Looking for Marriott Hotel reviews from someone that is a loyal Marriott member? Look no further! In this blog, I share some of my favorite hotel stays with tropical island vibes in the Bahamas and Hawaii and some Cajun vibes in New Orleans too.
But, since this is Real Girl Review, of course I have a little more to say in each of my Marriott hotel reviews than, “It was great” or, “It sucked”. We cover the good, the bad and the ugly after all and don’t shy from details here. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll already know which hotel to choose for your next trip. Who wants to go through hours of research anyway? 😉 As always, I’m going to give you my honest reviews.
Now, grab a drink and follow me!
If you missed the other blogs in this Marriott series, I’ve shared…
The perks of being loyal to a hotel brand:
Marriott Bonvoy Membership: Your Guide to Marriott Hotels and Resorts
How to optimize your membership to earn travel rewards toward free trips:
How to Leverage Marriott Points and Miles with Marriott Partners
Funny reviews about %$#^&^ Marriott hotels I’ve stayed in and the good ones too:
[This post was originally posted February of 2021. Updated July of 2022]
Let’s Talk About Marriott Hotels Baby
Of course, none of these hotels I’m about to review for you are perfect. They all have their flaws. Overall, I found them to be the most enjoyable of the hotels I’ve stayed at in the Caribbean and New Orleans. I hope you enjoy. 🙂 I’ll do separate blogs and go into detail about my adventures on each trip later! This is just a quick breakdown.
Atlantis, Bahamas, Autograph Collection
Overall: BOOM
During a trip to the Bahamas, I was fortunate enough to stay at The Cove, the only adult-only pool on Paradise Island at Atlantis. It’s the more “elegant” of the different Atlantis towers and more for couples than the other towers which are more family-friendly.
The Bahamas has a reputation as not so tourist safe outside resorts, which is why we opted for staying at Atlantis which was perfectly safe the entire time.
I’m not here to agree or disagree with the statement of safety but, I do always recommend checking the US STATE DEPARTMENT website before traveling outside of your country of residence.
I’m glad we chose Atlantis, it was a lot of fun! Even if it was very expensive. The resort unlike its competitor, Sandals, is not all-inclusive.
The Atlantis resort has:
Atlantis Towers
Note: You can book 3 towers (The Cove, Royal, and Coral) with Marriott Bonvoy points. The rest of the towers do not accept points.
Our Stay in Atlantis Bahamas
We had the Deluxe Ocean Room with a terrace view which was lovely. (get Club Ocean Room) if you want Club lounge access)
Part of the experience of Atlantis is getting to walk around and explore different towers at the resort which we did as well.
I enjoyed the entertainment, casino, and dining at the other hotels more than my own I think! It was very glamorous but no entertainment or shops really.
They did have restaurants, a nice pool, cabanas, a couple of stores, and places to dine as well as a bar & lounge with slot tables and slots.
At least there weren’t really kids running around. Families were at the other towers more.
What I Liked About My Stay at The Cove
Our Tower Felt More Secluded and Quiet
It wasn’t as busy or loud as the other towers.
The Pool Felt More Exclusive
It is adult only and off-limits to any guest that didn’t stay at Cove. Cove guests also had their option of any pool at Atlantis. Unlike the other pools, I didn’t see any families. It was a peaceful, sexy atmosphere.
The Hotel Has a Luxurious Atmosphere
Very lush green, tropical. It gave you the vibe of being on an island but wasn’t family-oriented like the rest of Atlantis which you can appreciate if you’re a couple looking for a romantic experience.
Making Purchases Was Convenient
We were able to bill everything to the room. They accept credit cards and have ATMs throughout the resort.
Great Gym & Spa
Fun Marriott Bonvoy Membership Perk
Upon arriving, we were given a welcome gift basket with wine!
It was the start of a great stay!
What I liked About Atlantis
An abundance of Restaurant Options
I’m a huge foodie and loved that Atlantis had so many different cuisines and dining settings. I tried pretty much everything they had there from upscale to casual, Bahamian to Asian.
Trams
They take you around to each of the hotels and arrive every 30 minutes. ** Plan ahead if you have scheduled events.
Getting to our dinner reservation on time would have been impossible in my high heels without a tram.
Daily Resort Activities Offered
Each morning, you’re given an itinerary loaded with activities (both paid and free) all around Atlantis in addition to the waterpark, various pools, shops, and restaurants.
