Marriott's Beach Resort

Our stay at the Marriott Marbella Beach Resort did not meet our expectations. While the resort has nice surroundings and well-maintained grounds, we won’t be returning.

The resort operates under the Marriott Vacation Club timeshare model, which was confusing and off-putting. We expected a traditional hotel experience, but the emphasis on timeshare sales was a significant turn-off. Being approached to purchase a timeshare during our holiday felt inappropriate.

Noise was a major issue. Despite requesting a quiet room, we were placed in a noisy location where we could hear everything from the families above us. The staff tried to resolve the issue but were unsuccessful, leaving us in a frustrating cycle of calls and trips to reception. Even in "quiet zones," noise from crying kids, arguing parents, and loud music made it difficult to relax.

The pool areas were small and overcrowded, with loud music and guests bringing their own speakers. At one point, the main pool was temporarily closed due to a hygiene issue caused by a child, further diminishing our enjoyment.

The dining options were lacking. We chose not to dine at the resort because the menu featured mostly fast food, which felt like a disgrace to Spain's rich culinary traditions. This was particularly disappointing as we have enjoyed much better amenities and services at Hyatt properties.

While the Marriott Marbella Beach Resort has a good reputation and satisfies many families, it is not for us. The noise, timeshare sales tactics, and overall atmosphere did not meet our expectations. This experience reaffirms our preference for Hyatt hotels, which consistently offer better service and a more relaxing environment. We are looking forward to our main summer vacation, where we will spend 21 days at Park Hyatt, and Hyatt Regency hotels.