Report Abuse

MARRIOTT RIPPING OFF ARUBA OCEAN CLUB OWNERS

Ok I have broken this down in pieces and will lay out the facts that Frank failed to tell us. "First, we are very pleased to have a new Aruba Ocean Club General Manager on the team, solely dedicated to our property." With all the rising costs, why at this time did the board decide to take on the added expenses of a dedicated resource? We could have reduced some of the fee for a period of time by continuing to share resources. “Undoubtedly you have read or heard about the challenges that we have faced with our roof over the past few years.“ Challenges for the past few years, come on Frank speak the truth, we have had problems since the Ocean Club opened. It has leaked since day one and we the owners have paid to continue to repair the building every time it leaks and floods. “First, the original roof was not defective; the building itself was constructed in the early to mid-90’s; later purchased by Marriott Vacation Club International and then completed and opened as the Aruba Ocean Club in 1999.” If the roof was not defective why has it leaked since day 1. Why didn’t Marriott reveal to the owners before buying that the building was not built by Marriott and that the structure was already 5 or more years old? Sounds like a lack of full disclosure. “The Ocean Club, like many other properties on the island, suffered beach erosion, landscaping and water damage on the west side facing ocean front units. Most of the repairs are complete but the unexpected cost of repairs not covered by our insurance deductible must be paid by the Association.” Why did the Surf Club not experience the same kind of damage as the Ocean Club. They have ocean front units as well. The reason is the Ocean club was not properly waterproofed thus 120 rooms were severely damaged. All due to Marriott not properly fixing up the building they bought. “The scope and cost of the renovation has been communicated in prior updates and the Board is still following the same strategy that has been laid out over the past couple of years. Aside from the renovation assessment, you will notice that your maintenance fee has increased from the prior year and the information regarding the factors necessitating the increase is included herein as well as in the operations update and the billing notice.” Frank, why have you not told everyone about the increase amount? You come across as it is a minimal increase, when you are increasing the fees by 35%. “The challenges that lay ahead will demand the time and energy of the Board like no time in the past.” Frank, the reason you have the challenges that are demanding your time and energy is your lack of openness to the owners. When Allan was president he was open with the owners and was more than willing to discuss what was going on. Since you the board and Marriott forced Allan out, you have kept everyone in the dark. Why not share with the owners that you voted Allan out versus just saying there is a new president? Why are you and the board hiding behind the Marriott apron strings? Why not let the owners decide if you should be president or if we want Allan as president? The letter sent to the owners is a pro Marriott letter and not an honest letter to the owners. We as owners need to demand more openness and the right to see how much we have spent over 9 years due to Marriott’s lack of due diligence and responsibility in the state of the Ocean Club. Why are we hearing only in the last few months that Marriott did not build the Ocean club from the ground up? Give is answers not the leis you put in the letter. Why is this letter not posted on the Aruba Ocean Club website?