This was our second visit to this property in 3 years. First, let me get the only negative out of the way. As seems to be the case these days with Marriott and other hotel chains, they insist on building new properties right next to major highways and this one is no exception. If you happen to get a room on the side facing highway 98, be ready for 24-7 street traffic including frequent emergency vehicles, Harleys, and trucks. The sound doesn't even slow down coming through the room walls and windows. Did I mention Harleys? Really too bad Marriott built this wonderful hotel literally within 10 feet of a 6-lane highway which is the busiest in the region. You have the warning, so beware. Did I mention trucks?
Other than that, this is one of the best hotels in a semi-resort location that you will encounter anywhere. Well-trained staff, and beautifully-maintained facility. I will give them a lot of credit on the maintenance side of this hotel because they have many guests in the party mode and this place takes abuse from adults and unsupervised kids alike. In fact, many times you can't tell the difference between the two. A tip on the local beaches- if you want to party and deal with assorted "issues" on the crowded public beach, you can take a free shuttle from the front door of the hotel and back. If you want to "do quiet" beach time in a natural setting, try packing the beach gear and heading for Grayton State Beach ( $4 per car entry fee) a quick 13 miles east of the hotel. For us, Grayton State Beach is one of the great relatively undiscovered places of this section of the "Emerald Coast." Walking the the different trails inside the Sandestin enclave next to the hotel is also a nice way to get some excercise. Nearby shopping is pretty good. No shortage of places to overspend here. Overall, this hotel and the surrounding area is a great place to deplete your Marriott Rewards account. You really didn't need another MP3 player did you?






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