FWIW, I had a completely different experience at that RI. I really enjoyed my stay there, had no problems with dirty carpets or elevators or a noisy crowd. But honestly: Why is this hotel not on the beach? I mean: take the back stairway, and you are in striking distance of the beach. Take the elevator, and its only a few yards more. I agree the gulf is a little away, but I really enjoyed the open, wide beach instead of a tiny piece of sand close to buildings etc...

In terms of view, both rooms I had had a side-view of the Gulf, so I was able to watch the sunset from my balcony. It's correct that there are no ocean-front rooms, however I do not think that this is claimed anywhere. Problem is that the 1BR and Studio units are the only ones offering that view - 2BR and 3BR are in the back-building and have less desirable views.

It's certainly not a Ritz Carlton, but for a RI it is top quality as far as my samples of that chain are considered, definetly a noticable up from the Gen. 4 RI average... I agree that there no-upgrade-policy is not the nicest thing, but they are within their rights to have that since upgrades are not guaranteed with RI according to the MR T&C.

Greetings - Dirk