I came to the resort for a wedding and reserved a room for one night. When we arrived, the valet…read moreline was backed up almost to the street, with what looked like a 30-minute wait. Luckily, I spotted self-parking, and we were able to get into the garage instead.
Check-in was easy. As a Marriott Lifetime Platinum member, I appreciate the benefits of loyalty, and my room was upgraded to the Orchid Tower with a beautiful balcony overlooking the golf course.
The resort charges a $75 resort fee, which includes access to the gym, putting greens, and Tidal Cove Water Park. On Saturday afternoon we headed to the water park, but it was so crowded. There were no chairs available, the lazy river was bumper-to-bumper with people, and several families allowed their children to fight and run around while security seemed uninterested. We left and walked over to the adult pool, which was nice and had plenty of chairs.
The wedding itself was beautiful. The Grand Ballroom was a little tight for the 220 guests. The dance floor was too small to accommodate. The catered meal (beef, fish, or vegetarian) was typical banquet food and unfortunately inedible. I was there to celebrate the bride and groom, so the food was secondary. Although, If I was paying, I would not have been happy.
Sunday brought more disappointment. We returned to Tidal Cove only to find it just as crowded, so we again headed to the adult pool. While relaxing, a woman brought her small dog to the pool. Marriott may allow dogs on the property, and I have no issue with that, but she actually let the dog swim in the pool. Another guest complained, yet the dog remained in the water while the owner loudly argued. Soon other guests started bringing their dogs down to the pool. Again, not one of the workers around the pool said anything. A resort pool should not become a dog park.
I had been given a 3:30 p.m. late checkout, I was so disgusted that I left at 1:00 p.m. At checkout I told the front desk exactly what I had witnessed.
Then came the final frustration. Self-parking is advertised at $45 per day and was supposed to be charged to my room. Instead, I paid at the garage exit. My ticket showed I entered at 1:46 p.m. Saturday and exited at 2:02 p.m. Sunday--just 20 minutes over 24 hours. Rather than charging the daily rate plus perhaps a small overage, I was charged $74.90. I made my husband stop at the parking office where I spoke with Rachel. She contacted the manager, who assured me the extra charge would be removed. A week later, the full $74.90 posted to my Visa with no adjustment. I've tried to call the hotel directly and every time they forward the call to accounting, no one picks up and call drops.
I don't like leaving negative reviews, but between the overcrowding, dogs swimming in the adult pool, and the parking overcharge that was never corrected, this stay was extremely disappointing. As a Lifetime Platinum Elite member who chooses Marriott whenever possible, I expected far better customer service and management. Unfortunately, I will never return. There are other Marriott Resorts in Florida that are so much nicer.