my husband and I have just returned from a wonderful 10 night holiday at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort . This has been one of the best hotels we have stayed at in the USA (this being our 12th holiday to the states including 2 coach trips). The hotel was first class, staff were very friendly and helpful, the ameneties were superb. Yes, the cost of meals etc were on the high side, but then you usually get what you pay for. The good start buffet breakfast was excellent, the choice of fresh fruit etc was overwhelming. We only ate in the resturant one evening and the cost was no more than the hotel next door for a similar meal. We only encountered one problem. We asked our tour operator to request a no smoking room but were placed in a smoking room, when we queried this we were offerred another room(non smoking) but this was smaller than our first room and as the smell wasn't overpowering we decided to stay where we were. The view from our standard room was great, overlooking the pool on the 9th floor, which also had a side view of the beach and ocean. We were able to sit on the balcony(which faced south so you had the sun all day) watching the cruise ships depart for the carribean and aircraft take off from Fort Lauderdale airport.
There were a few bars and resturants within walking distance(we had no car), but you could get on the bus to take you into the strip for $1 or the water bus to St. Olas Boulavard.
We were warned before we went that there was construction work going on the building plot at the side of the hotel, but this didnot effect us at all.
All in all a great hotel.

What can I say....we loved the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.
When I was sitting at the pool, it actually reminded me of a 5-star resort where I stayed in Mexico, an abundance of palm trees and a beautiful pool. We requested a fridge in our room and it was provided free of charge, that was a surprise. We took a taxi to Publix and saved a lot of money on food. The restaurants are very expensive at the Resort. It was really nice to see a Starbucks in the hotel. Don't hesitate to book your vacation here. My advice, if you are thinking about booking elsewhere due to cost, pay the extra and come here, you won't be disappointed. We moved here from another hotel that we didn't like at all.

I just got back from Ft Lauderdale and my wife and I had a great time.

Airport - Very close, I'd say a 15 minute cab ride. Little traffic.

Staff - Went out of their way to say hello, very nice people. On our way home, one of the employees even offered us each a bottle of water while we waited for a cab.

Beach - A+, wide and expansive sandy beach, 88 degree clear water, very clean (beats rocky and 40 degree water in New England for sure).

Pool (the one everyone can use) - big with plenty of chairs, shade.

Room - Nice, clean room; nothing spectacular though. Request a fridge, as they don't come standard.

The Strip - At most, a ten minute walk. I'm not a big walker and I was fine with it. Many restaurants/bars.....

Gym (again, the one everyone can use) - Pretty good for a hotel, freeweights up to 40lbs, about 8 weight machines, and approx 10 treadmills/bikes, etc. Above average locker room facilities with showers and a sauna.

Spa - Didn't use, but I heard good things about it.

General - Hotel was not busy/noisy (kids just back to school/hurricane season maybe?). Very few kids, beach/pool/restaurants not crowded. Starbucks in the lobby always a plus. Only negative was that it was pricey. I would compare it to a typical hotel in Boston/major city. $18 for brunch, $10 for poolside drinks, $25 entrees for dinner. But again the strip is close, so cheaper restaurants/drinks are a short walk away.

Would definitely recommend trying it out.

We just returned from a one week stay at the Mariott. I can't say enough! At check in the staff was amazing. The bell hop was incredibly nice and well-mannered. He offered us a fridge and we asked for a roll away bed and both arrived in less than 15 minutes! Throughout our stay, every staff member, and I mean EVERY staff member, was courteous, polite, friendly and welcoming! No one passed without saying hello. Johnny at the beach house put up our umbrella every day and was extremely nice. Can I say clean? The hotel was spotless! Every morning, there was someone wiping down the lounge chairs and they washed the pool area floor every day!

I successfully used the in room internet connection. It was simple and easy to hook up! The day pass was a great offer whereby you get unlimited internet, unlimited local and domestic long distance, a beach umbrella/cabinette all for $16 per day. The internet alone is $9.95 per day so, it's a great deal!

I have recommended this place to all my family and friends. It is a beautiful place with amazing staff and well located. Strolling down the beach or on the A1A was not a problem.

The only thing is that food is expensive but, you don't have to eat there if you don't want to. The Starbucks in the lobby was a HUGE BONUS! One night, the executive chef had a complimentary cheese sampling table in the lobby with champagne grapes!! How classy is that!!!

I have to commend the staff and management on the wonderful experience they offer to their guests! WAY TO GO!