This is a very nice facility. The "suites" are 2 fairly small rooms, but every suite has a microwave and refrigerator, plus an excellent view of the Bay. It was very cold while we were here, so we could not take advantage of the water bikes or pool (which has a fine waterfall and normally would be great for kids). Sitting on the small balcony and enjoying the outdoors didn't work, however, not because of the cold and the wind but because the hotel has some kind of very loud machinery running out there, so it's certainly not quiet and romantic. We were on the 8th floor, but I suspect this is a problem on every floor because the noise (air conditioning unit? heating unit?) was extremely loud. We enjoyed being there and we enjoyed the special view of the Bay, but if we had gone to Florida to walk on an ocean beach, we would have been better off in a hotel across the road with ocean beach frontage. The Bay has a narrow beach but no waves, of course. The people at the Marriott were exceptionally considerate. The restaurant is pricey, so we did not try it, but right next door is an excellent Spanish/Cuban restaurant, The Columbia. I do have real trouble believing that Marriott does not provide free Wi-Fi to all of its guests. Most other hotels and chains have discovered how important this is to many people.

Location was great. Little shopping area close by, poolside service was good, great view, treat to Gold member status. We've stayed at a lot of Marriotts and not all of them recognize our visits with our gold status. From the minute we checked in and every night turn down service with cookies and milk, chocolates, etc. We felt like they appreciated our repeat business.

It is the kind of hotel you don't want to stay at, smelly and poorly designed. It looks and feels as on of those motels you see on the side of the road but ten stories.
The area is beautiful and the view of the bay is great but, I needed to stay in and work on my computer most of the time.
As long as you are not planning on spending time at the hotel, you will be fine
The was a loud and smelly fan in the kitchen right below us and when asked to be moved higher up ( from the 4th floor), got a room on the 6th floor and were warned about the construction noise which was pretty consistant troughout the day

I left Boston Logan for a change of planes in Baltimore at BWI. Then off to Tampa via Memphis. Not a good day so far...4 airports. I had no idea the day was going to get worse. I arrived in Tampa at 7:30 PM with no luggage, no computer and no presentation materials for a global DOD IT presentation in Tampa on Thursday Feb 9th - today.

Literally beat, I arrived at the Sand Key Marriott around 8PM with only the clothes on my back and my cell phone which was half dead and nothing else. Being a little distraught and wanting to reach out and touch... the front desk staff at the Sand Key Marriott made me feel like I was home.

On Wednesday evening February 8th I met Stephen the front desk manager and Shirley the #2 front desk person. They obviously saw that I looked like a wet whipped dog, no food and not a real good attitude. Their sincere attitude, concern, professionalism, and concern surrounded my entire being. They wanted me to know that I was now at the Marriott and I would be taken care of, unequivocally.

I had nothing on me and thank god I had my money clip and credit card. Stephen and his team came to my side of the reception desk, shook my hand, told me they could and would help, he provided me a free adult beverage, a free breakfast in the morning and he insisted that he escort me to the lounge for my free adult beverage.

I have travelled the world and one hotel chain that has consistently outdone itself has been the Marriott suite of hotels. I cannot begin to tell you just how touched I felt with the front entire front desk staff at the Sand Key Marriott concerned about me. My baggage finally arrived around 2:30 AM in the morning.

In closing, it is with sincere appreciation and humility that I thank Stephen and entire front desk staff at the Marriott on Sand Key Clearwater beach. Money can buy a lot of material items however; it can not buy loyalty, sincerity or friendship. That's what I have received from the Sand Key Marriott.

This text will be forwarded to Marriott in Bethesda for their respective recognition.

Thank you for you time.