We stayed at the Bahia Mar for a wedding. The negatives are that our room and the hallways were a little worn, the parking is $20 per day, and the food was just average. We were told the food was exceptional, but it was actually a bit dry and some got sick from it. Also, there was some confusion over the meals for the reception, but in their defense, there were three weddings there the same night. Once taxes and parking were added in, it was almost $200 for one night!

The pluses are that the location and views are awesome, the staff is extremely friendly, it's clean, and the beds are very comfortable. The Bahia Mar is between the intercoastal and the beach and restaurants/bars are within walking distance.

We stayed at the Bahia Mar hotel on May 5th, the night before we embarked our cruise ship. I booked this hotel online, as it was along the Intercoastal Waterway, which is where we wanted to stay. The hotel we stayed in 2 years ago was already booked up due to the Air & Sea show that weekend. After booking, I began to read some very negative reviews on Trip Advisor, but hotels were generally full in that area, so we kept our reservation. Our room was $179 per night, booked directly with the hotel. However, rooms at the Holiday Inn Express were going for just about the same price, and the location wasn't what we wanted. And we tried to book a 3-star and 4-star hotel on Priceline, and none were available.

Well, when we got there, we were pleasantly surprised. The location was perfect, right on the Intercoastal, about 1/2 block from a water bus stop, and right across the street from the beach, so we could walk over to watch the air show. The staff was very helpful, not at all surly or rude. They put us in the marina building, which is the 3-story building detached from the main tower building. Our room was on the ground level, it was clean, plenty large, the bed was comfortable. It could use some updating, but the entire property would benefit from some updating from the 1970's!

The hotel didn't offer a shuttle to/from the airport or cruise port, but we knew this in advance. It was easy to get a taxi, and the cost was approx. $16-$20 for 2 people one-way. And there was no breakfast offered with the room, however there was a deli in the building in which we stayed which had breakfast items and sandwiches/snacks available. Their food was good, but wasn't necessarily cheap. There were restaurants/cafes all along the street fronting the beach (can't remember the name of it), within walking distance.

I think we could have rented a room at a much better rate if it hadn't been air show weekend, but it worked out well for us to be so close to the air show, and also to the beach. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again, it was fine for the occasion. Not sure if I'd want to spend a week there, but I've read that some of the tower rooms have been udpated and are pretty nice. The location is what makes this hotel.

Hope this has been helpful!

Bed was very nice, with nice linens, but the hotel was tired and needs some serious renovations. No water available in the room, vending machines, or room service. They had sold out all round.
The mini bar chillers were out of order, dirty carpets and bathrooms. The place feels unclean and run down. My room was$150 a night, marina view. It's shame you have to spend so much now for a night away, just to get the basics. And the place smells. $10 per day wireless access

Great hotel, lovely large rooms. Great view. Super kingsize bed was fantastic. Large walk in wardrobe. highly recommend. suggest you request a high floor in main hotel to take advantage of great views.