Well, this "lowly Gold" did get an upgrade at the Bal Harbour Sheraton, to a Deluxe room, which is only deluxe in that about 45 degrees of the view is the ocean, and there's a nice bathroom layout with a walk-in closet in the big room with the sink. Otherwise, it seems pretty standard, cramped, and dated.

No major complaints about this place so far, only minor quibbles... EG, the poolside restaurant (where you get breakfast and lunch) is grossly overpriced considering how mediocre it is. For instance at breakfast we ordered off the menu specifically to avoid the steamed food off the buffet, but my wife's eggs and bacon were obviously scooped onto the plate off the buffet anyway, not freshly made. Someone previously mentioned the hours for the waterslide at the pool -- be forewarned, in addition to closing it early, they open it late around 11 AM -- a sore spot for kids, for whom this is the main attraction. And the fitness center is just adequate -- I'd expect something more complete and luxurious since I'm paying for it as part of the resort fee.

In terms of location and pool layout it's an opulent and impressive property. But in terms of staffing, design, attention to detail and even cleanliness I think it's being overrated on this discussion thread. If this were not a free weekend I'd be really disappointed, but I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth.