Prior to leaving for our vacation I had read exstensive reviews on this hotel, I saw mostly positive reports and therefore my expectations were high. I have to say that my expectations were easily met.
Upon arriving, the hotel appeared as the user photos displayed, very new, clean appearance. My reservation was for a cityview room and no mention of a balcony. As we checked in we received a bayview room, with an exstensive balcony on the 21st floor. The room was new bright and clean, no dust or vaccum omissions as reported in an earlier review. We opened the drapes to reveal a fabulous view of the bay, Coranado Island, and a small bit of the city behind us. We stayed for four nights and most everything was beyond expectations. The poolside area was very nice, plenty of lounge chairs, great towels for sunbathing or swimming, poolside service was exstensive, we had a craving for something more than the poolside menu offered and the server brought over a full menu from the Yacht Club resturant. The bar area was lively, always lots of people enjoying cocktails or conversation. Two large plasma TV's offered whatever game was on at the time. The lobby area was well laid out, with one person waiting to direct the guests with questions. Starbucks on premises, a little higher priced than usual but convienient. Fitness area was quite a walk away from the north tower however, plenty of aerobic equip and weights for use. (think of the walk as a warmup)
Overall, a few blemishes, the first morning we had no water, the staff informed us that the servicemen were working on it. I went to the fitness area, came back and the water was back on. Not a big problem, and they did compensate us for our inconvience. We had a bill error and reported it to the staff and it was instantly taken care of. Also the Hertz desk staff was freindly and helpful.
I never had any problem with the train as reported in previous posts. There were trains going all the time but it never seemd to interfere with my sleeping and I am a fairly light sleeper. NOTE: Do be careful when crossing the tracks, there are no guards for pedestrians
The location is best in the city for vacationing or for convention, the hotel was all that I hoped for, and the pool was a perfect resort atmoshphere, I certainly would stay here again and would tell anyone who asked to do the same.

I stayed at the San Diego Marriott and Marina for a large conference. Everything about this hotel was fabulous. We paid a rate of only $179.00 per night, this is wonderful for a hotel of this caliber. The staff from the front desk to the concierge were all exceptional. There was no wait at check-in either. The room was huge with VERY comfortable bedding. I would highly recommend getting a room in the NORTH tower. These have balconies and offer the best views of the harbor. The hotel backs up to the marina and offers breathtaking views of Coronado and the water. Seaport Village with its quaint shops and wonderful restaurants line the path on the back of the hotel. You can walk to PETCO Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, the trolly station, and the San Diego Convention Center. The resort style pool area is huge with hot tubs and waterfalls everywhere. Negatives that are not a big deal: wired internet access in the room is available for $9.95 per day, the breakfast buffet at LC's was $17 and not very good; the shower head is fancy so the water pressure is slow. I would stay here in a heartbeat and would recommend this property to my business associates, colleagues, friends, and family members.

I recently stayed 2nights at the Marriott Marina on a business trip. I had a 23rd floor North tower bayview room with balcony (I had requested this based on the prior reviews). I was defintiely glad I had requested the North tower/balcony/high flower because it was nice to be able to walk out onto the blacony and the views were awesome. I think the Marriott Marina location is ideal for a visit to downtown San Diego. However, I think if you're renting a car and don't have to stay downtown La Jolla is a much prettier setting. Anyway back to the hotel... I requested a wake-up call 2nights in a row which did not work. The room and hallways had a cleanser smell which at first I found obnoxious then I got used to. Parking is overpriced 24/d. The television was lacking several channels which I normally like to watch - MTV, VH-1, E, lifetime, tlc (not a big deal).

This Marriott is a huge hotel with 2 towers. Half of the rooms face the city. Ours did. We had a cute little balcony which we couldn't use due to the incredible noise outside. The worst of is the train track directly outside the hotel on which trains, trams, freight trains run every 10 minutes from 6 a.m. to 4 a.m....And then there is the level crossing DIRECTLY in front of the main entrance. Obviously this is not Marriott's problem. However, double-paned windows and free ear-plugs in the rooms (!) would help with the noise reduction. The staff is super-friendly and always available. The conference facilities are very good. The food however in the casual restaurant and in the Yacht Club was mediocre, but service OK. The beds and pillow were very comfortable, the amenities were OK. The place is a bit dated. Overall, a great location and good hotel, but watch out for those TRAINS!