Colleen O.
Yelp
What a strange little hotel this was! Ultimately, it's a hotel that really doesn't know what it is, and is trying to be all the things at once. When you walk in, it's as if you are walking into a posh, modern NYC hotel. There are mod flower arrangements, smartly dressed concierge's and a modern, expensive looking bar nearby. Our check-in went smoothly, although we were offered a nicer room only to have it taken back a minute later when they discovered it wasn't available. We then took a very round-about and inconvenient path to our hotel, which was at the very back of the resort, past the pool and almost to the Marina.
Our hotel room was no more than an average motel room: two beds, blank decor, and a terribly loud air-conditioner. Outside our room sat an enormous yacht, and while that was cool for a few seconds, we definitely felt exposed and had to make sure the blinds were drawn before changing. Also, the beds were not comfortable, and instead of a fitted sheet, both of our beds were oddly made with flat sheets that pulled up the first time we turned over in bed. The whole room situation was part of the confusion we felt at this hotel: the lobby was that of a 5 star hotel, and the room was that of a two or three star hotel.
This hotel was only redeemed by the pool area: it's great. While it may be in need of updating, the lighting and the design of the pool are gorgeous, as is the courtyard. It really makes this hotel worth staying at. If you don't like pools or laying under palm trees, don't come here, because the rooms are not where it's at. The courtyard however...it was. Florida paradise. It was so nice that they had a kids pool and a grown-up pool, but that kids were welcomed in both. All our little ones loved swimming in the afternoon, and the fluffy yellow towels were much appreciated. Make sure to walk by the pool at night - it's so lovely with the lighting.
In the morning, we weighed our breakfast options carefully: go to the buffet, which was a RIDICULOUS 26 dollars a person, or find something else. Luckily, we discovered that Orchid, the pool restaurant and bar, served what they described as a continental breakfast - and it was wonderful. Ready to eat breakfast sandwiches, fruit and Starbucks coffee were all served there, and we didn't even have to wait. Having our children sit out on the patio and be served food right away was SUCH a blessing after a long travel day. Dinner at Pelican Landing is highly recommended as well.
Overall, I would recommend this hotel, but I would lower your expectations for the room. Come for the pool, stay for the proximity to the cruise ports. Oh, and skip the hotel shuttle to the ports: it's seven dollars a person, when a ride for the whole family in an Uber is about that same amount.