If the Tropi Rock is the fourth best hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, then I can understand why Hilton and the W chain are building huge hotels a few blocks away. After my experience at Tropi Rock, I wanted to build a hotel in Ft. Lauderdale if this is what people consider great. I have been staying in small inns in the Ft. Lauderdale area for 25 years. Unfortunately, many of the charming, privately owned inns are being torn down to build the large, cookie-cutter, chain hotels. I do support and prefer small inns to large, impersonal, charmless hotels. However, I expect claenliness, updated fixtures, and a fresh brightness to the rooms. Tropi Rock did not fulfill these expectations.
Mick, the owner, is charming, helpful, warm and kind. However, his personality cannot make up for the short comings of his establishment. The rooms were dark, dingy and appear as if they haven't been refurbished since 1970. I stayed in an efficiency and the kitchen area was extremely tiny. The handle was falling off of the refrigerator and the other appliances needed help. Mick did have the handle repaired the next day and did replace the dead batteries in my air-conditioner's remote control. The "new" air-conditioner had a difficult time cooling the room in August. The bathroom has 1950s style with very little updating. The shower door was broken and it took a while for hot water to reach my room. In the morning, rather than waiting 15 minutes, I took a cold shower. The bathroom sink did not drain, and standing water stood there for an hour. In a positive aspect, the towels were plentiful and fairly thick, The pool area was average with none of the panache displayed by the web site. I went to use the "gym" one day to get a work out in. Mick had to open the door for me as it was locked due to insurance liabilities, and the "gym" looked like it hadn't been used for 10 years! It was in the basement with a small window. The treadmill ran, but no numbers would come up on the machine. It was basically obsolete. The Tropi Rock is basically a glorified motel. My friend stayed at the Doubletree on Sunrise a few minutes away. He paid $100 for a suite overlooking the Marina. I spent $79.00 a night expecting charm, style, and panache, in a small inn reminiscent of the Florida of old. Instead, I spent four nights in a glorified Motel 6. The Tropi Rock is the fourth best hotel in Ft. Lauderdale? Trip Advisor reviewers, please be more selective in your ratings. Some of us count on your judgment and selectivity.