Marriott's Villas at Doral

The main reason we used to come here was access to the Trump pools, but the owners recently voted to keep Marriott guests out. Now the Marriott pool gets extremely crowded, with only about 40 sun loungers, so you have to arrive very early to get a chair. We’ve usually loved this place, even though the units need updating and the carpet is dirty. We won’t return unless the owners vote to restore access to the Trump pools.

Chris from the security team made a difficult arrival much easier for us. Our flight was delayed while we were on vacation with my uncle and grandma, and when we finally got there my uncle had to rush to a meeting, leaving Grandma and me with all our luggage. Just after check-in, Chris saw we were struggling and helped carry everything to the room, then made sure we were comfortable. He checked on us every day and looked out for my grandma’s happiness and safety. That care meant a lot to our family and made the stay memorable. The food was amazing, the recreational spaces were great, and the staff were outstanding. I’m very happy to recommend this hotel.

We had a charming two-bedroom villa with a terrace overlooking the pool. It seemed to have had a light renovation, with no obvious wear, though it wasn’t new. The terrace was pleasant, but there was only a small table and dining chairs, even though there was room for a comfortable chaise lounge. The hotel itself isn’t new, but the staff take good care of it. We felt welcome right away, with poolside activities like bingo, beer bong, and owners’ welcome cocktails. The building, grounds, and employees all had a lot of charm. There are plenty of good restaurants in the newly developed downtown of Doral, a mix of South American cultures. The hotel is surrounded by golf resorts and isn’t near the beach, so South Beach isn’t a quick trip despite the advertising. We probably won’t return because the location doesn’t work well if you aren’t golfing.

The property sits on a side street away from the heavy traffic of 41st Street, so it’s quieter, with dining and shopping nearby. It’s right beside Trump National Doral Miami golf course, if that’s useful. We stayed as a family of five and had plenty of room: multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a full kitchen, living area, and balcony. It felt like a condo, which worked really well. Our balcony overlooked Osprey Lake, and on New Year’s Eve we could see fireworks along the distant coast, a fun surprise. The kids loved the pool and outdoor activities. Mini golf was a hit too, though it’s tiny and dated; there are no lights at night, so we used a phone flashlight. We didn’t use the grills, but they were popular and looked well maintained. Parking got a little tight at peak times, though it was never a real problem. Even though it’s a timeshare property, we got no aggressive sales pitches, which deserves a star of its own. A great family option for space, amenities, and a relaxed stay without being far from everything.