This was my third stay at this hotel, and the only reason I would come back is because of the excellent location, but even that may not justify the cost of staying here... If you are on a whirlwind shopping trip in Miami for a few days, aren't familiar with the area and want to make the most of your time, this is a good place to stay. Dolphin Mall is just footsteps away, and the hotel provides a guest shuttle service to the nearby International Mall. There is also a Walmart, Best Buy and Bed, Bath and Beyond nearby.
It should be said though that the hotel leaves a lot to be desired in terms of value for money. The rooms are clean and spacious and consistent with the Marriott’s overall standard. However, on my last visit, the supply of toiletries seemed to be limited, as items like soap, shampoo and conditioner were not replenished frequently. The fitness centre is fairly small compared to other Courtyard Marriott hotels and the pool area is clean and adequate, but nothing to write home about. Most appalling however, is the fact that the rate (which isn’t cheap!) does not include breakfast and there is no airport shuttle service. Another strange fact is that the shuttle no longer takes guests to Walmart, even though it is close by!
Also, the staff isn’t friendliest, particularly the front desk staff. Another reviewer commented that the girls at the front desk were more focussed on gossiping than attending to guests, and I found that to be true on each of my visits to this hotel. With few exceptions, the front desk staff generally regarded you as interrupting their conversations if you dared to approach them to ask a question. Since they are also the shuttle drivers, they are even more annoyed if you ask them to take you somewhere. On my last stay, a very friendly and helpful girl at the front desk told me that Best Buy and Bed, Bath and Beyond are both on the shuttle route. Later however, when I requested a lift to Best Buy, another girl at the front desk rudely told me that the shuttle did not take guests there… The next day, yet another staff member took me there... (?)
In short, satisfactory quarters to rest your head but not great value for money. Good for short trips especially if you don’t know your way around. However, when you get to know the area, you might be better off staying elsewhere where you can get much more for your money… I will staying here again in a couple of weeks – hopefully the report will be much better.
Bring back the shuttle to Walmart!
- Courtyard Dolphin Mall
- Miami Marriott
- Miami Courtyard