You could really pack in a ton! I definitely did during my 1.5 weeks there. It rains a lot in the Bahamas, they have plenty of indoor activities for people of all ages.
Will share all my adventures in a separate blog! There were so many.. Snorkeling and sunrise with dolphins, Behind the Blue tour, the list goes on. 😉
Real Girl Review Tip: Book activities in advance to get 25% off
I heard from a blogger friend of mine after my trip that she had gone to Atlantis’ Mandara spa-like I did but got a 25% discount for booking in advance. Had I known, I would have too!
Waterpark
Lots of different slides (some with sharks) and a lazy river.
Cabanas
I did one at 2 different towers- Coral & Baths Colonade
The Beaches
Really gave you tropical vibes! We saw rays and fish! The water was so clear.
Gambling
(blackjack tables, slots)
The Marina
This marketplace was a great hangout spot! Lots of shops and restaurants. A bit touristy but fun nonetheless. Right on the water with boats.
If you want a fun atmosphere while experiencing the Caribbean culture, go during Bahamian Independence Day as I did. Atlantis threw a great big celebration all throughout the resort which we really enjoyed.
What I Didn’t Like About My Stay at The Cove
High Taxes
12% of the bill is tax and 15% of the bill is the tip.
Marriott Status Doesn’t Matter Much
Breakfast wasn’t complimentary like other Marriott properties & no lounge access.
If you want a fun atmosphere while experiencing the Caribbean culture, go during Bahamian Independence Day as I did. Atlantis threw a great big celebration all throughout the resort which we really enjoyed.
No Marriott Bonvoy Points Collected for purchases
Unlike other Marriott properties where you get points on all purchases (i.e. food, shopping, etc.), you don’t get points for food and purchases at Atlantis. Only the cost of the hotel stays converts into points.
Real Girl Review Tip: Credit Card Holds
The Cove blocked $1,200 on our credit card upon checking in. For those of you who don’t have that much credit on your cards, do yourself a favor before booking a hotel, and call in advance to see what they put on hold. That might determine your stay.
What I Didn’t Like About Atlantis
The Resort food Was Expensive
If you want to save money on food and drinks, leave Atlantis and go to the grocery store. I myself did not do this but heard of people doing this.
Most of the Atlantis Staff Weren’t Very Friendly
Lounge Access Not Available
Unless you have a Club hotel room. Usually, with a certain Marriott Bonvoy status, lounge access is included. At Atlantis, not even for purchase.
Lots of families, Very Crowded
Maybe a better time would be to go in the off-season. We went in July.
Cabanas Hit or Miss
If you book a cabana and the weather is horrible the only way that you can get a full refund is if you wait 3 to 4 hours when the park is consecutively closed. You can reschedule free of charge in a weather situation. It rained on one of our cabana days, we didn’t get a refund. Luckily, it didn’t last the whole day.
Learn more & book your stay w/ Atlantis directly here! To earn Marriott Bonvoy points, book w/ Marriott for the Cove, Royal, & Coral Towers.
Stay tuned, I’ll do a separate blog for this Bahamas trip!
Real Girl Review Tip: Stay 5 Nights, Pay for 4
Receive a complimentary night when you redeem for five consecutive nights. Sign up for a free membership before booking to collect points toward future free stays.
This deal is only if you’re using points.
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, LA
Category 7
Overall: BOOM
New Orleans is one of my favorite cities! So much history, culture, and delicious food.
I’ve been here several times before and each time is equally special. On this trip, it was the week of the 4th of July.
When searching for Marriott properties in NOLA, The Ritz was a no-brainer. It’s an elegant hotel. You can’t do much better than The Ritz. 😉
Our Stay at the Ritz-Carlton
We booked a club-level room which is necessary to get access to the lounge. It was very chic! We ended up watching the 4th of July fireworks from our window!
Everything about the hotel was divine from the courtyard and jazz bar to the library room in the club lounge.
One of the first things I noticed was the French accents throughout. That’s one of the things I love about Marriott, they have so many different styles of hotels.
Upon arriving, we were given a welcome basket for my partner’s Ambassador status.
We had a lovely stay. I highly recommend it if you’re in NOLA.
What I Loved About the Ritz, New Orleans
Marriott Bonvoy Welcome Gift
Very Friendly and Attentive staff
Great Housekeeping
Our room was serviced 2x/day which included the usual service in addition to a turndown service, shoe shining, 1 pressed outfit/day. I especially loved the chocolates they left on the bed. The housekeeper was super friendly as was the rest of the staff!
