We need to make a quick decision on which Marriott to stay in. We love to relax around the pool and read and to walk beaches and go to great restaurants and shops. We can either stay at the Marriott Harbour Beach resort in Fort Lauderdale or the Marriott Marco Island one. I need to make a decison asap. Any advice on either would be great.

There is no hesitation in my answer: The Harbour Beach resort. Lots more restaurants, take the water taxi and do a pub crawl and taxi back to the hotel from the last stop, a great spa (manager from Bacara?) an excellent pool, add a great restaurant in 3030 Ocean and you have a super vacation.When I need R&R this is the first place I think of.

I have stayed at the Marco Marriott, in fact I worked on the interior before it became a Marriott but the Harbor Beach is a great use of your points, which I assume you are using by your post. (we have millions to use at this point and I know my Marriotts!) LMF

Stayed at the Mariott Harbour Beach Resort last year in November and we LOVED this hotel. Beautiful surroundings. We didn't use the water taxi as we rented a car. Close to the restaurants and activities. Hotel located right on the beach. We could see the cruise ships from our room. We got a good rate off of priceline. Also had a oceanview room. All rooms have balcony's. Very nice!!

If you only wanted to stay at the hotel and enjoy the beach, then the Marco one would be ideal. But when you throw in the idea of "great restaurants and shops" there is no question -- go to Ft. Lauderdale, not Marco Island.

I am facing the same issue... how to best use my Marriott points for a great getaway in Florida. I've narrowed it down to 3 locations and could use similar advice as Nanceetom.

The locations are: Clearwater Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach. They were selected for airfare deals PLUS what looks to be excellent beachfront resorts. The people going on this trip are my two sisters, my mom and myself (a "girls' weekend" before my sister has a baby, and she's pregnant now). Age range is 27-57 and we all love to relax at the pool, walk on the beach, shop, get a pedicure and have nice meals. We're planning a 4-day trip just after Memorial Day.

Does anyone have opinions about which of the following Marriott properties will be the best option for us?

West Palm Beach: Ocean Point Resort
Ft. Lauderdale: Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Clearwater Beach: (the new) Marriott Suites

Thanks so much!

Between Marco and Harbour Beach, definitely Harbour Beach. Nice property, friendly staff, pool, great beach, local shops and restaurants and you can drive to Miami for some real nightlife.