JW Marriott Tampa Water Street

I went for two nights for the independence day holiday. I parked by valet and was greeted immediately by a bellhop, who directed me to the front desk. Derek greeted me, acknowledged my platinum status, and gave me a very nice water view room on the 22nd floor. The room had two double beds, a 40 inch tv, and a small seating area. The beds were very comfortable and I slept quite well. The TV had various channels to enjoy, and had Netflix, YouTube, and other apps for streaming. There was a coffee maker with illy coffee, but we took advantage at the executive lounge again. The windows were almost floor to ceiling and had a nice view of the bay and pool area. We were able to watch the fireworks directly from the window. The bathroom was clean and had a door to separate the toilet from the sink and shower area. The shower had the perfect water temperature and good water pressure. There was shampoo, conditioner, and body wash by Aromatherapy Associates, which was nicely lavender scented. There were ample towels, and they were fluffy enough to dry you quickly. There were two bathrobes in the closet as well. The public areas are very inviting and pretty upscale. The pool deck at the sixth floor was very popular and large enough for many people to swim with ample space. The gym was large and had various equipment, but lacked exercise balls I was looking for. However, the Marriott next door did and since the hotels are connected to each other, we were allowed to share the gyms and pools. The lobby area was relaxing, and had live music on various days. The executive lounge was on the 5th floor, and was quite large for an American hotel. Breakfast had ample offerings, and were delicious. During the night, there was an honor bar (cocktails for 12 dollars), and nice hors d'oeuvres. There were rack of lamb and artichoke for hot food when I was there. Later on, dessert was offered and I enjoyed the red velvet cake. During the weekend, the lounge was closed. However I was able to enjoy a very nice breakfast buffet at the anchor and brine restaurant. I enjoyed a donut, omelette, and even bread pudding. The juices and coffees were refreshing too. The destination fee was 30 dollars per night, but included 30 dollars worth of food and drinks at some of JW and Marriott restaurants, so it can pay for itself. It also includes liquor tastings during the afternoon. I enjoyed Loma, which had great tequila and strong drinks. I also ate at Six, which had a nice old fashioned and also made a tasty delicious chicken burger for me. While the hotel restaurants can be pricey, it is worth the price. The service is top notch. Almost every staff goes above and beyond to make the stay and experience memorable. Derek from the front desk took the time to explain all the amenities and inclusions of the hotel fees. Michael and another Derek at Six made nice drinks and talked well with their guests. The valet parking was 40 dollars per night, but was quick, helpful, and convenient. The concierge gave good advice on attractions and restaurants, and welcomed new attraction suggestions. The JW Marriott in Downtown Tampa is one of the best hotels I have stayed in Florida and the USA. The rooms are very comfortable, the food delicious, and the staff very helpful. It definitely deserves the AAA 4 diamond status, and other awards it received. While it is expensive, it is definitely worth a nice splurge for a weekend getaway. Read less

Our rare date night out was ruined by misinformed and unaligned staff. The JW Marriott is scamming restaurant guests for “complimentary” valet parking. We made reservations for pre-concert dinner. I saw comp valet so called two days before to see if we could pay extra to leave our car past 3 hours and was told yes that it would be $15 half price as we were eating at restaurant. We arrived to valet to be told it was $50 since there was an event. I was upset so called front desk who spoke to management and told me that policy is on event nights but since we had already been told differently earlier when we called, they would comp normal $30 price half off so it would be about $18 with tax. We turned around in so much traffic which was so stressful and made us almost an hour late for our reservations because we had to leave valet and come back. This in turn made us an hour late for our event. Then we return to get our car and are told $50. I ask for hotel manager and he argues with me $50 is the policy even though I told and showed him my phone where I had spoken to another hotel manager earlier who told me they would honor it. Finally he comped me half off $50 so paid $25 which is still more than the $15 I was told TWICE by two separate employees on two separate occasions. We spent $200 at dinner and this is how they thank guests. I’m a Marriott member and this is very disappointing that management are not aligned and staff not properly trained. The whole parking fiasco ruined our night and made dinner less enjoyable. Having to leave valet and come back in cause unneeded stress on a night we rarely get out. Last time I will give Tampa Marriott my business. Read less

Fantastic place for a staycation. With a friend in town and the weather not looking ideal for going to the beach, we decided on a last minute staycation at the JW. As a platinum member, we were given an early check in (12pm). Upon arrival, valet parking was very welcoming and friendly. Front desk checking in was super helpful, explaining things about the hotel, the neighborhood and the perks of being able to use facilities at the Marriott across the street. We spent two days at the pool on six. Drinks and food were reasonable prices and the food was surprisingly delicious. One of the waiters had a poor attitude the first day but second day was much more chipper, everyone is allowed to have a bad day here and there. We had access to the executive lounge, which served a solid breakfast in the morning and had snacks/sodas/drinks available all day. Night time was alcohol (honor bar) and some light apps and desserts. We did not eat at any other restaurant or at the cafe downstairs. We had an issue at the pool where a guest was blasting their own music obnoxiously. The front desk handled this quickly and under 5 minutes the music was off and relaxing environment was back in play. Valet pickup was super simple, scan your ticket and give them about 10 minutes. Also, if you have an EV, they have a charger and will charge for you! This is a big perk for us driving down from Orlando. We are also given a 4pm check out, perfect to enjoy the pool one more time. We are really looking forward to our next visit. Thanks JW Marriott! Read less