Because information is confusing about exactly where this hotel is located, know that it is located on the southern end of Singer Island immediately south of Riviera Beach. If you are interested in a Marriott location, there are two others within a mile or two of Ocean Pointe: Oceana Palms and the Marriott Resort. The beach is fabulous all along Singer Island! We were there during the third week of January and the water temp was 75, perfect for wading or swimming. There is a minimum of nightlife within the immediate area and most of the restaurants are located in other hotels, though there are a few good ones within walking distance. There is a very good, large Publix grocery store located next to the bridge to Singer Island. There is a wonderful walking path down the middle of the Palm Beach Shores area and another short one on the southern edge of the island.

We stayed on the third floor of the Dolphin building. We had a two bedroom suite and it was nicely (and newly) furnished, though not luxurious. We used the kitchen quite a bit and it was very functional and useful. The staff was friendly and helpful. We had one problem that has caused us to knock our rating down by one notch. The larger bedroom had a large tub with jacuzzi but my wife had difficulty figuring out how to make the jacuzzi work. When one of the maintenance workers was at our room to swap out a battery in the room's door lock so our room key would work, she asked him to show her how to start it. It turned out that the unit itself was unplugged and the motor was burned out and needed to be replaced. So we had checked into a room that was not ready, uninformed about it, and had to report this problem in order to get the problem fixed that should have been evident based on check-out procedures (not to mention a probable previous report). It was fixed promptly once the maintenance worker discovered it.

A real positive thing that was not clear from information in advance: almost every living room in the four newer buildings of this complex has a view of the ocean. The design of the buildings has each large room built out further from the room next closer to the ocean, and each has large corner windows that clearly view the ocean. Each bedroom has a small porch with table and chairs. You can sort of see the ocean from these porches. The rooms were quiet though most were occupied.

We were very disappointed in the Welcome Center because it is nothing more than a checkin-checkout area. When you arrive you will wonder if the rooms are as unattractive and poorly designed as the Welcome Center! The answer was, No. But if you want a large indoors area to relax (as almost every large hotel has), this one doesn't have it. We were told it will be renovated later this year. The pool area is large and very nice. There is a convenience store that includes a few gift items but no gift store (go to the Marriott Resort two miles down the street for that).

We did attend the Marriott Tour for those who aren't familiar with the Vacation Club. It lasted 2.5 hours though we were told it would last 1.5 hrs. That doesn't mean that we were pressured but there were three people who came to talk with us about different aspects of ownership. This "Tour" occurred down the street at the Oceana Palms Marriott (about a mile away).

My husband and I stayed for a weekend in September. The property was very nice and new. We loved our room and the lady at the front desk was very nice and upgraded us to a pool view room. The pool was very nice and I loved how there are romantic little hidden spots with swings. The beach is right behind the property and everything else is a short drive away.

Prior to any trip, I consult TripAdvisor for reviews and opinions of various aspects of an upcoming vacation. Often I find many positive reviews and a more than a handful of negative. While I certainly understand that individuals can have a bad experience, I have come to realize that some people set unrealistic expectations for their vacation experience.

Some of the negative reviews of the Marriott Ocean Pointe I felt were unfounded. Sure there were signs of wear and the occasion "dings" on the walls, sure there were places a refresh on paint was in order but what does one expect from a place that operates 365 days a year. None of the small, cosmetic blemishes detracted in any way from the vacation objectives of rest and relaxation.

Upon arrival, the desk clerk was extremely helpful and enthusiastic about making our vacation great from the start. When asked for a high floor, she replied that they were full with owners for the week and that would be hard to accommodate but she did make every effort to find the best room possible. It had an "ocean view" if you looked through the palm trees but it wasn't looking at the back of a building so I was pleased. The room was in the a building slated for renovation this fall and when she told me that, I admit I was a bit nervous. I was pleasantly surprised upon entering the room. Again, there were a few dings here and there but it was clean, comfortable and just right for two people.

The property caters to families with many opportunities to keep the kids active. Having no kids, I prefer to stay away from the "family" areas and the pool outside our building was mostly adults. There is miniature golf, ping pong, pool, shuffle board etc. to keep everyone entertained. The workout area was top notch and the hot tubs were large and never overcrowded. A big bonus on the hot tubs is that no kids under 16 are allowed and the staff insured parents followed the rule!

The concierge was probably the most disappointing part of the experience. She was less than interested in finding out our needs and recommending possibilities. She simply printed lists, maps and things to do and handed them to me. When asked her recommendations, she indicated "all of them, they wouldn't be on the list if we didn't". Not really what I was looking for.

Finally, the food options are very limited and basically amount to a pool bar and a Pizza Hut. I was told by an owner that due to Florida regulations, they were unable to erect a restaurant due to needing to maintain more green space for water run off. Fortunately, there are about a dozen restaurants within walking distance so we never went hungry.

All in all I found the Marriott Ocean Pointe and enjoyable experience and spent many morning walking on their beach enjoying the sunrise. If you enjoy a quiet island, simple amenities and the chance to sit back and relax, I feel this property is the one for you!

Do not hesitate to take your family to Ocean Pointe. Everything is within a short car ride and the property is very nice. Make sure to ask for a newly remodeled room. Our room was recently remodeled and it was perfect (granite, large shower, etc.).