Surf and Sand at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

JW Marriott room with a beach view

The largest of Southwest Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island is a favorite spot for beach lovers and especially during winter months, anyone seeking sun. Located steps from the sand, the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort knows how to take full advantage of its backyard, offering guests a variety of ways to soak up a day at the beach.

port cochere JW Marriott Marco Island

Formerly the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa, after a $320 million renovation, the property converted to a JW Marriott luxury hotel in 2017.

With 726 rooms set in two towers, each 11 floors high, the property certainly qualifies in most guests’ eyes as a big resort. (A third tower is under construction.) But unlike other resorts with an equally large number of rooms, it doesn’t take long to get your bearings and learn your way around.

Located on the 1oth floor of the Palms Tower, my Deluxe Gulf Front Room was airy and spacious with two queen beds, a desk and large television topped dresser, that was also home to a refrigerator and coffee and tea making station. The large balcony boasted a table and three chairs, making it a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Deluxe Gulf Front Room

The bathroom was sleek and well-lit. Paired with an assortment of dark wood accents, including the guest room closet, the white granite topped double vanity provided more than enough space for myself and my teenage daughter. A sliding door separating the toilet from the sink and shower area allowed for two people to use the space and still have some privacy.

JW Marriott Marco Island Quinn's Pool

The port cochere and front entrance set the tone for the beautiful, but still comfortable public spaces found throughout the resort. A long list of amenities cover a variety of wants and needs, so it would be easy to never leave the property during a Marco Island vacation. There are eight restaurants, (10 if you count the eateries at the two golf courses) offering everything from grab and go, to frozen yogurt, to fine dining. Along with a 24-hour fitness center and Quinn’s Pool (the property’s main pool), the Tiki Pool features a water slide and children’s splash area.

The beach and Gulf of Mexico are the hotel’s backyard. It’s easy to swim, hunt for shells or simply lay in the sun and do nothing. A beach hut rents all sorts of water toys including paddle boards, sailboats and kayaks. In addition, the JW Marriott offers sailing and shelling excursions on six passenger catamarans. Dolphin and other wildlife sightings are common.

dolphins spotted on sailing excursion, JW Marriott Marco Island

The resort is also home to one of only two Spa by JW spas in the United States. Open from 7am to 7pm, you can sneak in a treatment early or late, without sacrificing beach time. The Spa also offers a pool, an additional fitness center, and a number of daily classes including beach yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi.

The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort charges a $30 resort fee that covers internet, one-hour tennis court rental, access to the Resort Golf Practice Facility, two Spa fitness classes, one beach umbrella rental and breakfast discounts.

Rates for a Deluxe Gulf Front Room with two queen beds at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort range from $399 in low season, to $699 in high. You can compare rates and book your stay at sites like Expedia.

Review and photos by Dana Rebmann. Her stay was hosted by JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, but as always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.

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