The Marriott Crystal Shores is the best family resort in Marco Island, Florida. If you are looking for a Marco Island family vacation, then you can’t beat the direct beach access, waterfront views, pools, amenities and family activities the Marriott Crystal Shores has. It is our “go to” place to stay for family fun in Marco Island. Here are the 5 reasons why the Marriott Crystal Shores is one of the best places to stay in Marco Island.
Reasons to Stay at the Marriott Crystal Shores on Marco Island Beach
1. Easy beach access
Marriott Crystal Shores is right on the beach and main street South Collier. The majority of rooms face the ocean and there is a boardwalk to the beach from the bottom level. As a guest, you are given a band to wear (which allows for easy access to the beach and pool area). There is usually an employee at the gate to make sure that no “unwelcome visitors” have access to the hotel’s amenities. Once you are down at the beach (a quick 3 minute walk), you can choose to pay for an umbrella and chair set up, or bring your own free tent/umbrella and set up on the beach.
The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are almost always tranquil and warm. It is always much quieter in the mornings, but the beach is usually filled with people by mid-day. There are many runners, families playing in the sand and collecting shells and people just walking along the beach. Sunset is also a popular time on the beach as well.
Another great family friendly feature of the hotel is the water sports rental. They have jet skis, kayaks and stand up paddle boards available for rent. On one trip, we bought boogie boards across the street and the kids enjoyed a rare windy and wavy day. Snorkeling is also a fun activity the kids can do and buy a cheap set nearby. I recommend that people bring water shoes here as there are many shells. My family have been cut numerous times due to walking around barefoot.
2. Pool Area
This is our main reason why the Marriott Crystal Shores is the best family resort in Marco Island! We love the pool area at Marriott Crystal Shores! They have 3 pool decks. One upper pool deck, a lower pool deck with zero entry, and a family pool with a water slide. My family spends the majority of our time here. We set up a base camp under one of the tables with an umbrella, and the kids bounce from pool to pool enjoying the different aspects of each. The family pool has a basketball hoop to enjoy and a water slide that is open most of the day. Once a week, they open up the water slide at night and put glow lights in the pool (my kids’ favorite).
3. Family Activities
This is the reason we keep coming back! The Marriott Crystal Shores is full of family activities all day. In between the two lower pools, the hotel has a giant chess set, billiard table, foosball table, and ping pong table. It is located in the shade and within plain sight of both pools (which is great to be able to send the kids off to play away from the sun for a bit). Throughout the day, the staff brings out other games to play such as ladder toss, giant Connect Four, corn hole, shuffleboard, and hook/ring toss. Each day they have a variety of activities on their board: pool bingo, arts/crafts, water volleyball/basketball game, roasting s’mores, and movie night. What makes it even better, is that the majority of these activities are free.
4. Room and Balcony Waterfront Views
We love the rooms at the Marriott Crystal Shores. We always rent a two bedroom villa, which sleeps 8. We are a family of four, and always travel with extended family (at least 2-3 more people). The room has one king bed and master bath on one side and two queen beds and another full bathroom on the other side. In the middle is a full kitchen with an island bar, a table seating 6, and couches (which convert into a bed).
The floor to ceiling sliding glass doors provide a gorgeous view to the outside. The balcony has plenty of space to sit and enjoy a meal, a coffee or a drink outdoors. It has a small table with 4 chairs and two reclining seats to watch the waves or the sunset. We often sit out on the balcony and enjoy the light breeze in the evenings. Sunsets in Marco Island are extra special as you can see the sun setting in the west on the horizon.
5. Location
This hotel has a very convent location too! It is right on the main street of the Marco Island beach area (South Collier
Cost
This is definitely not a budget hotel. As a matter of fact, it is one of the few splurges we do as a family. Rates here can easily hit around $500+ for a two bedroom. However, we have scored rooms for about $250 a night when you book one of their vacation club packages (meaning you agree to the lower rate in exchange for attending their 2-hour timeshare presentation). Another way to make it cheaper is to split the room with other family members. Regardless, even if you pay the full price, to us, it is one of those worthwhile splurges that result in all around family fun. To check their rates, click here.
If you are looking for ways to stay at great hotels for less, check out How to Get Free Hotel Stays. For other activities to do and suggestions on where to eat in Marco Island, check out Exploring Marco Island Beach. About 20 minutes away is another great vacation town, Naples. Check out things to do in Naples:
Check out: Best Cities to Visit While on a Florida Road Trip
How to Get to Marco Island
Marco Island is located in the Southwest coast of Florida. The nearest airport is Fort Myers (1 hour away). Miami is a short 2-hour drive and Orlando is 3 hours away. Check airfare to any one of these spots.
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It seems like a great hotel, thanks for sharing this!
Wow looks like there are a lot of activities here included, and the pool looks great