When you get off the elevator, you walk into this area — though currently there is a MAZE of blue arrows on the floor of which direction to walk and where to stand and wait, and with the added security because of Spring Break it felt kind of crowded. Add that to the line that forms to get into the pool area (keep reading to learn about that) — it can get chaotic. The good news is that as COVID restrictions lessen, the area will open up and less people will be congregating.
Parking
This is the only MVC property I have personally been to that did not waive the parking fee for MVC Owners. We did not have a car, so it didn’t affect us, but anyone with a car will be paying the $14.00 plus tax daily fee. You are to park on Parking Level 4 or 5 — specific directions on where to enter the parking garage can be found on the resort web page https://www.marriott.com/hotels/maps/travel/fllbp-marriotts-beachplace-towers/.
When checking in, make sure you get the activities schedule — mine was missing in the folder they gave me. Because of Spring Break, we had to sign some additional forms explaining Marriott’s policies and use of the villas as extra protection against parties and excessive alcohol, which was no big deal. Honestly, I felt very comfortable and safe with the enhancements Marriott made because of Spring Break.
You also might consider getting the wrist band that allows you to open your villa door, use the elevators, and gives you access to the other areas of the property — all from your wrist. It can be used at other participating MVC properties as well, and is very convenient, especially if you spend much time at the pool or beach. It costs $10 for one or $15 for 2 with various colors and all proceeds are donated to the Children’s Miracle Network. You can refer to my previous post where I explained all about them https://maxingmarriott.com/?s=Have+You+Seen+These. For Chairman’s Club status owners, the bands are complimentary and only come in black.
And don’t forget to get the discount card that gives you discounts on participating restaurants, snacks, and activities. We used it a couple of times.
Currently, during COVID, you must schedule your pool time to ensure the crowd level is kept within appropriate numbers. You can reserve your time starting at 7:00 am the PRECEDING day of your pool reservation. So as soon as you get settled in your room, decide when you want to go the pool the following day and text the info for your reservation. They give you an easy-to-follow instruction sheet explaining how to do that. If it is later in the evening, you will have to wait until 7:00 am the next day to text them. We tried texting late at night — didn’t work. The times are in 3 hour increments starting at 7:00 am with 30 minute “cleaning and sterilization” times between each session. The morning 7-10 time slot is not very busy. The next time slot, 10:30 – 1:30 is the busiest and the sunniest. The 2-5 session is fairly busy, too, and cooler with the majority of the pool area being in the shade from the shadow of surrounding buildings. You don’t have to stay the entire time, but your entire party must be there within 30 minutes of the start of the session. This is something that will end when COVID restrictions are lifted.
If you want to get the “best” pool chairs, you will want to show up 15-20 minutes before your session starts. Where is the best chairs you ask? We liked the corners on the right side as you face the pool, by the plants and up the steps. It was a little quieter there, and the activities didn’t interfere with our reading or conversations as much. But that area isn’t very close to the pool, and if you want to participate in the games and activities at the pool, you probably will want to sit closer to the pool. Just make sure you get an umbrella near you if you think you might want one. There isn’t an umbrella at every location.
Images courtesy of Marriott