I was originally scheduled to stay there from 2/4 to 2/10, ended up staying 2/4 to 2/6 and switched to the Eden Roc after that due to dissatisfaction. I've stayed at this property twice before ('01 as Plat, '05 as Silver) and left a tremendously positive review after the '05 stay. I was really disappointed this time (Gold).

First, my room was not ready and despite it being "fast tracked" for cleaning, I waited over 3 hours for it and this was well past check-in time. The "upgrade" I received was from an Intra-coastal view to a partial ocean view. The room was at the far end of the partial ocean view side and it barely saw a sliver. The worst part was that clearly the internet routers were on the other side of the floor because I was constantly dropping the super slow connections on all of my devices (iOS, Mac & Win7).

The room and public facilities were all wonderful. I've never been in a more wonderfully fragrant lobby. I love the pool. Unfortunately, the sign in the hot tub and pool areas says that they close at dusk which is unacceptable. When I brought this up as a complaint during my early check-out, they said this was a "soft" closing and they wouldn't object if I still used it after dusk. How was I to know? I've found success following posted rules in my lifetime.

The spa and fitness classes, which we were looking forward to, were closed the first 3 days of my stay. This was not on the website, nor in any reservation confirmations or even provided when I was emailed the group fitness schedule. I am an avid spa user and we had planned on 3 fitness classes during the closure period, so this was disappointing.

I did have a great meal at 3030 though I ate at the bar and the bartender sort of lost interest in me towards the end. Seriously yummy food though.

I enjoyed the room and balcony and I seriously think that the chair and half sleeper is an ingenious idea because I got a comfy big chair to sit in, and I did have a friend for one night who slept on it.

I realize being "only Gold" makes me not quite first rate. However, they had plenty of full ocean view rooms. Waiting hours for a room is not acceptable. I have stayed over 475 nights at Marriott properties and average over 50 nights per year. Let me check in early (or even on time!) and give me a room with a good view and decent internet. I post about 50 positive reviews on Trip Advisor for every negative one, I'm normally a very happy guest. I just felt the lack of recognition, the nominal upgrade, the delays, the spa/group fitness closure and the published pool hours kind of ruined it for me.

I can't control the terms of being "only Gold" and I can't make them treat me better. But I can spend my money elsewhere, and I did by checking out 4 days early and switching to the Eden Roc where I was given -- without asking -- a beautiful complete ocean front room with a jetted tub and had a fantastic stay there. Between meals, drinks, room and my prolific spa usage, my total spend at the Eden Roc was over $2200. The internet was SO much faster too.

When I was checking out of the Harbour Beach, the front desk tried to accommodate me, and get me to stay, by offering points, discounted room, moving me to full oceanfront, etc. I am not the type who complains for freebies, so I turned them all down. I get one good vacation per year, and I wasn't going to give them a chance to mess anymore of it up or make me feel less desirable for being "only Gold". I'd rather it be good than free. They should have done it right the first time.

I may give this place a try again, but only if I have to be in FLL. The Eden Roc has proven that they desire Gold members and made me feel like I was, indeed, an Elite guest...and for that they reaped the revenue. In '05, as a lowly silver, I was invited to a invite-only manager's reception at the Habour Beach and received a beautiful canvas beach bag with a ton of swag in it (monogrammed hotel towel, sun block, spa samples, etc.). In 2012, at a much higher rate, I couldn't even get my room on time. I'm sad because of my wonderful memories from my first two stays.