First things first, the $28 a day valet parking is the biggest load of crap ever. I can park my own vehicle 10ft from the hotel entrance for free.

Secondly, after loading all of my things onto my cart while the valet gentleman watched I was told to go inside for my room number. I'm Like hello, and leave my extremely expensive things on the side walk for anyone to take. I think not! Oh and it took so long for them to bring my things that after 30 minutes of waiting I walked back downstairs to find that my things were... Yes, left unattended. At which time I was forced to take everything upstairs by myself single handedly. Wow, what gentleman! And the same adventure occurred upon my departure. Disgusting!

Ok so without further due, this was just an unfortunate 2 day highly taxed stay.

Simply, save your money and time!

On a cool and windy Friday, before sailing we stayed. The personnel were great, the accommodations were all I expect in a COurtyard, staying often when traveling for business and pleasure. The front desk and bell service employees represent great ambassadors for this Mariott property brand. Thanks for a great pre-cruise stay. I look forward to staying again and for longer when possible.

Everything here is as it should be. Great service, great location and great people. Everyone is always smiling and helpful. It is small enough to be like a boutique hotel, but big enough to have some elbow room. Cookies in the afternoon were nice and LOVE the individual jelly beans at the front counter.

The pool area was great and the pool bar/lunch counter was convienent. It was very windy during our stay so we opted to stay up on the patio and use the lounge chaises with pull up sun shades which also served to block the NE winds. (wind was blowing 25mph, they made a big difference) Beach shops and restaurants are nearby, mostly touristy except a couple.

Coconuts, across the street from the front of the hotel, serves up good American fare with a nice view of the intercoastal and a marina. You may have to wait for an outside table, but on a nice day the windows are wide open so even if you are inside, you feel outside.

A small coffee shop just outside on the beach side of the hotel, next to Bubba Gumps, serves up a great breakfast and a very good latte if you want to get outside in the morning and enjoy. They have limited inside seating if you need a break from the sun and they serve lunch too. The Quarterdeck is down a block and is great for burgers, fries and other sports bar foods and a fun place to watch sporting events for the whole family. Love the sliding benches.

Famous Ft. Lauderdale beach is right outside the back door and provides a great sidewalk to walk for at least a couple miles one way. So no excuses! Las Olas Blvd begins on this end of the beach. A short drive/taxi ride up Las Olas and you are in art store/restaurant haven. Cheesecake Factory and many independent restaurants and bistros line the street making for a great afternoon of strolling, eating and shopping.

Kudos to Marriott for opening at this new location. Easy access to the airport makes it a "on the beach by noon" location for those of us a little farther North.

We have stayed in many hotels in our quest to see all 50 states(49 down, 1 to go). This may have been #1 for customer service and competent staff. Everybody was on board to make our stay (4 nights) pleasant, and it was! The front desk staff was nothing short of phenomenal, esp. Sir Lance(lot). The rooms were comfy & QUIET. Great location right on the Atlantic ocean.