(Ft. Lauderdale Marriott North)

The Ft. Lauderdale Marriott North recently did a complete renovation.  It's located on Andrews Ave and Cypress Creek Rd. and is your typical 1980-1990's Marriott on the outside.  It's geared to the business traveler and convention rather than the vacationer.

Jeff recently stayed at the property for a convention and I got to stop in for some pictures and a look around.

The lobby has been updated and now looks modern. There are 'south beach' accents thrown in with splashes of color and the new furniture styles that seem to be popping up in all hotels. They are more interesting and trendy and I worry this will lead them to another renovation sooner as it may look 'dated' in 5 years.

 
(The main lobby - Ft. Lauderdale Marriott North)


(Meeting room lobby - Ft. Lauderdale Marriott North)

The front desk is strange. It almost looks like a bell stand. There are 2 podiums...not your traditional hotel desk. The lobby itself contains plenty of places to sit and also 2 computers with free internet access along with printers available. There is also a large screen TV to stay up on current events (CNN was on).

They have a lobby bar, which was busy the night I stopped in and it was attached to the restaurant.  I looked into the restaurant and it appeared to be renovated as well.  It's located in a large atrium and the menu had everything from sandwiches to steak.  It looked a bit pricey though.

The hotel rooms were also recently renovated. When you first walk in, it's a welcome change from the old Marriott rooms. However, upon further inspection...and from what Jeff filled me in on when he checked out...there are a few issues-

-The housekeeping staff seems to be a bit lazy.  The ice bucket was never rinsed out...the robe hanger on the door in the bathroom fell off and was just 'slid' back into the holes in the door. 
-The website shows an LCD TV in the room...but that wasn't the case in his room.  It was an old tube TV with bad cable reception.
-The door to the bathroom didn't fit well and you had to body-slam it to get it closed.  I suppose it's not that big of a deal when you are there alone...but if you are traveling with someone or are a little older...it's a problem.
-The telephone message light kept blinking...with no message. 
-No mini-fridge.  Instead, you had a HUGE electronic safe.  It was the same size as a mini-fridge. 
-The pillows were too 'funky'.  Jeff said they were good for watching TV, but bad for sleeping.
-The bed should be upgraded a bit as well.  Most hotels are now putting in the same high quality mattresses as you get at home.  Jeff said the mattress wasn't comfortable at all.

There were some good points.
-A/C worked well.
-The staff in the lobby was exceptional and friendly.
-They have 2 PC's with free internet and printers in the lobby.
-Covered parking...free.
-Cool hip decor.
-Free WiFi in the hotel.
-Nice looking Fitness Center and Pool.


(The hallways look very 'red'.)

 
(The newly decorated Ft. Lauderdale Marriott North room.)

 
(Ok...you renovated the room...now do the TV!...and what's up with the HUGE safe?)


(Looking for more towels? Check the new storage area below the sink.)


(Fitness Center located outside by the pool.  Looked like nice equipment.)

Overall he said he had a nice stay.  He found a $129 rate through Hotels.com and thought it was well worth that price.  I looked on Marriott's website and saw rates at $175.  That's a little steep.  If they want that much, they should work on the housekeeping staff and inspect the rooms more often...and put in a LCD TV with a clear cable connection.  If you have a convention there, it's a great spot if you can get a good rate.

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