In August, 2004 we had some airline tickets to use up, and not much time to get away. So we decided that Ft. Lauderdale in mid-August would be a good choice, as it was off-season and luckily in between hurricanes! My travel agent recommended the Marriott Harbour Beach Resort in Ft. Lauderdale, as they were having some great off-season rate specials. And I'm so glad she recommended it!

My husband, 16-year-old daughter and I spent 3 nights there, August 20-23. The only downside to our visit was check-in, but that was primarily because we arrived at the hotel early and our room was not yet ready. When we got in to our room (at the promised time) we were pleasantly surprised. The room was spacious, well-appointed, and the partial-ocean view was actually great. We could look out over the pool, or just as easily watch the evening lightening storms out over the ocean. I called down to the desk, and asked about a refrigerator, and a small dorm-size refrigerator was delivered to the room.

The pool area was beautiful, and the beach was very well-groomed. We only ate once at the resort, that was at the pool-side bar/grill area. The food there was ok, and obviously at resort prices. Other than that we ate our meals out, although the resort did appear to have several nice restaurants.

The staff were all friendly and helpful. Ours was just a short visit, but if we are looking to stay at the beach again in the Lauderdale area, we'd definitely consider the Harbour Beach again!

My family and I stayed at this hotel for four days and it was absolutely wonderful (we wish we could have stayed longer)!! They had great activities for children in the morning, we loved the Friday night movie night at the pool (that was awesome). The beach, pool, palm trees, scenery, and the hotel itself was fabulous! We had a very relaxing vacation (living in the DC area can get quite crazy and this vacation hit the spot on getting us to relax). Food was a little expensive. I recommend bringing some snacks in your suitcase. Starbuck's is in the hotel as well--wonderful!

My wife and I just returned yesterday from spending 4 days at this resort . We found the facilities to be just outstanding.The pool and beach areas are topnotch. We were there for a conference and the staff all around were courteous and helpful in every way. The lobby is beautiful and restaurants are really nice. They have all the watersports available on the beach along with cabanas, umbrellas etc. There are unlimited oppurtunities with all types of shopping and cuisine within minutes. Our room was clean as housekeeping did an excellent job for our room. The only downside is they are painting the exterior of the building so the they could be paintiing outside your room, but this is a very minor inconvenience for such a great resort.

I enjoy a nice spa experience. Having been to this hotel previously, I could tell from my last visit that there has been some management changes to their spa. The pool areas are normally wonderful. There is a large family pool and a separate quiet pool area for spa guests. I arrived at the spa pool around 10:30 am and it was not set up. I had to search for assistance to prepare a chair (not exactly a good way to start what should be a relaxing, pampering spa experience). Then my two friends arrived, and they had to do the same thing about an hour later. The pool area was STILL not set up fully with the chairs ready, beverages on the stand, etc. The guy working the area was not helpful and, frankly, appeared to be lazy.

However, the massage and facial treatment staff were wonderful (as they were previously). I especially enjoyed my swedish massage. My friend got the citrus body polish and was disappointed. The last time it was rub with a lotion or liquid of some sort, but this time it was very coarse and did not feel as good. Her therapist explained that the old way made too much of a mess. Too bad because the new way wasn't very enjoyable.

Spa facilities are better than most hotels, with a nice hot tub, roomy changing area, and sauna. They need a larger quiet/waiting area. The small room was too crowded.

Overall, a nice hotel and spa conveniently located within a $20 cab ride of the Las Olas and Riverfront areas.