Doubletree Suites Melbourne Beach

There are two oither hotels in Melbourne Beach, but I had seen the Doubletree on a previous visit and liked its location and the building's layout (with all rooms facing the ocean).  From glancing at the Radisson website, I didn't like the lack of privacy in the bedroom.  The Hilton does not offer direct ocean views from all rooms.    

We arrived at 2 am after some weather-related flight delays.  The desk clerk on duty was courteous and efficient, and we were quickly registered.

We were offered and accepted a space-available upgrade to an upper floor room a few weeks before arrival.  The request was granted, and our room was on the top (ninth) floor.  All the rooms have the same layout: the entry is to the living room area with a window overlooking the walkway, table with two chairs, a nice couch, and dresser under the TV; then continuing straight from the door is the bathroom (with sliding doors), and then at the far end of the room is the bedroom with a balcony overlooking the ocean.  The balcony has two chairs and a table.  The window in the living room (which was nice for watching the sunset) and door spearating the bedroom are features that the nearby Radisson suites lack.

The fixtures in the room were a little dated, and the sliding glass door on the balcony was very difficult to open and close.  But the carpet seemed new and the room was clean, and everything else in the room worked fine.

All the contact we had with hotel staff was positive.  Housekeeping services needed to be requested a day in advance, so we ended up going a few days without getting our room serviced due to negligence and desire for privacy on our part.  We received extra pillows, towels and coffee without any problem (I had read in the reviews that some guests had experienced an apparent towel shortage).

We ate one lunch at the poolside bar, and had room service for dinner several times.  The food was tasty and pleasently presented, and the ribeye steak for $33 was big enough for both of us for a light dinner.  There are several nearby restaurants, as well as a new Publix  supermarket just a few blocks away (there is a fridge and microwave in the room).

The Doubletree is the closest of the three hotels to the airport and central Melbourne Beach / Melbourne.

This is a typical Florida Atlantic Ocean beach.  The beach attendant commented that the hotel regularly replinishes the sand, and there was plenty of space to spread out.  Lounge chairs, umbrellas and tables were available for rental.  

We only stayed a week, and had three beach days.  On two days, the ocean was calm and my wife was able to just float on her back.  But one day was a little rougher, with a strong current such that I had to yell at my wife that she was being carried away.

While a bit dated, I liked this hotel.  It has a nice location close to the airport and restaurants.  The restaurant is decent, and the staff were all courteous.