When we were deciding which hotel to visit, it was between Pompano Beach Residence Inn and the Marriott next door. We have stayed at both a few times, but wanted to go back to the Residence Inn this time even though it was slightly more expensive than the newly-refurbished Marriott.
Check-in is 4pm and we landed at FLL around noon and found things to do by the Pompano Beach pier. Messaged the hotel through the Bonvoy app to find out if our room was ready and was told that you show up, get added to a waitlist, and as rooms become available it’s first come, first served. Would have been nice to know that in advance. We showed up around 3, and our room was FINALLY ready at 4:09pm. Latest check-in we have had anywhere in years. Not gonna lie, that was annoying. Jessie checked us in and was very pleasant and a good example of customer service. She explained the daily $20 food and beverage credit and some other perks like bicycles and museum entry. Anastasiia, Nicole and Tricia were also helpful at various times.
I do not remember noting the “destination fee” of $45 till I got the final bill. So, like Marriott’s resort fee? At least Marriott includes beach chairs (at least it did last year).
Our room was high up (which we paid for) and had a nice view. Note that if you have an 07 room (as in, ends in 07), you will hear the elevator since your room backs up to it. The suite was nice with a full-sized fridge, microwave, 2 burner cooktop, dishwasher and plates, cups, etc. Coffee maker was useful. The bathroom needed some TLC as under the sink cabinet looked all bashed in to the point of seeing the particleboard behind it. Shampoo, conditioner and body wash are in the shower in large dispensers. Love the blocks window in the tub/shower; no nightlight needed here. You will occasionally hear people in rooms above or around you.
We had 2 queen beds and they were comfortable, closet with hangers and a safe (that did not work--got replaced). Desk, tv, little round table with 2 chairs. Ironing board and iron were in the bathroom closet with a small stackable and quite old washer and dryer. We washed clothes once, and the dryer took forever to dry our clothes.
The room has a wall of windows which I loved, and both sheer curtains and room darkening curtains. The balcony door took real muscle to open and close. All balconies except the oceanfront 2 bedroom suites (which are amazing!), have balconies facing south. Enjoyed the balcony and the view--until I smelled cigarette smoke--every day. The hotel staff tried to figure out where it was coming from, but short of a drone or a spy at the Marriott, not sure it’s going to be figured out.
Sunday morning we went to breakfast and it was a very nice spread and organized by two very friendly ladies. The thick cut and perfectly cooked bacon was great. There is a waffle-maker on the weekends only. Breakfast was sufficient. There is a restaurant on the property, Zoe’s, with both indoor and outdoor seating—we loved the rough-cut wood tables and stools on the patio. So unique and beautiful. There is a coffee machine in Zoe’s that could make cappuccino, and it would have been nice to have it open before 10am.
We liked the daily happy hour specials at Zoe’s. We tried some of the food and drinks too and everything was quite good. Adam, Maurizio and Liz were great. You can also be served food/drinks on the beach and by the pool or hot tub areas.
The beach was beautiful. Note that chairs are not included at this property; $15 each and umbrella is also $15. Cabanas too. There was a lot of sea grass this time of year which was raked every morning, but came back every day. Water was nice and warm. Enjoyed lounging on the beach and exfoliating my feet in the sand.
The second night, Sunday, a day with many people checking out, our room still had not been cleaned at 4pm. At that point we wanted to get ready to go out, so I just asked for some towels and exchanged them. Would have been nice to have been notified that due to the large amount of check-outs, the room may not be serviced--or would be, but very late. I was told they have till 5:30 to clean rooms—too late. On Monday our room was cleaned in the morning.
Note there is valet parking only here; no self-park, at the cost of $36 per day, plus taxes. The valets were pleasant and usually quick to get our car.
You are able to message with the hotel on the Bonvoy app, which is helpful.
Pets are allowed at this property.
There were a lot of families staying here—many with small children—although by Tuesday there seemed to be hardly anyone around. Rooms that have multiple sleeping spaces make this a good choice for families.
We enjoyed our stay for the most part. Most of the employees seem to really care to make your experience great, and will try to resolve any issues that arise for you. Hotel employees whom I may not have named specifically: thank you for all you do, and for caring about your guests.
PE
US
VE