We stayed for 4 nights at the Lago Mar and thought it was a great hotel for a reasonable price. We booked through British Airways and our room was upgraded to a suite for no extra charge (£68, about $120). Like many more guests I would have preferred not to have an 18% service charge added to everything but couldn't understand others complaints that they had to memorise everything as the bill was continually updated and could be seen via the TV. I also agree there was very limited TV viewing but don't expect to watch too much TV while on holiday. THe suite was spotless with with a kitchen area, great bathroom with shower cubicle and seperate bedroom. The staff were always friendly and helpful and treated us with courtesy. We spent a day on the beach and it costs $20 + tax to hire 2 chairs and an umbrella but it was worth it. The beach was certainly not dirty when we were there. I would have liked more shade around the pool, we generally used the one closer to the ocean and there were only 4 places with shade and these went very quickly. I cannot understand any hotel having so little in the way of shading when high temperatures and sunshine require us to get shade during the day.
We had a nice meal in the restaurant which cost $93 for 2 (including a bottle of wine and tips) which I felt wasn't too bad. We spent $60 at a seafront restaurant with plastic table cloths and no wine. We would definitely stay at the Lago Mar again and would recommend it to anybody.

Just got back from a 4 night/5 day stay. Arrived a few hours before posted check in and the staff offered to let us check in early! How often does that happen? As far as reviews you've read about staff, we thought they were very hospitable.

Our room was spacious, exceptionally clean, with a nice view of the ocean. The bathroom was newly remodeled; all marble and glass. Linens were fresh and comfortable. However, we noticed that anything you may need is "room service only", even ice for the ice bucket, or a soda (No ice or soda machines at all). A soda would run you about 4 bucks (including the mandatory gratuity/tax that is added on). There was a coffee maker but no fridge. We went to the 7-11 and bought a cheap styrofoam chest, ice, sodas and H2O, and kept that in our room. Figured it saved us a bundle "-)

The pool, gardens, restaurants, gift shop, were first class, but expensive. I guess they can get away with it because they figure people are on vacation and will pay for the convenience, with a "what the heck" attitude, but it added up fast. A hotdog for 8 bucks, and iced tea for 3 bucks, an ice cream cone for 4 and a cute "tank top" in the gift shop for 160 bucks, come on...

There were limited channels on the cable TV. You could, however, pay for an in-house movie or to play the Nintendo set up in the room. Movie for 10 bucks, and I didn't price the Nintendo.

It was just my husband and I, but there were a lot of families and they seemed to be having a lot of family fun. The pool is awesome, great playground, etc. You can have floats, etc in the pool. There were no planned kid activities, though.

By the way, if you want to take advantage of the beautiful beach front, you cannot bring a cooler or your own chair to the beach. You must strictly rent their chairs (can't remember how much per day) and buy drinks/snacks from their beach grill.

If someone didn't have to worry about money at all, this would be the perfect place. So close to home (Maryland to Ft Lauderdale in 2 1/2 hours for $100.00 round trip/non-stop) and the the hotel is just 10 minutes from the airport. They getcha with the niceties that you'd expect and I can't help but wonder if they'd be more popular if they didn't try to getcha coming and going.

We stayed at Lago Mar last weekend for a family reunion. I am physically handicapped and require an accessible room w/roll-in shower. I have stayed in many hotels where they say they have such accommodations and really don't OR they give the room away before we get there. I'm pleased to say that Lago Mar delivered on its guarantee. Our accessible suite w/roll-in shower was waiting for us when we arrived at 11 PM.

The staff was more than courteous, following up on every request with a phone call to see if we were satisfied, even if we requested something of someone whose job it wasn't. Rental car arrangements were handled efficiently.

We don't have enough good things to say about Lago Mar. The only minor irritant was the 18% gratuity on carry-out (non-service) items. This could be eliminated.

We've stayed at pricier hotels in south Florida with less attentive service.

just spent last weekend at lago mar for our 19th anniversary. was a bit worried when i read some of the bad reviews. shouldnt have worried at all. the hotel was wonderful. i cant say enough about the friendly staff, and the wonderful service. they make you feel at home. also the food in the italian restaurant was very good. we would go back in a minute. ignore any bad reviews you see. i can be very picky and i cant think of one complaint.