Special Offerings like Cultural Bites in the Lobby
Jazz Bar
My partner and I enjoyed delicious oysters and champagne at Davenport Lounge while listening to the music. They also serve Afternoon Tea there.
The Ritz, NOLA offers different events and dining experiences.
Champagne Vending Machine
Need I say more?! It was super fun to order champagne from a vending machine.
Beautiful Courtyard
Gumbo Served Every Afternoon in the Lobby
Conveniently Located in the French Quarter
Nice Gym and Spa (largest in the city w/ 100+ treatments)
The Club Lounge:
Was nice after a humid day strolling the French Quarter. We’d give our feet a rest in the lounge and grab a bite before our dinner reservation.
Every morning, we enjoyed a mimosa brunch and tasty Creole and Cajun yummies in the spirit of New Orleans. Even beignets! Food and drinks throughout the day: hors d’oeuvres, snacks, desserts, a selection of wines, champagne, and cocktails. All included. Well worth the money!
What I Didn’t Like About The Ritz
Unlike other Marriott Bonvoy properties, regardless of your status, Ritz doesn’t offer many of the perks members have come to enjoy.
No Free Lounge Access with Status
You had to pay to upgrade to lounge access (Club Level)
You Can’t Use Suite Vouchers
No Free Room Upgrades Based on Status
Unlike other Marriott properties
Some Marriott Bonvoy Perks Aren’t What They’re Cracked Up to Be
My then-partner was the highest status with Marriott, Ambassador.
That gives him Ambassador Service which is a point of contact that helps you with anything you need, much like a concierge.
However, in full disclosure, this service has not happened since he became Ambassador. Not at any of the hotels we’ve stayed in, so it’s a perk on paper as I like to say.
GOOD NEWS: It’s not necessary for you to become Ambassador. At a certain level, there’s not much of a difference in offerings.
The concierge couldn’t help us
At this Ritz stay, we wanted to use our “Ambassador Service” and arrange a 4th of July cruise. All they did was give us the info.
Rather than setting up our activities for us in the city (which is what you’d come to expect from Ambassador Service), we had to set it up for ourselves.
Learn more & book your stay at Ritz, New Orleans here.
I’ll do a separate blog for this New Orleans trip!
Real Girl Review Tip: Charge Food & Store Purchases to Room
At Marriott, rather than paying at the time of each purchase (food, souvenirs, etc.), charge it to your room and pay at the end of your stay instead. Every dollar on your hotel bill will get translated into points = higher status & free nights. **Except Atlantis and select hotels**
How to Leverage Marriott Points and Miles with Marriott Partners
Two great ways to get perks such as automatic status, points, deals and free nights are:
1) Take advantage of the reciprocal agreements Marriott has with their select partners
2) Sign up for a Marriott credit card
Wailea Beach Resort, Maui: Marriott Hotel Review
Category 7
Overall: BOOM
We decided to stay at Wailea Beach Resort because at the time it was Category 5 so great use of our Marriott Bonvoy points.
Honestly, if we stayed at it now, I’d probably think it was overpriced. (points = cost of hotel)
When we first arrived at the hotel, I was blown away by the oceanfront property.
You’re given the island treatment right from the start when you check in… a lei, eucalyptus cold towel, and guava juice. Because hello, you’re in Hawaii! It definitely sets you up for a relaxing vacation.
Marriott Bonvoy Membership Perk: We were also given two drink vouchers
Our Stay at Wailea Beach Resort
My favorite thing about the hotel was the calming effect the ocean had on me. It’s true that Maui’s waters are magical! For a couple of days, I even got to join a yoga class on the water. Also, sunset yoga. It was all included in the $35 resort fee.
I definitely enjoyed the last half of our stay the most when we moved from a room with a partial oceanfront view near the infinity pool to a suite with a full oceanfront view just a few feet from the water.
I’m like, how did we score this?! We didn’t pay extra. Instead, we used a suite voucher. Another great Marriott Bonvoy perk.
FYI: Not Every Marriott Hotel Let’s You Use Suite Vouchers
As I shared earlier in this blog, Atlantis doesn’t let you use suite vouchers, that’s a paid upgrade. But most properties I’ve stayed at allow you to. Marriott Wailea Beach Resort is one of them. The only caveat was that a room has to be available and it wasn’t till a few days after we arrived. We switched rooms midway through.
What I Liked About Wailea Beach Resort
The Resort Offers Water Activities
Kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling. On top of the countless other free activities offered at the resort. One day I did a lei-making class, another day, a ukulele lesson.
