Aloft by Marriott Sarasota

The room and bathroom were clean, the bed was really soft, and the staff were cordial and helpful. They could switch my booking from one king to two queens if available, and there was a luggage cart too. I was surprised the Aloft garage cost extra, $25, since I thought parking was included in the hotel fee. Our company had a holiday party there, so I assumed we might get a discount or something, but no. I booked by phone and there didn't seem to be a direct line to the hotel, so the whole thing could've been more accommodating. Breakfast was pricey too, about $20 for a sandwich and a medium or small coffee. And the panel by the room door's card reader came loose when I shut the door.

The room was quirky and edgy, but also lovely. Everything was spotless, even the soap dispensers were full, and the shades blocked most of the daylight despite the city view. We slept comfortably, and the Marshall Action III Bluetooth speaker was a nice touch with great sound. The LG TV worked well and had streaming apps if you signed in. Check-in was frustrating. I called the front desk five times using option 0, as the recording said, but the system kept repeating itself. I was trying to find out if we could check in before 3:45 so I could get into my tuxedo. I left a message for the manager using option 4 and never got a reply. At the desk, the staff seemed unimpressed and only handed over the Wi-Fi password, without directions to the room. Maybe they couldn't hear me with the bar right next to reception, but it still wasn't a good arrival. Jeffrey, the valet, was very kind, as was someone who seemed to be a housekeeping manager when we left. We were in town for a nearby wedding, and despite the check-in, I'd stay here again.

The lobby bar was enjoyable, and the staff were friendly with great service. It's an easy walk to good local bars and restaurants. The hotel was clean, reasonably priced, and had a really nice gym and pool. I'd definitely come back.

I paid $324 a night and left feeling that my trip had been ruined by one interaction. My booking included breakfast, but when I went downstairs, Alexis at the front desk insisted I pay again. I showed her the reservation and she still said I wasn't entitled to it, even though other guests paying the same rate were getting breakfast. My booking company confirmed breakfast was included and called Alexis to explain. By then I didn't want breakfast anymore. I told Alexis I didn't appreciate how she'd spoken to me, and she said she had done nothing wrong, that I could complain to management, and that management always had her back because she'd worked there a long time. She kept saying she wasn't wrong and management would agree, without acknowledging how rude she'd been. I have never been treated that badly at a hotel. This was never really about the $8 egg bites or whatever was on the menu. She could have suggested I have coffee, call the booking company, or try a nearby breakfast place. Instead there was unnecessary commentary and an attitude over something I had already paid for. Management is choosing to back an employee who needs to learn basic courtesy and customer service. This was easily resolvable, but the way Alexis handled it made us decide never to return.