Ouch, I had such high hopes but what a letdown with insulting service. This is a hard pass.
The positives, the food we tried was actually pretty good. Mediterranean style tapas menu with a few large plates provides flexibility, and most of what we tried was quite enjoyable. Very nice hummus as well as falafel.
So what should you know before you go?
The dining room layout is a nice concept but odd. Indoor and outdoor seating with a mix of options outside. Regular tables, high top, bar, couch, lounge like chairs, etc.. Located on a deck overlooking the pool and beach at the JW Marriott hotel, with guest rooms overlooking the dining area.
Reservations - When making a reservation, it is for the indoor area. Outdoor dining is first come first serve. Fair enough. When we arrived at opening time, we were taken outside and offered a table for two with a view of a cement wall. The hostess, while pleasant enough said she could not give us any of the other tables (which had nicer views) because they seat four. OK, first come, first serve, but not for us. We accepted our table with a view of a cement wall. Another party of two behind us were offered another equally undesirable table but put up a fuss, and were seated at one of the four tops. The hostess then came to us and offered to reseat us at a similar table. OK, thank you, but really? I don't need this kind of drama to start my meal.
Our waiter came to take our drink order and asked if we were guests of the hotel. We were not, and were informed that he would need to preauthorize a credit card before he could place any food/drink service. What? Never ever anywhere, not even in a dive bar. Might I walk out without paying? Might my credit card be declined? Insulting.
All of the tables wobble, but they do not and will not provide anything to address this. Instead, I could try moving the table until it does not wobble. It was not possible to move the table so it does not wobble. You need to hold the table during your meal to avoid spilling your drink.
Our waiter tried, but seemed like he had never waited a table before. Service was impossibly slow. Again, too bad as the food was decent.
What else should you know? Parking is not validated. It is $15 to self park and $25 to valet. Sure in a big city I pay way more to park, but nobody has charged me to park for dinner on Marco Island, especially for an insulting sub par dinner.
Clearly Marriott does not need the business of those not staying at the resort. Makes me wonder how poor the service might be at this resort.
I can't recommend Tesoro. It was the worst dining experience on Marco and perhaps the most insulting dining experience I have had. Total fail. read more