Marriott's Ocean Pointe

The balcony view was genuinely great in our ocean-view room, probably the best part of the stay. The rest didn't match what I expected after booking through the Marriott website. The rooms were plain, not especially clean, and short on the comfort and quality I'd anticipated. There are small pools for each of the four buildings, but they felt basic and underwhelming, without the size or atmosphere I'd expect at a resort. Heavy construction equipment near the beach made it feel industrial instead of peaceful. The whole property felt like a large motel, with exterior room entrances and no real lobby or central gathering space. It didn't feel like a resort at all.

Absolutely beautiful! We came for a couple of days after a Disney cruise, before heading back to Clearwater to fly home. The video speaks for itself. Service was great, from check-in through lunch at the pool bars. OMG I LOVE THIS RESORT.

The one-bedroom Oceanview suite in the Dolphin building worked perfectly for the two of us, and the concierge gave us excellent recommendations. Our favorite was dinner at Sailfish Marina, with a great menu and live music. The suite was well furnished and close to all the property activities. We had a wonderful ocean view, despite other reviewers saying these rooms offer little ocean view. The walls were paper thin, though, and the noise from next door made it feel like a dorm. Parking was a bit of a struggle because the garage spaces were tight. Food service was limited, but there were suitable places to eat within walking distance. We had five nights of excellent weather and a good trip, but I don't think we'll make the trek back.

The property is beautiful and well maintained, and the pools and food areas suit the scale of the resort. We're Marriott people, and especially like the Atlantic coast and its beaches. Several of the five buildings we've stayed in had been updated, but the last one was clearly tired and needed an update. During prime season there are many long-term guests who are particularly set in their ways, which can make flexible access challenging.