Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport

Service kept getting worse during our stay. We asked for shampoo four times over eight hours before the young man at the front desk finally brought some and apologized. He was the only employee who seemed to care. At the bar, I asked if the bartender could break a $20, and she went off on me about being sick of people asking. The shuttle arrived on time, but one driver asked the other to help with bags that were about to fall. He said it didn't matter and opened the door, sending the bags crashing to the ground. The room was nice, though the pillows were very thin. At dinner there was one waiter who spoke limited English, which wasn't the issue, but he didn't seem to try to understand us. The water glasses were dirty with things floating in them. He never asked if we wanted another drink, and when my husband asked for a Pepsi, he brought napkins. The food was okay but very overpriced. I was excited to stay here because it had so much potential, but the service was absolutely horrible.

The smoke detector had a bright flashing light that kept bothering us. The front desk said there was nothing they could do, so we covered it with a tank top. I've stayed at countless Marriott's, and this was easily the most disappointing. Pick any hotel but this one.

The pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant, with its good food and drinks, were all enjoyable. Being close to both the airport and beaches made this a convenient option for business or leisure. The modern design and elegant decor created a relaxing feel, and the rooms were spacious, spotless, and well equipped. Staff were professional, attentive, and helpful, so check-in and other service interactions were easy. Hotel Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport made for a comfortable, stylish stay.

The entrance looked gorgeous, and I was impressed when we arrived. I booked a king room on the hotel's website more than 24 hours ahead, but at 11 p.m. the pleasant front desk gentleman said they were nearly full. Our room turned out to have two queens. I'm 6' and my husband is 6'4, so I called down. He said they were sold out of kings, even though that's what I'd booked. He promised to call back with a solution in five minutes, and he did find us a king room, which I appreciated. Then, when we met him at the new room, he said gold members get priority. I felt small. I've stayed at thousands of Marriott's but never bothered with points. What if I pay a fair rate on the actual website and don't care about perks or special treatment? I just expected them to honor the booking they confirmed, and the whole exchange left a sour taste.