Originally Posted by foodguy
I am at the JW now, the second night of a 3 night stay on the $139 M11 rate. Seems nice enough--I'll post again when I check out.
Checked out yesterday after 3 nights, no problems with any charges. I was there for a convention (during a tropical storm) so my take on many features of the property are limited. Check-in went fine walked me to the elevator etc. I had a balcony room on the 20th floor overlooking the golf course--great view. Valet parking for 3 days was good--car was up front in under 5 minutes every time. Room was well appointed, separate shower, revive bedding, twice a day housekeeping, etc.
Because of the weather I was unable to enjoy the golf course and the pool--both looked great.
Lots of nice events occuring at the JW and the Ritz next door--many gowns and tuxes in the lobby in the evenings--IMHO this is primarily a biz hotel with resort features. If I was in Orlando for a biz function my family would have a great time while I was working. I would not come here strictly for a family vacation, it is not convenient to any of the Disney parks and Ren is much closer to Seaworld and Universal.
The biggest downside was service in the bars and restaurants: Had dinner once at Citron--food was OK service was poor. ( had I been with a customer I would have been furious). I was in the lobby bar several times, service was inconsistent. On one occassion, several of us walked down to the Ritz for a drink in their bar--nice jazz duet playing but to my surprise the service was worse that the JW.
Overall the property was beautiful, the desk staff, valet, and housekeeping were superior--the foodservice was very lacking. Perhaps if I had a chance to enjoy the outdoor features I would have a better impression of the place. This is ,however, a JW Marriott and ALL facets are supposed to be superior for business and leisure. Then again, I was staying at a wonderful property for $139 so it's all relative. If I was a guest who was unaware of the M11 rate and paid a significantly higher room rate I would be unhappy.
In terms of FS Marriott resorts in Orlando I have this place third for family vacations behind the World Center and the Seaworld Ren.