Lilian W.
Yelp
I recently stayed at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami, a sleek, modern hotel perfectly situated for exploring the city's vibrant neighborhoods. While there were many highlights to my stay, a few issues, particularly with the front-desk service, left me with mixed feelings. Here's a breakdown of my experience:
Location:
The hotel's downtown location is incredibly convenient, making it a quick 10-15 minute drive to key areas like Brickell, South Beach, Wynwood, and Little Havana. Whether you're here for business or leisure, the central positioning provides easy access to Miami's hotspots.
Ambiance & Amenities:
The interior of the JW Marriott Marquis exudes modern sophistication. The lobby is adorned with contemporary art. The hotel boasts a variety of impressive amenities, including:
- Pool and bar
- Bowling Alley
- Spa: Offers services like a 15-minute head and shoulder massage included in the daily destination fee
- Gym & NBA-sized Basketball Court
- Mediterranean restaurant & Sports Bar Cafe
- Free water bottles are provided both in the rooms and at the front desk, ensuring you stay hydrated throughout your visit
Room:
My room featured a stunning view of the city, a modern desk, and a spacious bathroom equipped with both a shower and a bathtub. Additional conveniences included a fridge and a hairdryer, though notably, there was no microwave. The room was immaculately clean, and the TV offered a comprehensive selection of channels/services (such as the ability to watch Netflix), as one would expect from a newer hotel.
Daily Destination Fee:
The $42 daily destination fee covers a range of "use it or lose it" perks, such as:
- A 15-minute head and shoulder massage.
- A small spa gift (lotion).
- 2 tickets to the nearby Pérez or Frost museum.
- $42 daily food and beverage credit.
- Enhanced high-speed internet.
However, the lack of clear communication about how to utilize these benefits led to confusion. Initially, I was unsure if we could use multiple benefits or just one per day. This oversight resulted in not fully utilizing the $42 food and beverage credit, which was frustrating.
Service:
While the service was generally good, my experience was marred by inconsistent and confusing front-desk interactions. On the last day, we sought clarity on using our $42 credit from the first day. Brandon M. assured us we could apply it to our lunch on the last day and promised to apply it manually before he left work. Unfortunately, the credit was never applied, and subsequent attempts to rectify the issue over the phone were met with refusal and a lack of accountability from the front desk. This mishandling of the situation left a sour note on an otherwise enjoyable stay.
Final Thoughts:
The JW Marriott Marquis has a lot to offer regarding location, amenities, and overall ambiance. The rooms are comfortable, the hotel is beautifully designed, and the range of facilities is impressive. However, the unclear communication regarding the daily destination fee benefits and the disappointing resolution of our credit issue significantly impacted my overall experience.