We've been coming here for years (own a unit) and still enjoy it--spacious, well appointed, friendly staff. The planned renovation this year is overdue. Upholstery and rugs are worn, paper peeling, but it's kept clean, everything works. The mall at ground level is almost empty--restaurants and retail are mostly gone.

We recently stayed here for 4 nights. I booked thru Mariott vacations. WE were offered a 4 night package and had a 90 min sales presentation. WE had a corner villa overlooking the intercoastal. Very nice accomodations, great view, large kitchen, livingroom, bedroom, bath and balcony. Quiet side of the building so we could sleep with the door open, which we did. The sale presentation was very low key, no pressure and if I had the money I would have seriously considered buying.
We were delayed getting there 2 days because our airline went bankcrupt enroute. When I called to let the hotel know they were very accomodating and added the 2 nights on the other end. We did not expect that and were pleasantly surprized.
The pool area is nice. Shade from 2 pm on except for the far south side. Warning, the hot tub whcih we used at night completely took the color out of our bathing suits. Too much chlorine which we did not realize until the next day. I notified the front desk and they closed it off for awhile and I assume retreated it..
The complex is located within walking distance to many resteraunts and the water taxi stop is less than a block away. It was $20.00 plus tip for a cab to the airport and we did not need a car while we were there. WE walked around and did not miss a car.
We did not use the kitchen but if I had been there longer I would have taken a trip to the grocery store. Eveery store near by with food ect was very over priced and there really wasn't much more than a 7-11 close by.
I would stay here again. WE had entertainment very close. Howl at the Moon is in the lower part of the building. That is a lot of fun.
There is alot to do in the area and the beach is directly across the street. There is alos shopping near by and again the water taxi will bring you anywhere. The only complaint is the entry thru the parking garge is dicey, as mentioned in previous posts, but not ahuge deal.
All employees at the Mariott we encounterd were great. WE were looking for a bar to see the Red Sox on opening day and one employee tracked us down 2 blocks away to let us know where we could watch the garme.
The resort is being renovated starting in May. The villa we stayed in was fine although I can see room for improvement in the common areas ect. We found nothing to complain about except the chlorine. The whole place was nice and clean. Great location!

I have been coming here once a year since BeachPlace opened in '97 or '98. My parents are owners. Last year this place was looking very worn and tattered. This year was worse.

I guess some people like it because they never saw it when it was great. BUT with the newer and fancier construction on the beachfront this place is becoming a bit of an eyesore.

We had an oceanfront 2 bedroom on the 8th floor. The appliances were worn, the bathrooms were worn (the sinks would not drain), the carpets were ok, the couch had places where it was sewn by hand back together.

I think the staff is so used to the complaints that they are just sucking it up until the rennovations begin in May.

Because of the great location and Marriott's usual attention to detail I have faith that BeachPlace will be in MUCH, MUCH better shape when I make my trip in March of 09!

We stayed in a two bedroom condo and were quite happy with the hotel, its location, and the staff. However, if you're looking for a very high-end experience, you WILL be disappointed. The room looked and felt like other Marriotts we've stayed at but it was starting to feel its age. Wallpaper was peeling in the outside halls and in the room. Smudges on the carpet and scuffs on the wall were evident. However, the whole joint is about to be renovated this summer.

If you like the beach and you enjoy a vibrant, noisy, energetic location, this will suit you perfectly. More restaurants within walking than you could visit in a week. Lots of traffic going past (mostly shiny new, upscale Mercedes, BMWs, Porches, etc). A constant stream of people to watch. And, of course, sand, saltwater, and sun.

The one thing we found inexcusable was the first floor entrance from the mall. The white walls were filthy. The lighting was reminiscent of Alcatraz. The door lock had been smashed in. And it was not at all inviting. Kinda scary at night, actually. Embarrassing that a major hotel would choose to greet its customers this way. A bit of creativity and very little money could easily fix it. Shame.

There were a few screw-ups in getting our rooms ready (if you travel often, nothing out of the ordinary) but the staff was very helpful and empathetic. The concierges were really friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. The pool was small, but the pool area looked onto the ocean making it a nice area to hang out in.

If you do visit, be sure to visit the 19th floor. It's an open area for guests with comfy couches, a few televisions, a spectacular ocean view, and it was never crowded (actually it was rarely inhabited).

Hope this helps. If you want ritzy, this isn't the place for you (there is a Ritz hotel further up the beach...it looked very chi-chi). But it you want comfort, location, and acceptable (other than the first floor entrance) hotel ambience, you'll enjoy the Marriott Beach Place.