So I paid 6500.00 for the Ocean View. I was in the furthest building and in the 4th floor. They bother you to go to their Vacation Club Member which they preach to you that the first to the fourth floor is garden view. All lies. DO NOT PSY THE EXTRA MONEY. YOU WILL NOT GET OCEAN VIEW. The sad part is I just became a Vacation Club member and paid for three rooms in this resort and I approached the Manager Boris Van Der Harst who told me he didn't care. I am a CFO FOR BMW and I was shocked at their customer service. My advice is there are a lot of resorts on this beautiful island. Stay far away from this one. Over crowded and management does not care!!!!!!

The Marriot Surf Club was a beautiful hotel for the most part. We had a beautiful and clean room and the staff was welcoming and warm. We enjoyed the pools and amenities. The ocean was gorgeous. My issues were a few, but they made our stay less enjoyable. All pools and water recreation areas are closed at 8pm. My husband and I really wanted to do some night swimming, and wanted to go sit in the hot tubs. This was not permitted. My other issue was the huts on the beach. If you wanted a hut on the beach, you needed to be at this desk first thing in the morning on the beach to reserve. They told me to come at 7am for a hut closer to the water. I went every day even before 7, and never got a hut anywhere near the water. Not exactly relaxing to have to get up early on vacation so you can actually ever sit by the water. The woman there then told us we could pay $50 to not have to get up early for the front row, so to speak. The next day I went to reserve this (sad with how expensive this hotel and Aruba is in general you have to pay for a spot if you want a good one). She told me front 5-6 rows were already taken, so I decided why pay the money?! Don't even get me started on reserving any chairs by the pool! Crack of dawn excursion as well!! We had a beautiful condo with two bedrooms and a partial view of the water although we had booked a water view. Partial was not in the details. So the pluses are this is a nice hotel with friendly people, but the minuses are the various inconveniences. I feel with the Marriott being such an expensive place, guests should feel more pampered and should not have these kinds of disappointments. We will not return.

After visiting here 3 years ago I can honestly say nothing has changed in the way of service and accommodations. Spacious rooms and very clean. Still could use some updating in the way of décor which I believe that they are in the process of doing. The staff is very helpful and will go out of their way to help you the best they can.
We were given an ocean front room which if you are ever offered I would definitely ask for a floor higher than the 4th to truly appreciate the views. The palapas on the beach block you view of the ocean if you were lower.
We have never had the ocean view before, it can be very quiet at times but on Sunday night there was such loud music playing from one of the local establishments that the bass of the music was so loud and disturbing until 12;30am. Not my idea of being on a quiet island sitting on the balcony at night enjoying that experience. I was not happy to say the least.
Over the years I have gotten used to knowing how to save a bit on the groceries and such when staying at a Marriott. I pack my own small box cereals and bkfst bars, I pack extra bags of sugar/equal for you only get a welcoming package and there is not enough to get you through the week. I pack extra laundry soap and bath bars. You may see the maid service in the halls before 4:00 but not afterwards so I like to pack more just in case. I also bring some dryer sheets in case you intend to do washing.
Extra Ziploc bags and ties for those last minute things that need to be packed separately. Bring a sharpie pen to write you name/room number if you so choose on your chair tags, bring floats for the lazy river. The shops sell them for $20 and if you are good about them they will last but I have found some by the elevator doors ready for the garbage.
We are on the grounds at Champions and at Ruth's Chris which never disappoints, but we were not too happy with LaVista this time around. Overcooked meat portions at the buffet. Never left dissatisfied, but this time we were.
Booked a diving excursion with Red Sail which was an experience that my boys enjoyed! Activities throughout the day, some free, some for a nominal cost. Bingo is everyday poolside at 1pm which they don't list on the activity board. Happy hour is also at 1pm.
Overall we truly love the Surf Club, the lazy river is the main draw.There is also an adult pool and a walkin directly childrens pool with a slide waterfall. We were not pressured to go out early morning to tag chairs, there were plenty to be had, except if you want to sit right in front of the river or any of the other pools. I suppose with many schools already opened there weren't too many families unlike any other month. The hotel was crowded but not like it would be in July.
The hotel has strong tradewinds which definitely is needed in dealing with the heat. We are in walking distance of the casino and of course the many shops and eateries along the strip. Which makes this a good choice If you don't plan on renting a car, but if you want for a day or so there is a National car rental in the lobby. There is cab service right out the door.
All in all the Surf Club is our choice to stay when in Aruba. It is a large family resort, a bit noisy at times, but it has all the amenities that you need when you are away from home.