SweetTraveler

It's time to plan my family's "girls' getaway" for the first weekend in June. The group will include my two sisters, my mom and myself, ranging in age from 27-57. The agenda for the long weekend: relax at the pool, walk on the beach, shop, get a pedicure and have nice meals.

I have so many Marriott points that I'm trying to book the rooms by using their web site and searching for availability. The locations I've narrowed the search to include: Clearwater Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach. They were selected for airfare deals PLUS what looks to be excellent beachfront resorts. Does anyone have opinions about which of the following Marriott properties will be the best option for us? (I've been to all 3 cities, but never to these Marriott hotels, so I am looking for particular advice about the specific hotels as well as general thoughts about the communities.)

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

Of course, if you have a suggestion for an even better Marriott somewhere else on the Florida coast, I'm open to that, too.

Thanks so much!

NOTE: I posted something similar as a reply earlier today and realized I should start a new thread. Sorry for any confusion!

linman

I would choose the Harbor Beach. The beach is great, with lots of great restaurants nearby on Las Olas. Riverfront is also close with more dining and shops. Beachplace is a short walk and that also has casual dining and Gap, Banana Republic, and like stores. The resort itself is great, beachfront plus pool. I love Clearwater for the beach itself, but for everything else a group of women would have much more fun in Lauderdale.Also, in June there would be live music most nights at Riverfront and weekends at Beachplace.

Tandoori_Girl

Ummmm. West Palm. Just because I haven't been there in awhile. Like to see what's going on.

Dreamer2

I suppose it depends what you like to do. If beaching is your thing, I would imagine the new property in Clearwater would be best. If you like shopping, you can't beat Las Olas! Personally, I like the sound of something with "& spa" at the end! By the way, do you know about the gorgeous, brand new JW Marriott in Orlando? It's attached to the Ritz, and they share a spa and beautiful pool areas; obviously no beach! But you could spend a fun day at Epcot's World Showcase or Animal Kingdom, evening at the Boardwalk, tea at Grand Floridian, clubs at Pleasure Island, etc. Have fun! Wish I had sisters!

Janny

We stayed at Harbour Beach Marriott last year in November and had a wonderful time!! Beautiful property located directly on the beach. The only negative is you have to pay for parking per day. Other than that I would definitely stay here again. Hotel close to the activites and restaurants too.

Heartburn3

If you choose to stay at the Harbor Beach in Ft Lauderdale, you might not even need to rent a car and pay upwards of $20/day to park. The Water Taxi is within walking distance and it will take you to Las Olas, Riverfront, and other locations for dining, entertainment, and shopping. Also, the Carrie B is a nice 2 hr guided tour of the inland waterways and mansions. And if you happen to be around when the Queen Mary 2 is in port, you'll get a good look at her.

Whatever you decide, have a great time!

mclaurie

On another recent thread, the 2 Marriotts recommended by Lillmsfoodie (sp?) were the one in Orlando already mentioned in this thread with the use of the Ritz Spa and the one on Marco Island. I can also suggest looking at the one in Delray Beach. It's well located for dining & shopping at the end of Atlantic Ave. (fly into either West Palm or FLL)

I don't know where the WPB one is. West Palm is not on the ocean though, so I'm confused.

SweetTraveler

Mclaurie, the WPB hotel is actually at Palm Beach Shores. I guess I was thinking of the airport when I was typing.

Also, the Clearwater Marriott Suites is on Sand Key. I can't tell from consulting an old guide book what hotel Marriott took over, but I was in Tampa on business earlier this year and stayed at the Sheraton on Sand Key and don't remember any construction!

I have an additional question for those of you in the know. My adorable little sister is worried that we have a greater chance for rain on the East Coast and therefore might be better off on the Gulf side. Is there merit to this concern? Also, I'm getting the impression that will have more the "do" if we choose Ft. Lauderdale than either of the other two options (water taxi, Las Olas shopping, etc.). I'm I hearing you correctly?

Thanks again!

LilMsFoodie

Ocean Pointe is on Singer Island I believe. I haven't been but think it is a time share resort....Marriott Vacation Club. Perhaps there is a hotel there as well, but the Vacation Clubs are short on amenities.

The spa at Harbor Beach is very nice. I have been there a few times since they upgraded it and it has excellent facilities, its own pool (no kiddies) and I had a super pedicure (around 70 or 80 bucks) that was wonderful. I'll recommend staying in one night and eating at 3030 Ocean. Outstanding restaurant with lovely view, and a great bar. You could start with a silly drink at the Yankee Clipper (or is it Trader, I always get them confused) which is next door to the Marriott beachside. This tacky bar has a view of the swimming pool from underneath. You can see some pretty funny things from this vantage point. Think of the movie: Analyze This. The place is Very 60's, Where the Boys Are (a movie your mom will remember) After transport yourself back to the 21st century and 3030 Ocean.

