If any of you have read my past reviews, you know I can and have called a spade a spade (such as the Microtel at Charlotte Airport), but at the same time, I can and will give much credit where credit is due.
I was coming to Ft. Lauderdale on business for 6 nights, and the show I was working was at the Hyatt Pier 66. I checked the reviews on the Hyatt, and they were all over the place, with many of them being bad, although many were also good. For $160 a night, I was a bit nervous about the place.
I checked trusty Tripadvisor, and came across the Cocbelle Resort, which was rated #3 out of 140 places here. That's pretty good in a town with a lot of turnover of the rooms because it's a cruise/airport/tourist town.
Anywho, I checked the website for the place, and it looked good, so I called about availability. I spoke to Mark, and he was very helpful on the phone, and very willing and eager to assist me.
I went ahead and reserved room #15, as it had a king bed, and was a standard room for only $79 a night, plus 11% Florida tax. They also have studio apartments, as well as 1-bedroom apartments for $99 and $119 respectively.
I told Mark I was coming in around Midnight on a Tuesday (June 5), and checking out on Monday morning (June 11), and while he said the office was closed at that time, he told me how to get the key to get in (they have a locking front gate to even enter the property), and he also said if I have trouble, ring the bell, and the Manager was in room #9.
While I was at it, I asked Mark if the room had a ironing board/iron, as I would need one while there. He said he would make sure that there was one in the room for me.
So I fly into town, get my rental car, and drive about 6 miles to the motel, and sure enough I get there right about Midnight. As Mark told me, I was able to get the keys, get in the gate, and to my room with no problems.
I was really impressed with the place. Now keep in mind that this is a small property, with about 16 rooms on two floors, with exterior opening doors. These places are usually very suspect, but not this one.
Not only were all of the exterior walkways paved in ceramic tiles, but the area around the pool was paved with brick pavers, the landscaping was just right, and even the railing on the second floor looked brand new. I walked in the room, and the entire room is also paved in tile, including the shower, which was matching tile from the floor to the ceiling, including the floor of the shower, and the window sill.
The room had really nice furniture and accessories, like stuff you would put in your own house, not like a hotel at all. There's a coffee maker, a toaster, a microwave, about the best quality mini-fridge I've seen, and a really good AC unit. The AC units in the place have a remote that you can set the temp at and forget it. It's also placed in the back of the unit, not blowing directly on the bed. There's also a real closet with real hangars!! The bathroom was more of the same, and gave me some ideas for redoing my own bathroom at home.
I was really concerned about the bed, since i have a bad low-back, but this bed is nice and firm, so it's perfect for me.
There's also a small 19 or 20 inch TV, and a VCR (they still make those?). There's only 27 channels of TV, and no pay-per-view, but hey, it's the beach......why would you be worried about what's on TV?
The wireless internet in the room, even though it was just about the furtherest room from the antenna, worked flawlessly for me the entire time, except for a short time when a storm rolled through.
The property is simply spotless, comfortable, and good looking, and the staff compliments the property itself in the best way possible.
When I got up the next day and walked outside the room, I was greeted with a "Good morning Mr. So-And-So", by a nice woman who also works in the office.
I was talking to Mark the next day or so after I got there, complimenting him on the place, and how much I liked it, and he said that the owners, who are European, just had the entire place redone last October. Nothing was re-used in the renovation, and even new windows, doors, and the aforementioned railing was brand new.
Oh, they will also give you a nice big beach towel for you to use at the beach and/or pool.

You know, I can't find anything wrong with this place, even if I really try to be picky.

What not to expect from Cocobelle Resort:

- Do not expect a phone in your room. I know you'll be like 'Why isn't there a phone in the room?', but think really hard......when's the last time you were in a hotel room and didn't have a cell phone, and actually had to use the room phone.....like 1983?
- Do not expect the linens changed every day. They will clean the room every 3rd day. You have no right to complain unless you clean your own house, and change your own sheets at home every single day. If you say you do that, you're either crazy as h*ll, or a liar. If you need more towels, just ask. If you need more soap, just ask. If you need a massage....don't ask them for that, because that would be really strange and awkward.

Now, as far as what's nearby.

#1 the beach. You can literally walk 5 minutes and be right on the beach. There are *lots* of good looking women there.
#2 Shops and bars and clubs and restaurants right across from the beach on A1A. If you walk South on A1A you will come to some cool places that you can eat at, drink at, shop at, and be merry at. I can prsonally vouch for Elbo Room, which is at the corner of Las Olas and A1A. Great bar with two levels and live music.
#3 The Sun Trolley comes right in front of the property and goes all over the area for a 25-cent fare. I never used it myself, but another guest told me of it.
#4 Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Int'l airport is less than 10 miles away, as is Port Everglades.

In summary, I will say that I come to the area very few months on business, and I will stay at the Cocobelle Resort from now on.

It's just a shame that with progress and property values the way they are, that places such as this may not survive for future generations to experience them.
Trust me, unless you actually need a place that has a built-in bar/restaurant, a spa, or something else that's overpriced, YOU NEED TO STAY AT THE COCOBELLE RESORT!!!