Free Shuttle From the Hotel
But, you don’t have to spend all your time at the resort. They also have local things to do like beaches, spas, and restaurants at other resorts. And, they’re all within walking distance. Or, if you prefer to be driven, Wailea Beach Resort has SUVs and drives you in style at no charge. 😉
The Location was Great!
This is why we chose the hotel.
They Accept Suite Vouchers
Not all Marriott properties do. With my partner’s Ambassador status, we had a suite voucher so we decided to use it for this stay.
Our Suite’s View Was Perfect
Right on the water. Not only did it have the most unbelievable view, but it was also at the far end of the resort. So it was much quieter and secluded. Ulua Beach was within walking distance.
It was so nice to wake up every morning and take a walk outside on the lanai. You could take in the fresh air and hear the waves crashing. It was pure bliss!
Loved the Luau
It was rated one of Maui’s best luaus. It was right at our resort, how could we not go?! The setup was amazing and so was the show they did. The food was also delicious. I got to watch the grand celebration of the pig.
Great Pools
The resort has 3 Pools to choose from.
- Serenity Pool, Maluhia (Infinity Pool) – Adult Only
We got a cabana one of the days we were there which was nice. (reservation required) - ‘Ohi – Family
- Adventure Pool & Waterslides, Nalu – Kids
It’s like a mini waterpark. They have the longest resort waterslide in Hawaii! It was a lot of fun!
Serenity & ‘Ohi has stunning views of the ocean.
Real Girl Review Tip: Pool Cabanas
You can book a cabana and find more info here. Poolside lounging options range from free, affordable, and luxury.
If you’re not renting a cabana, I’d recommend getting a seat early in the morning as it gets packed. Most if not all spots were taken. We went September-October.
Good Gym
Spa
We enjoyed a couple’s massage. Basic amenities, however, no pool or hot tub.
What I Didn’t Like About Wailea Beach Resort
The Hotel has a Very Simple Aesthetic
Our stay was nice overall. You wouldn’t choose this hotel if you wanted a luxurious stay though.
It was almost like a yogi retreat which works if you’re into the minimal look. Not exactly what I envisioned for a Hawaii tropical getaway though.
Another Marriott option we had looked at was Ritz Maui but there wasn’t direct beach access and it was much further to the airport so we went with Wailea Beach Resort instead.
Pools Close Earlier Than Usual For a Resort
More of a Family Resort Than Couple Resort
There were a lot of family-oriented things that made it clear that I chose a less romantic hotel. I mean, they have an arcade and game room for crying out loud! If you’re going with your family, then I’d definitely recommend this hotel. It didn’t feel “exclusive”.
No Club Lounge
This is a perk we’ve come to enjoy at most Marriott properties we’ve stayed at so we were disappointed.
Suite’s Design was Underwhelming
In terms of location, it was perfect. But the actual interior was lacking in personality. At the time I went, the hotel was like any of the Category 5 Marriott stays with the typical sleek and modern look.
But, it wasn’t “Hawaii” to me. Wish it had a more tropical vibe. But hey, that’s why categories are so important. At least you know what to expect from them.
Price Increase
Just recently, this hotel became Category 7. If this was a Category 7 at the time of booking, I probably wouldn’t have chosen it. There are much better options for the same price. Guess it depends on what you’re looking for.
Not Many Dining Options
I’m a huge foodie and expect amazing food choices on vacation! I ended up either dining at the same 2 places at the hotel every day or went outside the resort to dine.
Learn more about Wailea Beach Resort and book your stay here.
I had so much fun in Maui and I’d love to share it with you! I’ll do a separate blog soon! In the meantime, stay tuned for my next blog in this Marriott series where I share more Marriott hotel experiences. But, this time, not just the “BOOMS”… the “BUSTS” too!
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Thank you for reading! I hope you got some great travel perk ideas for your next trip!
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
20 Helpful Tips for Traveling with a Chronic Illness
Best and Worst Marriott Hotels I’ve Stayed In, Boom or Bust
How to Leverage Marriott Points and Miles with Marriott Partners
Marriott Bonvoy Membership: Your Ultimate Guide to Marriott Hotels and Resorts
Fact Check:
At Real Girl Review, we value truth and always strive for accuracy. Posts are updated regularly. If you read something that still doesn’t sound right, contact me at gv@realgirlreview.com. I will investigate the facts and make changes as I deem necessary.
