FORT LAUDERDALE MARRIOTT HARBOR BEACH RESORT & SPA REVIEW

BEACHFRONT VIEW FROM 15TH FLOOR

FORT LAUDERDALE MARRIOTT HARBOR BEACH RESORT & SPA

LOBBY

TWO DOUBLE BED ROOM

WELCOME TO MY REVIEW OF THE FORT LAUDERDALE HARBOR BEACH MARRIOTT.

I would like to start with saying this is a beautiful resort inside and out. It is directly on the beach and has it's own private beachfront with private beach fronts on either side which makes for a much more enjoyable beach experience. Just north is the Sheraton and while it also has a private beach that one is right next to the public beach and the amount of people encroaching on their space is amazing!

This resort is a convention resort. It is set up to handle a large amount of people and handles them very nicely as they are used to this. During my stay one convention was ending and one was beginning. There were times that it felt extremely crowded, most of these took place around and in the elevators. There was one of the six elevators down for repairs so I am sure that contributed to the extra volume in the other elevators.

It is not only a convention resort it is also big for weddings, honeymoons, and all other beach loving people. If you would like to find out about group rates or wedding rates feel free to CONTACT ME moesgaragefeed@gmail.com, and I will be happy to assist you.

On with the review! This resort has many features. It has it's own gift shop and clothing stores. It has a Starbucks onsite right by the elevators along with two different restaurants on the main floor. There is an extensive spa on the beach floor which is located just below the lobby. There is ample space outside for sitting, relaxing, eating, exploring, or swimming on the beach or in the pool. On the other side of the pool is another restaurant and bar where you can get burgers and more casual foods.

AERIAL VIEW OF THE POOL

Along with the large pool that features a waterfall next to it are two different hot tubs and a smaller adult only pool. A beautiful way to start or end any day is at this pool, however, if you chose to go at night they do play kids movies right after sundown. This time it was Smurfs 2 and last time I checked out this resort for a function it was Frozen! Great time for the kids, very relaxing for the adults.

There are water stations strategically located throughout the resort. They contain fresh ice water with slices of fresh fruit inside. I consider this a very nice touch, especially during summer time in South Florida. If you have never been the summer temps tend to be around the low 90's when it's not raining and upper 80's on rainy days. The water is a very nice touch and is very much appreciated.

Just to the east of the pool is the beach....

MARRIOTT PRIVATE BEACH

BEACH

ARIAL VIEW OF MARRIOTT PRIVATE BEACH

The beach is probably this hotels best feature. While everything else about the hotel is already at minimum 3.5 stars (they don't offer two queen size beds or it would be 4), the beach gives it that extra star!! In the aerial picture of the beach you may notice how shallow the water is?! This is a major plus and it is not like this a few hundred feet down on either side. This is one of the bonuses of this beach. As I mentioned before it is also private. Only guests of the resort and members of this Marriott may use it.

They offer chairs, umbrellas, and small cabana type things that cover two chairs and come with a table all for a small fee. Again due to this being a private beach, you can charge these things to your room. You may see a large yellow thing out in the water in the aerial picture.

Onsite between the Marriott and the Sheraton there is a water sports company. This big yellow thing is a trampoline. I did not try it, but my daughters review of it was "totally awesome". They also have other things available at this non-affiliated water sports place. While not affiliated it is very convenient. They have wave runners, surf boards, and paddle boards to name a few. There are also things like para-sailing and  boat rentals.

Now let's talk about the rooms. The bathroom was very nice as was the closet and storage space along with the balcony and the views. Regardless of if you pay extra for a beach view room you will have a good view. Also, request an upper floor so that you can get the best view. We had a beach view room and if you like the beach then it is absolutely worth the upcharge. The views of the city are also wonderful, especially because you get the views of the intercoastal and all of the beautiful houses lining it. Here are some views from some different rooms. All on the 15th (top) floor.

One thing I did not like about this hotel is that your room choices are king or two doubles. Two doubles are what we need as a family of four, however, two queens would have been much better. After seeing the king room I think that would have worked better for the four of us. Then the two adults would have slept better as my husband is a big man. The chair in the king room was also big enough for a smaller child to sleep on while in the double bed room it is only half the size. I did not check to see if it pulled out as I do not like pull out sofa's!

For our other larger child there was ample room in the king size room to open up the roll away bed we requested, while in the room with the double beds there was not. Here are a few pictures of the room with the double beds. My kids messed up the king size room before I had a chance to take pictures of it so I apologize for that.... I guess I will just have to stay here again!

DOUBLE BED ROOM

CLOSET SPACE WHERE THE COFFEE MAKER AND HAIR DRYER ARE HIDING

COMFORTABLY SIZED ROOM

CHAIR AND BALCONY

BATHROOM

ONLY ONE SINK

SHOWER, BATHTUB

My final opinion of this hotel is about 4.25 stars. There are a few things missing that it need to be 4.5 stars. There are no microwaves in the room and the only fridge is their mini fridge and due to it being totally stocked there wasn't much room for other things. If you are staying for more than two days this could cause you some problems. Also the double bed situation. Queen beds would be better.