A question for Heartburn: Can you see the Queen Mary from the California Cafe? I love that restaurant for lunch to see the yachts (200 ft and up). LMF

The most glamorous shopping in the area is a drive down to Coral Gables (Miami area) to Merrick Park. This is a wonderful outdoor mall that has amazing shops and restaurants and worth a day trip.

Another place for your points is not on the ocean but at the JW Marriott resort Grande Lakes in Orlando. This place is fabulous.

LMF

SweetTraveler

I think LMF and Linman have sealed it for us: Harbor Beach and Ft. Lauderdale sound like what we need for this trip. We definitely need to escape to the beach, and to fit in some shopping and dining. Janny, thanks for the warning about parking. I think we'll avoid a rental car entirely.

And thanks to those of you who suggested the JW Marriott in Orlando. I'll keep that in mind for a trip I have to plan for later in the year. I have a lot of points to spend and there's no point hoarding them!

Thanks again for all your adivce. If you have anything else to mention, feel free. We're not booking until Monday.

Heartburn3

For LMF: I'm not familiar with California Cafe, but from the address, it appears to be east of the intracoastal bridge on 17th St Causeway near the Hyatt. You might be able to see the QM2 from this location, but binoculars would help! She's docked far away from the 17th St area, across from the Coast Guard Station and John U. Lloyd State Park (Dania.) We got some pics of her from the park and even though she's huge, she was still partially hidden behind the dock. I guess they put her there to keep people from stopping and taking pics, etc. BuffaloGirl recently saw her from the Carrie B and was pleased with being able to see her from that vantage point. The Carrie B goes into the Port and when I took this cruise we turned around just before the ocean. It's a great tour.

Sorry I can't help you more with your QM2 question. She's really hard to see from the 17th Street area. However the larger Princess ships dock close to the Convention Center and are marvelous to see. They are so modern and beautiful. When they are so close to the bridge and you can see how huge and impressive they are!

LilMsFoodie

California Cafe used to be my favorite restaurant in Ft.L. There are outdoor terraces overlooking the intracoastal and since it is at Pier 66, you can see the huge ocean private yachts, often with uniformed crew and requisite female escorts

The food is often excellent and never has been less than good. Forbes beautiful yacht the Highlander is often docked here as well as some super modern ones that look like they should have James Bond on board.

The new bridge blocks some of the view now, thus my question regarding the QMII.
LMF

captseaton

I know I am posting this a little "after the fact" but would like to point out some things about the Queen Mary 2 while she is in Port Everglades (winter season). You can see the ship from the 17th Street Bridge, the viewing areas on the bridge will allow you to see the ship from a stern view looking forward. You can also see her from the Pier Top Lounge at Pier 66, but the lounge rotates so you might have to keep walking a while to keep looking at the ship. John U. Lloyd state park has a viewing area which allows obstructed views of the ship, just hope another ship is not in port further blocking your view. Without any doubt, the best vantage point to see the QM2 in Port Everglades is from the decks of the Carrie B. I am a little partial to the Carrie B as I will most likely be your captain for all tours past the world's largest and grandest ocean liner when she visits Port Everglades. From our decks I will ensure you get the closest possible views of the ship allowable by law. In addition to the spectacular views, I also provide an in-depth commentary on just about everything you could possibly want to know about the QM2. Every time the QM2 came to town we saw capacity crowds on our sightseeing tours, so a word to the wise, arrive and park early! I think the best example of how much the public enjoyed the QM2 tours would be when I witnessed a couple walking off the boat on our 3pm tour, purchasing two more tickets and walking right back on the boat for our unscheduled 5pm tour. Yes, when the QM2 is in town we run an unscheduled 5pm sunset tour. I remember the March 26 tours very well as this was the last time we would see the QM2 in port until Winter 2004/2005. On our 5pm cruise that evening a small crowd gathered on our upper deck to witness something special and breathtaking. I personally went to the jackstaff on the Carrie B to unfurl a giant QM2 sized British Merchant Marine flag we were flying in honor of the departure of the grand lady. With no other cruise ships in port, all attention turned solely to the largest ocean liner on the planet as she slowly eased from her berth and moved into the turning basin. As the sun set that evening we were blessed not only with the sight of the QM2's bow swinging in front of us (photographer's dream) but also unparalleled views of the QM2 leaving Port Everglades for the last cruise of the season. I am well known for my never ending narration on my tours, but at this moment I joined the passengers in a bit of silent reverence for the majesty of the event we were witnessing.

LilMsFoodie

Hey Captain, thanks for your wonderful description of the QMII. As you can see, your Carrie B is recommended here and I plan to try it the next time I'm in Fort Lauderdale. LMF