Posts: 109
From: Chesapeake, Va
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 07-15-2004 07:56               

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I will be traveling with small children (3.5 yrs and 9 mos.). Dave M had recommended staying in Dolphin, Pelican or Sand Piper as they got 10 year makeover over the winter. He also mentioned that Starfish, Laughing Gull or Sand Dollar had a 5 year makeover last winter.

First, how do you make a request and who do you call (what number)?

Also, I'd like to be in the 10 year makeover buildings, but it would be nice to be close to kids/tot activities pool on east side.

Any recommendations?

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Posts: 140
From: Va. Beach, Va.
Registered: May 2001

posted 07-15-2004 08:22               

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The number for room assignments is 1-843-785-2040. If you are an exchanger, rather than an owner, I would just ask for the eastern or southern half of the resort to be closer to that pool, and be happy if you got that. I would definately mention that you are a Marriott owner.

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Larry

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Posts: 109
From: Chesapeake, Va
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 07-15-2004 08:51               

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Thanks Larry.

Is that number for any Marriott request or just for Grande Ocean?

Yes, I'm an exchanger and a Marriott owner.

[This message has been edited by Wahorn (edited 07-15-2004).]

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Posts: 140
From: Va. Beach, Va.
Registered: May 2001

posted 07-15-2004 09:50               

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The # is for the reception building - call and ask for the Grsnd Ocean room assigner.

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Larry

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Posts: 2683
From: Disney's Old Key West, Marriott's Grande Ocean, Marriott's Harbour Pt. and La Cabana, Aruba
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 07-15-2004 15:27               

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If you are a Marriott owner who exchanged in, you're better off calling Marriott Customer Service directly or emailing them. Frankly, you should do that method even if you are not a Marriott owner. You'll need the Marriott reservation number, not the II exchange number to do so.

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Dean
My Home Page

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Posts: 109
From: Chesapeake, Va
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 07-15-2004 18:50               

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Any more suggestions for which building to request?

Anyone visit recently and have a good or bad experience with a particular building?

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Posts: 6257
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 07-16-2004 05:17               

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The units and buildings are essentially identical and are generally furnished alike - except for the ones that have been completely refurbished. So it's a choice between location and modernization. Follow my advice if you want the modernization or Larry's if you have very small children and want to be close to the large fenced-in pool area.

The only other consideration would be whether you need two queens versus a single queen and a sleeper sofa in the second bedroom. If it matters, ask for what you want.

Try to avoid making two requests (e.g., Dolphin building with two beds in the 2nd BR), or you might wind up with neither. It's much easier for those making unit assignments to fulfill a single request, especially since you are not a GO owner and will be low on the priority list.

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Posts: 512
From: Canada
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 07-16-2004 15:47            

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Which building location do you recommend for older kids (between 9 and 11)? We're Marriott owners--but didn't use a Marriott week to trade in...

Thanks

PS Any help desribing what activites they have would be appreciated -ie do they have a basketball net, ping pong etc like at some of the other resorts?

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Posts: 130
From: Chapel Hill, NC OWNER: Marriott Desert Springs I, CA (2); Marriott Grande Ocean, SC; Marriott Streamside at Vail, CO (3)
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 07-17-2004 09:28               

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Heather, if you haven't already done so, make your room assignment request thru MVCI at 800-845-4226. The room controller at GO (Mat Shae - spelling may be incorrect) has been out of the office and his mail box has been full.

The ocean views from Sand Dollar & Laughing Gull, which are around the activities pool, are much better than the buildings (e.g. Pelican or Sand Piper) nearer the North pool unless you have a top floor, because the trees in that area are very high and limit the views. With active children I would suggest asking for buildings around the activities pool - i.e. the South area.

The Ocean Spa will have ping pong, fitness center, etc next to the indoor pool. There is also a great tennis center across the street. I'm sure there will be other planned activities. Have a ball!!

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Roy

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Posts: 512
From: Canada
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 07-17-2004 14:52            

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Thank you for the info Roy!

I am not exactly sure which buildings are North and South--I seem to recall last year a link being posted with a resort layout map showing the locations of all the buildings. I should have bookmarked it!

Does anyone have this link?

Thank you!!

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Posts: 6257
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 07-19-2004 06:23               

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See page 3 at this link - if it works for you. It might not. Marriott made a change within the past few months so that online site layouts for some of its resorts - included in materials intended for owners - are not accessible without an owner's password.

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Posts: 512
From: Canada
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 07-19-2004 08:57            

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Dave M,

That's it!!! Thank you!! Now we can have a look at the location of buildings being referred to in this thread. (Although I'm sure any place is a nice place to stay at GO!!) Can't wait to go!

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Posts: 109
From: Chesapeake, Va
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 07-19-2004 10:07               

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What about the 4 buildings in the middle? When were/are these made over?

Right now, I'm leaning toward requesting buildings on the east side since I have small kids and will be at the activities pool a lot. Are the 10 yr renovations awesome on the west side?...maybe enough to sway me to that side....too many options.

I know I'll be happy with anything though! Thanks everyone!

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Posts: 512
From: Canada
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 07-31-2004 13:40            

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I printed out the map at the link from Dave M. Thanks again!

After looking at the MVCI website photo gallery, there seems to be a lovely looking courtyard area with a dolphin statue and 'steamlike' water running between buildings. It looks like a very pretty view. Is that the North or South side?

[This message has been edited by Heather (edited 07-31-2004).]

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