Four of us spent a 3 night stay last week at this beautiful resort during the off season on Marco Island. My report is glowing with many nice features and finds.
The property is beautiful inside and out and truly reflects a resort hotel. We used valet parking on arrival at $20 per night as opposed to $12 for self parking. The valets were friendly helpful with directions and prompt. Check in was busy but the line moved quickly with sufficient agents to help the incoming group and us. I was surprised there was no dedicated line for Gold and Platinum members of the award program.
There were plenty of shops and the grounds were in terrific shape. I thought Hilton Head Island had a nice beach, but this one was spectacularly wide with sufficient chairs and cabana covers. The weather was a little chilly for laying on the beach but the pool was heated to 86 degrees and very comfortable. The pool waiters and waitresses were very friendly and prompt and pool prices were not outrageous.
The buffet breakfast was priced at $20.95 but worth every penny of it. The selection was outstanding, service prompt and attentive. The thing I liked best about this resort were the employees. The all seemed happy and willing to go out of their way for their guests. It was truly a refreshing change from some of the surliness I have experienced elsewhere. We ate at Quinn’s onsite one evening and enjoyed a modest menu and prices.
Our room was in the Palms Tower and had a panoramic view of the beach and ocean. By the layout of the rooms it appears many have at least partial ocean views.
The resorts golf course is called the Rookery and is located about 15 minutes from the resort off the island. We played in a two club wind and our scores suffered because of it. Lots of sand and water and the greens were in terrific shape.
Occupancy was extremely low at the hotel due to the time of year, but I’ll bet this place is hopping in prime time. The concierge fixed us up with a deck boat rental for a cruise in and around the island’s luxurious homes. After the boat rental we went to the Snook Inn for dinner a famous hotspot and on another evening my old favorite Stan’s in Goodland on the back side of Marco.
I’d like to comment on the pricing but my friend Sally got us a special rate so I can’t comment, other than valet at $20, Internet at $14.95 and full breakfast buffet at $20.95. Meals at the other place we ate were comparable in price so my only unknown was the going room rate.
And the only negatives we found: The in room sugar packets had been there for some time and were clumpy and the gals were not happy with the pillows, either too big and hard or too small and soft. I must admit, we never asked about other pillows so that could have been easily corrected.
Would I go again? Yes I would and suggest if you are looking for a south Florida getaway consider the Marco Island Marriott. Ft Myers airport is less than an hour away to the north and Ft. Lauderdale is just a short hop across Alligator Alley.
No First Year Fee, Free Checked Bag, $50 Statement Credit, Lounge Passes
The Platinum Card from American Express
