This hotel is really nice. We stayed a few nights after we took a cruise out of miami. It was really relaxing. I loved the bed, it was just so comfortable.

The first night we didn't do much we just ordered room service. The highlight was that they had Ben and Jerry Pints. Very yummy.

The next day we took a cab over to the Dolphin Mall. That place is so huge, We saw a movie, went to lunch and shopped until we dropped.

One of the things I noticed about this hotel was that everytime you passed a member of the hotel's staff they always said hi to us. That doesn't always happen when you stay places.

If you have the money you should book a room.

As Marriott Vacation Club Owners we exchanged our week at our home resort to stay in Miami so my daughter could visit a couple of colleges and we could visit the area.

The Villas at Doral are very nice. It was not a very busy week there, so it was quiet and peaceful.

At check-in our room was not quite ready (housekeeping shortage) and we left our cell number and waited in the lounge. Within 10 minutes our room was ready and we were on our way.

We had a 2bed/2bath villa (room 7201) and it was very spacious. There were a few minor things - there was a stain on the carpet and the living room sofa was in need of replacement (it wasn't very comfortable) - but overall it was a great stay. Our bed was comfortable, we always had hot water and all the appliances were in great working order.

Our room overlooked the golf course and was the furthest building from the Pool, but that was ok by us. There are lounge chairs not just at the pool, but all along the pond and several places to sit outside to picnic or whatever. We even used the gas grills for lunch one day. You do need to ask someone to help you light them, but once we understood that - all was great.

The staff was very courteous and helpful. We asked for towel service and it arrived in 15 minutes and then the front desk called to follow up. We checked out the gym and game room and attended a couple of the activites. Ice Cream Sundaes were good and our daughter played Wii a couple of times.

Overall - the villas are comfortable and enjoyable. The Doral Resort and Spa is across the street and they will transport you over there if you book a golf game or have a spa visit.

One thing to note is there is a great deal of airport traffic (flights coming in for landings), but we did not find it distracting and my son was fascinated with watching them so close.

The area is busy - not like downtown Miami, but there were plenty of places to eat, etc... We really liked Pizza which was just up the road in the Publix plaza. We also went to Panera in that plaza and stocked up our fridge at the Publix.

The rest of the trip was great too. We went to South Beach and enjoyed Lincoln Road Markets. The best meal we had all trip was here at the Books & Books Cafe. The service was EXCELLENT and the food was even better. There were lots of other choices but this fit us best.

I go to the Doral area quite often to do my shopping and I have been around several hotels. This is by far the worst experience of all. My husband is a Marriot's fanatic so when we travel with him we need to stay at a Marriot.
The location is excellent, finding it if you are not familiar with the area or at night will prove an odissey.
The check in counter is pretty much non-existant and it would be helpful to be explained of how this hotel works at check-in.
I was with my husband and my 4 year old. Lots of walking, very little parking and the rooms are in very poor condition. Doesnt feel like a Marriot at all, more like a motel. Don't expect the full clean up of a hotel, you will get clean towels and a very rude maid will come once a day at a fixed time and if you are not out of the room, Too bad!!!
All in all i dont recommend it, stay in there only if you dont have a choice.

Use caution when checking into this establishment or you will end up like we did, on the first floor in a special needs rooms with a black
spider greeting you in the morning.

The personnel at the front desk were quick to get me on my way and failed to advise me that they had given us a special needs room. When
I called to request a change, I was told that all the rooms were like this. Needless to say, the closets are all split in two, so if you have a gown or long dress, do not plan on hanging it in any of the closets in this villa. The master bath shower has a steel medical seat
in the walk in shower. All the fixtures and furniture, including tables and chairs are low and appropriately porportioned for wheel chair access. Not comfortable for anyone over five feet two.

The hotel site also fails to mention that there are truly only 2 beds,
a king in the master and a queen in the 2nd bedroom. The 2nd bedroom also has a sofa bed in it that if it was opened for usage would block the access to the bedroom's door and closet. Not practical at all. The 2nd bath is actually roomy and comfortable. There is a 2nd sofabed
with a flimsy mattress in the living room.

Because we were in 5101, 1st floor, the living room leads to an exterior patio that is not secured from the outside area in any way, so anyone can sit and walk through the exterior area. Security is meek
in an area that is heavily populated and with a metro airport, miami international, as a neighbor to offer the background noise. The 3 barbeques and pool area were literally within 25 feet of the patio off our living room. So if it had been a longer stay, I am sure we would have had to endure others cooking and socializing right by our livingroom doors at all hours of the night.

At 8:15 am, we were awoken by the foul language of property employees who were turning on the water hose, that appeared to be directly under
our bedroom windows. Once the faucets was turned on, the water sound was enough to wake up the dead. So between the language of the staff and the water turmoil from our bedroom window, we were rudely awoken and upset. Not exactly a good experience.

The room in itself was nice and roomy, with the exception of it being designed for someone with disabilities. If ALL the villa suites are like this, then perhaps the units need to be identified appropriately before we rent them. The parking was plentiful, and the location was convenient. The staff is inept and uncaring. With all the options in the area, look for something else, especially if traveling for a short
visit.