Megan Padilla
An ocean adventure program for kids, a new fleet of rental bikes, a fresh approach to in-room dining and a resort fee that bundles added-value services are all part of the guest services overhaul at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa.
The 219-room property just north of Fort Lauderdale has partnered with the Funky Fish Ocean Camp, a drop-off program that gives resort guests ages 4 to 17 a total beach experience with CPR-trained instructors. "It really concentrates on the experience of children of travelers at the resort, with an extremely comprehensive program," said general manager Marco Fuentes. Pool and shallow ocean activities include lessons in snorkeling, skim boarding, boogie boarding and paddleboarding. Campers days are rounded out with marine science sessions and ocean-themed crafts. The camp runs every day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $69 per day, including lunch. The partnership with Funky Fish, a well-established program in South Florida, began earlier this year.
Guests can explore the Pompano Beach area by renting a bicycle from the hotel's new fleet. Must-see attractions include the Creative Arts District for a glimpse of historical downtown Pompano, the Pompano Beach Pier for fishing or strolling around shops and restaurants and Indian Mound Park for views of the Intracoastal Waterway. And if cycling guests have the energy, they can climb the 175 steps to the top of the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse for spectacular views of the entire area.
A $20 per day resort fee introduced in November "has been received quite well," according to Fuentes. The fee bundles high-speed WiFi, two beach lounge chairs and one umbrella per day, daily fitness class access for two, bottled water in the room and free local and domestic long-distance phone calls. The resort fee also entitles guests to a 15% discount on all regularly priced treatments and services at the on-site SiSpa.
Traditional room service has been replaced with Marriott's Fresh Bites program, available 24 hours per day. Think of it as quick-service meal delivery, packaged as a to-go order.
"Fifty percent of guests want to eat in their rooms but don't want to pay crazy prices, so they go out and bring back food," Fuentes said. "This program, which is faster and much more reasonable [than traditional room service], will enhance that experience."
The resort has also added the We Proudly Serve, Starbucks partnership, serving Starbucks coffee and beverages at the restaurant's bar.
Another brand standard being implemented is Marriott's new guestroom entertainment platform. Guests can now access their own streaming channel memberships on Netflix, YouTube, Hulu and Pandora.