I'm trying to decide between the Boca Raton Resort and Club and either the Sonesta or Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne. I've had two very bad experiences at RCs so I'm leery of that. And I'm worried that the Boca Raton Resort, though it looks nice, will be either filled with families or conventioneers. We are a 30ish couple, no kids, looking for a nice beach and pool and most of all quiet. Good food, good service, nice amenities at beach and pool (nice chairs with pads--not those cheap plastic things!, umbrellas, food service). If anyone has any first-hand experiences with any of these, I'd appreciate it.

What were the bad experiences with those other two RCs?!?

I stayed at the Sonesta on Key Biscayne in November 2000; they were just finishing up a renovation/redecoration of the property. I found the hotel to be depressing with it's new decor- it looked like a throwback to the 70s. Also thought the layout of the hotel was not efficient or attractive-- for example, having to walk down a long concrete stairway to get to the pool. They could have designed it differently so that it was more attractive.
The beach was small, though I guess it was nice enough; they did have some of those thatched umbrellas. The pool area was alright, though not landscaped.
There was nothing really "wrong" with the hotel, just not my particular taste.

I stayed at the RC in Maui on my honeymoon and couldn't have been more disappointed. After being at the Hyatt on Kauai where everything was perfect, this was a major disappointment. The staff were not friendly (when they were around), they stuck us in an "oceanview" room that we paid for that had a huge palm tree blocking the entire view--plus the room had JUST been painted, the "wet paint" signs were literally still up and we were told this was the only room they had for us. After hours of struggling, magically another room appeared with an ocean view that we were moved to. As that was the start of the trip, it was only downhill after that. Service in the restaurants was horrible. You'd wait 20 minutes for someone to come over with a menu. No one ever refilled my water glass at any meal. We ordered room service and they screwed up our order and we called to tell them and to ask for the correct items and they said they'd bring them, only to never come back. I hated the layout of the hotel as well. Actually sounds like the Sonesta from what Rachael said--there was a whole convoluted way of getting down to the pool/beach area--very inconvenient. The beach was very disappointing--the hotel was set so far away from it the walk up and down to it wasn't worth it. The facilities there were nonexistent. No one to bring food or drinks, no towels even. Had to unstack and set out my own chair.

Other experience was in Palm Beach. Similiar complaints about the layout of the hotel--perhaps the layout is just not me--seems more for older crowd maybe? who don't want it to seem like a "beach resort". It is so hard to get to the beach/pool. Waited about 15 minutes at the front desk for someone to come and check us in. No one around when we drove up to help us with our luggage. The person who checked us in didn't even offer to get someone to take our luggage up, just walked away after giving us back our credit card. Service at the pool was horrible here as well. No one came around to where we were sitting. I got up to get someone and they said they'd send someone over--which they never did. I got up again and went to the bar myself and ordered two waters and two drinks, they plop them in front of me and one person is expected to bring all 4 back? Didn't offer to help me. I asked the bartender for someone to help and after 10 minutes of waiting, I made two trips to bring the drinks back. The chairs you sat on where cheap plastic things that when you got up, you had those slats tatooed on your back. They were stingy with towels. No one helped you set anything up.

Maybe I'm spoiled--I've been to Villa del Sol in Mexico twice and they are outstanding, for a fraction of the RC cost. They have comfortable chairs with thick cushions, someone sets up your chair and towel for you, service is constant on the beach (lunch on the beach complete with white linens) and they couldn't be nicer. The only problem it is small and books up fast which is why I can't get in this time and am looking for somewhere else!

If you read all that, John, you deserve a prize! You can see I didn't like the RC though!

Yes, Lori, I DID read all the details, and thanks very much for the lengthy response (no prize needed)!! I think you would have liked the Four Seasons Maui much better, although the beach there is not as nice as many of those Caribbean beaches/water, if that's one of your concerns. I have also been to the RC in Palm Beach as well and, although my experience was beter than yours, the one thing that really annoyed me was the lack of soundproofing between the rooms! Surprisingly, it's actually a much nicer hotel than the Four Seasons just down the street! I have been THINKING about going to the RC on Maui, but your report (and others) has made me strongly reconsider! Maybe I'll just save my "pennies" and wait very patiently for the new RC to open on Grand Cayman. Soundproofing or not, at least I KNOW I'll be guaranteed a gorgeous beach and ocean, which is a TOP priority for me!!