Marriott's Aruba Ocean Club

The resort offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its spacious, well-equipped villas and direct beachfront location, providing guests with immediate access to the serene waters. Its unique position also allows convenient access to the amenities of neighboring Marriott properties, enhancing the overall experience. This destination is particularly well-suited for families seeking ample space and activities for all ages, couples desiring a quieter, relaxed atmosphere compared to busier resorts, and loyal owners who consider it a cherished second home. To maximize your visit, guests are advised to utilize the online system for reserving beach palapas early in the morning, as they are in high demand. Additionally, be mindful of potential external noise from nearby establishments, especially during certain times of the year, which some guests have noted can impact evening tranquility.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the extensive pools, which feature a swim-up bar, bridges, waterfalls, and hot tubs, providing ample space for relaxation and enjoyment. While some guests noted that securing pool chairs can be challenging during peak times, the overall pool experience is highly rated. The resort offers convenient laundry machines on each floor, available for guest use, though some reports indicate occasional maintenance issues with these units. Access to a comprehensive fitness center at the adjacent Marriott Stellaris is a significant advantage, allowing guests to maintain their routines. Additionally, the property includes various on-site conveniences such as gift shops, a convenience store, an ice cream shop, a spa offering a range of treatments, and beach palapas for guest use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The accommodations are largely praised for their immaculate cleanliness and overall comfort, with many guests highlighting the spaciousness and modern updates of the villas. The inclusion of a full kitchen in the units is a significant convenience, enabling guests to prepare meals and dine in. Most guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, some reviews indicate that certain areas, particularly bathrooms, could benefit from further refurbishment, and a few guests reported initial cleanliness issues upon check-in, such as stained linens or uncleaned appliances. Noise levels received mixed feedback; while generally quieter than neighboring properties, some guests experienced considerable disturbance from loud connecting rooms or external sources like nearby entertainment venues, impacting their tranquility. Occasional issues with hot water availability and flashing smoke detectors were also noted.

Dining & Food Quality
The resort offers several on-site dining options that cater to various tastes. Malmok Pool Bar and Grill is a popular choice, providing outdoor dining, bar seating, and a lively pool bar atmosphere, with guests often praising its extensive menu, including fish tacos. Campeones offers a Mexican-themed experience with all-you-can-eat chips and salsa, alongside various beverages. For quick bites and morning refreshments, the Ocean Cafe is well-regarded for its coffee, pastries, and gelato. While many guests enjoy the convenience and variety of the on-site restaurants, some feedback suggests that the food quality can be inconsistent, with a few isolated reports of unsatisfactory dishes. The bar services, including a swim-up bar, are generally well-received, contributing to the relaxed vacation ambiance.

Location & Accessibility
The resort boasts an exceptional central location on Palm Beach, making it highly convenient for guests. It is ideally situated within walking distance to numerous shopping and dining options, allowing for easy exploration of the area's vibrant nightlife and culinary scene. The property's placement on the "Marriott Strip" between the Marriott Surf Club and Marriott Stellaris, with the Ritz Carlton nearby, provides guests with expanded access to amenities and diverse environments. Direct beach access is a significant advantage, offering immediate enjoyment of the ocean. While the location is highly praised, guests should be aware that on-site parking can be challenging due to high demand. Additionally, while many rooms are advertised as "ocean view," some guests noted that a true ocean front view is not guaranteed and may require specific booking to avoid views obstructed by landscaping or other buildings.

Staff & Service
Guest feedback on staff and service is notably mixed. Most guests commend the staff for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, highlighting positive interactions with bellmen and certain restaurant and bar staff. However, a significant number of reviews express dissatisfaction, citing instances of rude and unhelpful staff, a perceived lack of service, and an overall sense of indifference. The check-in process is a frequent point of contention, often described as slow and frustrating, with long wait times and rooms not being ready at the advertised time. The towel service policy is another area of widespread complaint, with guests reporting strict limitations, frequent towel shortages, and unpleasant interactions with staff at the towel hut. Similarly, some guests found security personnel to be overly restrictive regarding pool activities, while others praised their helpfulness.

Additional Information
As a timeshare property, many guests are owners, and some reviews highlight issues related to owner season, such as early morning pool chair saving by a specific demographic. A recurring concern is the noise from nearby Moomba's, which some guests found disruptive late into the night. There have been reports of unexpected water outages and AC outages due to maintenance, causing inconvenience. The palapa rental system on the beach, while offering shade, involves a fee and requires early online booking, which some guests found cumbersome, leading to frustration over securing a spot. The strict towel policy, limiting the number of towels and requiring exchanges, was a common source of complaint. Additionally, some guests raised safety concerns regarding unoccupied floats left anchored in the ocean, and isolated incidents like a falling armoire door were reported.