I'm a Marriott snob and I was highly disappointed by this hotel. My wife and I stayed here February 22-24, 2008 because we were in town for the South Beach Wine & Food Fest. We try to stay at Marriott's whenever we travel based on our past positive experiences and their reputation. This was the worst Marriott we have ever stayed at.

As we arrived, we entered the parking garage which was disgusting. I know it's a parking garage but it smelled like it belonged in NYC (no offense). The parking garaged was disgustingly dirty. I know it's a parking garage but at least paint the walls so they don't look so gross. The elevator and it's fixtures were also outdated, smelled, and were dirty.

The lobby seemed nice, the hotel appears to be a layover hotel for cruise guests, airline employees, or business persons for conferences at the hotel. I couldn't imagine anyone staying here for vacation. The check-in was quick and we were upgraded to a bay view from a city view.

The bay view was gorgeous however I don't quite understand why all other rooms that were not bay view rooms had a nice little deck. The bay view rooms have a sliding glass door that leads out to a 3 inch faux balcony. This was kinda disappointing.

The room was also pretty nasty. The carpet was old and crusty and I actually walked around with sandals on which I never do. The television was outdated, no flatscreen here. The walls probably got pained over a couple years ago and look fine. There was nice crown molding by the sliding doors which was a nice touch. Now comes the bathroom from the 70's. The tile was old and not very nice. The bathroom and tub were also not very nice.

Pool was nice and heated, hot tub was good too. I'm sorry but not a nice Marriott

I enjoyed being able to see the cruise ships come and go from my room before my cruise. It really got me psyched and also a bit more prepared.

My room request recommendation would be for a room WITH a full balcony (w/table and chairs) on the cruise terminal side of the hotel as close to the water as possible on a high floor. Note: the rooms with the most expansive bay views - - which the hotel charges more for -- do NOT have balconies....although they have a sliding glass door opening onto a tiny railed-in ledge and those views are indeed the best.

The hotel was very accomodating to my need for any early check-in (10am) after my cruise, and a staff member told me that they try to be very responsive to this.

Finally, they have a self serve laundry for guests and a business center with pay internet access.

Stayed here for one night prior to leaving on a cruise. The hotel is located right by the port and the transportation to the port the following morning was easy. The guest rooms were nice and our room overlooked the bay/ports. Bed was comfortable. I really enjoyed watching the sunrise in the morning. We also ate dinner at the restaurant in the hotel and found the service to be lacking and the food was average (it was dead that night). Went again for breakfast and found that the service was a better and food was good.

Very nice hotel, clean, good comfortable beds and great breakfast.
Very close to Bayside nad the Port of Miami, hence ideal for pre-and post cruise travellers.
Highly recommended if staying in this area of Miami.