Courtyard by Marriott Bradenton Sarasota Riverfront

As a lifetime Platinum member, I’d say the value here is low, despite the great location. Breakfast was below typical Courtyard Marriott standards, and the hotel felt dingy and unclean overall. The lobby has been renovated, but that’s not where you sleep. We got a Jr Suite upgrade, though the rooms are tired and the bathroom needs renovation or at least a deep clean. The AC sounded like a helicopter at every setting, and finding the hot water in the shower was trial and error. My in-laws had a separate room and an abysmal stay with failed temperature controls and the same mystery hot water. When I spoke with customer service manager Kenzie, she seemed indifferent and didn’t even apologize. Avoid this hotel.

The river walk location is hard to beat, with downtown restaurants and the ferry to Anna Maria beach just a short walk away. There’s a Starbucks in the lobby, a beautiful pool area, and easy open-air parking with security. The rooms are spacious and very clean. The front desk ladies were absolutely delightful and helpful, and the lobby also has workstation and flight check-in computers.

The hotel itself was fine and met expectations, but one breakfast interaction left me uncomfortable. On the first morning, the cafe worker was very kind and went above and beyond, so I tipped her. The next day I only asked for a canned Starbucks drink that was already made, and didn’t tip since all she had to do was hand it over. She replied, “thanks, this really helps a lot,” which felt passive-aggressive and unnecessary. I wasn’t up for talking and just shrugged it off. I understand tipping culture, but guests shouldn’t be made to feel shamed or uncomfortable.

We drove all the way from Miami after calling ahead to ask whether the pool and hot tub were heated. We were told everything was working perfectly, but on arrival neither the pool heating nor the hot tub heat worked. Our room was dirty and had no toilet paper. I’m really sad and upset about this. We booked from 13 of January til 16 of January, and what we were told on the phone turned out to be lies.