Help! Mariott Marco Island-Opinions Please

happiestone

Hello all! Can anyone tell me about the Marriott Beach, Spa and Golf resort? Is it elegant and Beatiful? Is it a nice place for a beach wedding? It is so difficult to plan a destination wedding. You are at the mercy of the resort personell to give opiions on their resort. Which of course they are going to speak highly of them. Can someone please help with honest descriptions and opinions? I need to make a decision quick. We want something classy and elegant. Please give me your opion if you are familiar with this resort and beach. Thank You!!

LolaPizzy

Hey there! I have seen the MI Marriott, as I vacationed in MI last April while scouting out places for my wedding. I'm getting married at the Hilton down the beach. The Marriott was out of my budget and the rooms were not in my guests' budget, so that's why I chose the Hilton, but if money were no issue, I'd love to get married at the Marriott!

The beach is gorgeous....white sand and turquoise waters. It's more of a high-rise beach, lined with condos and hotels, rather than a palm spotted natural beach. But there's lots of vegetation at the Marriott which gives a nice vibe. I mainly saw the beach and outside grounds, not the inside. But they have some really nice areas where they can hold the ceremony. I've heard really great things about weddings there. I sent the Event Mgr. an inquiry just for kicks, and he was pretty friendly. What are the qualities that you are looking for?

happiestone

Thank You for your input. I really appreciate it. We are looking for something upscale, beautiful white beach, pools, somewhat quiet and Romantic. A spa is a must. What we would like to happen, is an intimate wedding on the beach right before sunset, a Romatic dinner on the beach, then the next morning spend time in the spa. Our wedding will only consist of the two of us (intimate and romantic). So a resort that isn't too crowded would be nice. Thank you again for the information. I think the Marriott on MI will be great.

LolaPizzy

I think the setting is definitely romantic and upscale, but I can't comment on how quiet it will be. I think that may depend on what time of the year you are there since it is a kid-friendly resort, but again I really don't know for sure. The beach is mostly public, but Marriott has their own private section in front of the resort. I know for sure that they have a spa but I didn't see it personally. Your wedding plan sounds lovely, but I'd suggest you contact them because I know that they required a reception (with a food/bev min of something like $10K, if I recall) in order to have a wedding ceremony there. The Hilton has a lovely spa too, so you might consider checking there as well as I know they do smaller affairs.

Lizzys15

Hi, I have never been to a wedding at the Marco Island Marriott, but I stayed there for a weekend getaway.  The property is gorgeous and the beach is amazing.  Here are some things that bothered me though if your family going to make a vacation out of it:

1) for rooms that cost as much as $700 a night, the service at pool and beach is awful!  I waited in line for 20 minutes just to get a beach chair.

2) Currents the main restaurant there is not good and very, very expensive.

3) As expected, kids are everywhere at pool.

You should definitely visit and see if you like...the property and beach are really gorgeous.  You may also want to consider the Ritz on the beach in Naples.  It's much nicer and will cost you about the same.  Also, there is an amazing restuarant in Marco Isalnd called Sale & Pepe.  It's located in the hotel a block down from the Marriott.  Definitely check it out if you go there. 

happiestone

Thank You so much for taking the time to share this information. There was another location and resort that we were interested in...The Laplaya beach, spa and Golf resort in Naples. It is suppose to be directly on the beach. The only thing is, I have read some reviews that weren't the greatest. Are you familiar with that resort? Thaks!

scrabtree134

I'm looking at LaPlaya, Marco Hilton, Marco Beach Ocean Resort, and Naples Beach Resort (the Marco Marriott's $10k minimum was above my budget).  All four have ceremony sites on the beach.

I've emailed all four and am working on setting up times to go visit... I'm actually going to LaPlaya on Wednesday to see the grounds and meet with the wedding coordinator and catering manager - I'll let you know what I think!  I've eaten lunch at LaPlaya before and the food was very good.

happiestone

Thank you so much! That would be great if you would let me know your opinion of Laplaya! Have fun!