I need help ASAP! I need to book by the end of the day and can't decide between the two for a trip leaving Thurs and coming back on Sun. My wife and I are looking for a good beach/pool/outdoor oasis type area. We like outdoor activities and I am looking to keep her busy Thurs and Fri during the day while I work and be able to plan a lot of stuff to do on the weekend. What are some thoughts. Thanks in advance!!!

Both have good beach/pool. The Marriott is in an area where there are water taxis, other hotels, restaurants etc. The Sheraton is across the street from the Bal Harbor Shops (Tiffany, Chanel, Neiman Marcus etc.) plus some restaurants. I think the Marriott will be busier, noisier, more kids. If she has a car, either place is good. If she's without a car, unless she's into luxury shopping, I'd pick the Marriott.

We stayed at the Marriott Harbor Beach a few weeks ago, and I would recommend it.The pool is large and freeform, and has a very pretty tropical setting with waterfall, lots of vegetation and flowers. There is an outside bar and a nice spot for lunch by the pool. The stretch of beach there is wide and beautiful.They have free beach chairs and loungers set up, and you can also rent a cabana. There are watersports right there on the beach, like waverunners and sailboats. The breakfast was good and there was also a starbucks in the lobby. The waterbus is a very short walk and will take her to Las Olas Blvd. if she wants to shop. Also a short walk to the strip where there are more restaurants and shops. I didn't use the spa, but that has its own pool if you have something done. I did use the salon, and can highly recommend "Sharon" if she gets wants to get her hair done. I've never been to Bal Harbour.

Which one has better beaches (specifically to the hotels or generally Ft. Lauderdale vs. Miami)? Also, which one will have more activities outside the resort?

I think the beaches of that part of Miami Beach are hard to beat.

To be honest, comparable, I think they are about dead even. The Marriott is a little nicer hotel than the Sheraton.

If you stay in Bal Harbour, you must eat at Wolfie Cohen's Rascal House.

What kind of activities are you looking for? If you want, I can e-mail you some pictures of the beach at the Marriott that were taken from my balcony.Also have 1 of the pool. The beach is one of the nicest I've been to.

That would be great. Thanks for all your help.

I was just looking for Reasturants, Malls, Bars, maybe some night life.

Thanks again.

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Okay I just sent the pictures, so hopefully you get them.

I didn't get the pics. Can you please try again or maybe it is just taking a while. Thanks again!

I just tried again. Did you get them?

Any final suggestions? I think I am going to book the Sheraton Bal Harbour, just because there seems to be more to do in that area (mall and so.beach) than ft. lauderdale. Thanks to all the posters for your help.

Hi kct1112 -
Did you go on your trip yet, I was wondering what you thought of the Sheraton Bal Harbour? (I was thinking of staying there). Any thoughts. Thanks.

I've stayed at the sheraton probably about 4-5 times and its really nice. Very luxurious and great pool area. Would reccomend it.