We checked in on a Saturday at the end of May for 7 nights. Ocean Front guarantee. We arrived at 2 PM and were not called for our 2...
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We checked in on a Saturday at the end of May for 7 nights. Ocean Front guarantee. We arrived at 2 PM and were not called for our 2 bedroom villa until 5 PM. I know they were busy at at almost full occupancy but some sort of accommodation should be offered (free drink tickets, extra Marriott points, free dinner etc. we were not offered anything for the inconvenience). Yet on the back side, they were knocking on the door at exactly 10 AM looking for us to be out. I called for a few extra minutes and was given 20 minutes (assuming it doesn't matter that I am a Marriott Gold member).
Back to the Villa. We were assigned a mid-floor far corner OF in the first building (forgot the name) It was fine, but didn't work for us, as the noise from the pool was horrible (when we checked in they were playing trivia with a loud microphone amplifier and you could even hear it with the doors closed), keep in the mind, this was at 5 PM, if you ask me, a little late, for pool activities creating that much noise.
If you have small kids and don't mind a more active location one of the first 2 buildings would be a good choice, but it was not the relaxing vibe we were looking for, so we went back to the desk and long story short were finally given the option of an Ocean View room in the Kingfisher building. This Villa was all around better. Corner unit on the 3rd floor and had views of the ocean and the inlet. We loved it. I think my son was disappointed to be farther away from the main pool, but it's only about 1 block of a walk and you can take the sidewalk or walk on the beach. While we waited for our room we ate at the main pool sit-down tiki bar and the server was very friendly, but the salad was sub-par and the drinks are incredibly expensive. I would recommend hitting up the liquor store or Publix if you plan to have cocktails throughout the day/week (example, a 6 oz. glass of basic wine was $12). The second day at the Kingfisher bar we ordered 2 drinks, 1 beer, a salad and nachos it was $75. Again, if it was served to me poolside and delicious food, I have no problem, but the food is take-away only from the bar and it's subpar food. (Note, the only sit down/get waited on place is the Tiki Bar at the main pool). After those 2 experiences we did not order any other drinks or food from the hotel bars.
Overall the resort is well cared for and nice.
I do wish there was more control over the music etc. at the pools. Some days at the Kingfisher building the bartender was blaring hip hop and other days the volume and type of music was more guest friendly.
Staff - some were friendly/helpful, some were not
Parking was never an issue, some is covered and some in an outdoor lot.
Not related to the resort, but some other recommendations
Juno Beach Fish house - Definitely recommend
Carmines La Trattoria - has a great happy hour (it's a little bit of a drive, but near The Gardens Mall if you have a rainy day and want to shop - it's a nice mall)
Sailfish Marina Restaurant - is overrated, so expensive and the food is fine, but nothing special, but if you do go, ask for your free piece of Key Lime pie. We didn't know about that until we ordered and paid for a piece.
There is a lovely walking path the runs through the neighborhood behind the hotel. Access via Inlet way, it's about 2 blocks up from the Kingfisher building. It is mostly shaded and you'll see some beautiful trees. There is also a sidewalk along the inlet waterway. Nice for those who have trouble walking in the sand.
Oh, lastly, this place has lots of scheduled activities, which is nice, so be sure to check out the daily schedule.
