
The location of the resort was very ideal. I was surprised at how close the beach was. There's a pathway leading directly from the pool area onto the sand of the beach. This makes access to the pool and beach very easy, so you can go back and forth as you please. The Palm Beach mall and restaurant stip is also right behind the hotel. We went to T.G.I.Fridays one night in this shopping and dining center that featured a water show nightly by it's huge fountain, which was really beautiful. We didn't need to take a cab or bus anywhere (except for De Palm Island) because everything we needed was in walking distance. There are also two casinos, the Stellaris and Excelsior, just minutes away.
There are a lot of things to do to keep the kids busy, and even a day camp for them. The bottom floor has an arcade room and video game/ TV room just for kids. There are also daily activites held outisde for them to participate in, as well as a ping-pong and pool table and small playground.
If you have the opportunity, take one of the Zumba classes they offer 3 or 4 times a week. I took one there for the first time and loved it! The class is a great workout but a lot of fun at the same time. Pool volleyball is also organized for adults in the afternoon. Anyone can participate in the Bingo games they have every weekday -- a 10 year old won the $190 jackpot while we were playing!
The prices of most things in Aruba are higher than they are in America, especially in gift shops. We saved money by taking a trip to the supermarket when we got there and buying snacks and food to make breakfast and lunch for ourselves. You'll also find discounts on activites, food, and some shops, in the informational books the hotel gives out.
Our family had a lot of fun at the Surf Club and will definitely return. It's a very friendly, beautiful environment to be in and will make your vacation fantastic!
Date of Stay: 08/13/2011
Children in Party: 3
Accommodations 
Dining Kids Play Area Money Value Pool & Water Fun Staff
We just returned from 7 nights at the Marriott Aruba Surf Club. We are owners here, using our week for the first time (we bought last year while staying at the Marriott Stellaris). The resort itself is quite large and fairly crowded. We stayed in
more +a 2br OceanSide room, which is in the Lighthouse tower closest to the beach.
The room itself had plenty of room for 4 adults and the 2 children. We loved having the kitchen so we could save some money and make breakfast and lunch with groceries we purchased early in our stay. The master suite was large enough for a crib for our infant supplied by the hotel and an air mattress for a toddler we brought with us. We could put the kids to bed, and relax in the living room in the evening.
The pool area is definitely the highlight of the resort. Our 2 year old had a blast playing in the children's pool and sliding with one of us down the slide into the main pool. The lazy river was also a hit and great for relaxing with the kids. We didn't have any problems getting lounges by the children's pool, but I understand this can be a problem during busier times of the year. Our 2 year old has a sand aversion (she better get over it quick... :-) ), so we didn't spend a lot of time at the beach. We did reserve a palapa for a couple of days and the little time we did spend on the beach was wonderful.
Our kids weren't old enough for the organized activities, but the activities list was full of what looks like fun stuff when they're a bit older. There is a nice shopping area within walking distance of the resort with plenty of restaurants and shops. They also have a dancing water show nightly, and on Tuesdays, they have a local group of dancers doing some cultural dances. Both shows were entertaining and our 2 year old loved watching the girls dance and trying to imitate them. If your children are old enough, the Marriott has a children's night out with pizza and a movie for $25, which could give the parents a chance for a dinner out. The movie is free to all if you want to watch with your kids.
Date of Stay: 05/13/2010
Children in Party: 2
Accommodations Dining Kids Play Area Money Value Pool & Water Fun Staff
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Marriott's Aruba Surf Club
