This summer we decided to take it easy. We didn’t sign McKenzie up for a bunch of camps and we aren’t going on our usual big summer trip. Instead, we decided to take little trips around Florida. After all we live in paradise but I forget that all too easily. A few of my friends love the JW Marriott on Marco Island so we decided to give it a shot. We loved it! The girls had the best time playing in the sand, collecting shells in the ocean and swimming in the pools at the hotel. Here are a few tips if you decide to go!
- At 9:00 am the tiki hut opens for the chair and umbrella rentals. Lounge chairs and one umbrella for each room are complimentary but if you want two umbrellas for four chairs (I suggest it) then you do need to rent the second umbrella. If you want a front row view of the ocean definitely get down there at 9 am it fills up quickly.
- The water hammocks are a lot of fun. They rent out quickly too. So if you do want one get down to the tiki hut at 9 am.
- There are two beverage and food carts that patrol the area. You can order water in a bucket of ice, drinks and food. It’s super convenient.
- The walk from the hotel out to the ocean is far. I gave the girls a small beach bag with their sand toys and that was their responsibility. Try to limit the amount you take out there, it is a hot hike!
- There are tiki huts closer to the pools for rent as well. You can reserve them days ahead. They are $100 a day and so nice. Great location to be able to go to the pool and the beach.
- The seashells are amazing at the beach. Bring a bucket or a bag for your treasures. If you walk north towards residents beach the seashells are much more abundant.
- Low tide is definitely the best time to play at the beach with little ones. The ocean creates a little “river” before the sand bar that Maven could safely splash and play in.
- The Marriott has two pools that are kid friendly. The pool with the slide and splash area was much more crowded while we were there. The pool on the south side of the property was more our speed. Don’t miss the chilled towels they hand out at noon.
- Menchie’s frozen yogurt is in the middle of the two pools and was a daily stop for us. The girls LOVED it.
- Room service was great. It was quick and the food was the best we had the entire trip. There is an Illy cafe downstairs for that much needed morning cup of joe.
It was a great trip and I would definitely recommend it. In the fall 2018 the south tower is opening and is adult only. Rusty and I will be going back to check it out for sure!
JW Marriott on Marco Island
