I Stayed There: JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

I recently had the opportunity to travel for business and stay at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. I’d visited the area before for personal vacations so I was excited to return to Florida’s Paradise Coast for work.

The Vibe

Since I stayed in December, the resort was decked out for the holidays, and from the moment I stepped into the lobby, I felt welcomed by the festive décor and warm staff! The grand Christmas tree and life-size gingerbread house were magical touches, but guests year-round can enjoy Marco Island’s dramatic sunsets.  

How I Felt

I was very comfortable at this resort which offered so much right at my fingertips – an assortment of delicious dining options, gorgeous beach views, several sparkling swimming pools and modern conference/meeting space. There’s even a gastropub with bowling alley, mini golf and arcade games.

The staff truly made me feel so welcome. One evening I called to ask for additional blankets because my room’s air conditioning was working a touch too well, and the staff member was more than happy to not only have the blankets delivered promptly but graciously asked if I might need anything else. I was grateful that they anticipated my future needs before I had the chance to think of them myself, and before I knew it, I not only had the originally requested blankets but also was given extra coffee, bottled water and washcloths.

The Digs

My room was probably my favorite aspect of the resort. It was situated on the top floor of the Lanai Tower, which meant it offered immaculate views of the ocean which I soaked in every chance I had. The top floors of the Lanai Tower are also part of the property’s exclusive Paradise by Sirene enclave, which is exclusively for adults. Unfortunately, my busy conference schedule meant I wasn’t able to enjoy the added Sirene perks like the adults only pool, but I was thoroughly impressed by my room’s spacious layout, plush bedding, cozy bathrobe, walk-in shower with luxury bath amenities and Nespresso Vertuo machine.  

The Agenda

Most of my time at the resort was focused on participating in the USTOA Annual Conference & Marketplace, which the association and the resort staff executed flawlessly. The meeting space, resort event staff and banquet dining were all excellent.

Luckily, I did manage to carve out a little free time to enjoy a couple strolls on the beach. While it was a little too chilly to go for a dip, I had a great time beachcombing and admiring the Paradise Coast’s renowned seashells.

The Eats

The resort boasts 12 dining outlets. I didn’t have time to try them all, but I was able to sample several. Sushi and cocktails near the lobby at Korals were fresh and fun, and the bar’s lively vibe was a great place to socialize with industry friends. The breakfast buffet at Maia was expansive and delicious, while the house-made rigatoni with pesto and shrimp saganaki at Tesoro was fresh and filling. Finally, grabbing a quick coffee and bagel for breakfast and a salad at Café San Marco were convenient options when I didn’t have the time available to sit down for a proper meal.

Why I Would Go Back

I’d be happy to stay at this property again for business or a personal vacation, either as a family or with my husband only so we could fully enjoy the adults-only Paradise by Sirene. I know that finding a great 21+ domestic beach vacation isn’t as easy as most travel advisors would hope, but I think this would be a really fun adults getaway. I didn’t have the opportunity to visit the spa during my stay but would love to do that in the future.