Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection

Was heading across Alligator Alley after sunset, and this new property popped up as an interesting option. I had a certificate to use, and with covid and travel being more limited, figured why not.

Got there about 11 PM, was disappointed the rooftop bar was closed. Valet only $20, there was some place nearby with parking for $5 (was told a pink building). Decided to park across the street as it was 25 cents an hour after 7:30 AM.  Getting quarters was a challenge- then I discovered the city did accept an app for payment- dang, I could have stayed in bed longer!  It did get me out and around early though, and walked around the property perimeter. Lots of construction on the waterfront however. This was negatively impacting the views and available access south along the river.

The property was new, just opened in September 2020. I booked a Riverview with two queen beds. Got to the room, and found out it was an accessible room. The first sign was dual peep holes on the door. Was frustrated by this, as the bathroom did not lock, was a sliding door that was still open (plus other handicapp accessible features). I checked, there were not other rooms with two beds.

Outside image near from where I parked.

View from pool/lounge area

Lounge area near the pool

Pool (small) and no hot tub. Was not heated.

Outside by some man-made retention ponds.

Was an ok process- as mentioned above, didn't go like it should have.  Was not offered everything as a Platinum the first time, and I ended up with a room that did not offer the privacy I was hoping for (for staying with someone else)

Room was very focused on lighting- abstract at that.  I found it whimsical at night, but didn't improve the overall comfort.  The climate controls were nicely integrated, and the A/C was quiet.  It dropped down to 66 or so quickly and maintained this throughout the night.  The curtain was electronic- and already broken in the halfway position.

The actual "closet" was branded, but a modular item, not built into the room.

Strange bathroom setup

The beds were nice and comfy however. I think this was its best feature. I woke for breakfast, but returned for a nap after.

Lots of pillows

Beds low to the ground- not sure if that was unique to this room or not.

TV seemed rather odd the way it was mounted- and like it could have been a bit bigger. Too many menus to watch stuff like most Marriott properties these days too.

Desk/chair were nice.

There was a "mini-bar" plus a full size drink chest as well.  No, not complimentary, but should have checked anyway ;)

Breakfast was in the diner attached to the hotel. I used the $10 welcome gift (was not initially offered) with the $16 breakfast benefit ($8 per person) for being plat. Was a good chicken fried steak for me.  Service was very slow though. Was able to dine on the patio (socially distant).  Added some tasty biscuts to my order. The potatoes were not shown, as they were forgotten initally.  Double check your order and the bill to ensure discounts are added properly.

Did I like the property? Yes. Service has a long way to go however. That's why I'm not recommending it right now. Could that change in the future? Yes- not everyone is onboard with benefits and it seems "the buck is passed" too often.  They did seem to cater to a certain airline's crew headquartered in the Southeast, with extra discounts for them.