We had a one week stay at Marriott's Villas at Doral (April 2008) and couldn't have been more pleased. This is a smaller Marriott resort (only 98 villas), and all villas are 2 bedroom, 2 bath. Two of the buildings over look the pool (and were refurbished during the summer of 2007), the rest of the buildings over look the lake. This resort is maintained very nicely, and the staff couldn't have been more pleasant. The resort has activities designed for children as well as adults (we took a walking tour of the Doral Resort & Spa) across the street from the villas (3 golf courses, beautiful spa, pools & restaurants); that villa guests are welcome to use. The villas fitness center (on the second floor) is very nice (a portion of it over looks the pool and lake), and most of the equipment is new within the past few months. There is also a game room next to the fitness center. This resort is very close to the Miami airport (15 minutes) as well as major freeways. Plenty of retail and restaurants within a 5 minute drive, and lots of sights and things to do. We had no problem finding our way to a baseball game at Dolphins Stadium, South Beach, Sharks Valley State Park, and Singer Island (1 1/2 hour drive). I would highly recommend this resort, and look forward to a return visit.

This hotel is really nice. We stayed a few nights after we took a cruise out of miami. It was really relaxing. I loved the bed, it was just so comfortable.

The first night we didn't do much we just ordered room service. The highlight was that they had Ben and Jerry Pints. Very yummy.

The next day we took a cab over to the Dolphin Mall. That place is so huge, We saw a movie, went to lunch and shopped until we dropped.

One of the things I noticed about this hotel was that everytime you passed a member of the hotel's staff they always said hi to us. That doesn't always happen when you stay places.

If you have the money you should book a room.

As Marriott Vacation Club Owners we exchanged our week at our home resort to stay in Miami so my daughter could visit a couple of colleges and we could visit the area.

The Villas at Doral are very nice. It was not a very busy week there, so it was quiet and peaceful.

At check-in our room was not quite ready (housekeeping shortage) and we left our cell number and waited in the lounge. Within 10 minutes our room was ready and we were on our way.

We had a 2bed/2bath villa (room 7201) and it was very spacious. There were a few minor things - there was a stain on the carpet and the living room sofa was in need of replacement (it wasn't very comfortable) - but overall it was a great stay. Our bed was comfortable, we always had hot water and all the appliances were in great working order.

Our room overlooked the golf course and was the furthest building from the Pool, but that was ok by us. There are lounge chairs not just at the pool, but all along the pond and several places to sit outside to picnic or whatever. We even used the gas grills for lunch one day. You do need to ask someone to help you light them, but once we understood that - all was great.

The staff was very courteous and helpful. We asked for towel service and it arrived in 15 minutes and then the front desk called to follow up. We checked out the gym and game room and attended a couple of the activites. Ice Cream Sundaes were good and our daughter played Wii a couple of times.

Overall - the villas are comfortable and enjoyable. The Doral Resort and Spa is across the street and they will transport you over there if you book a golf game or have a spa visit.

One thing to note is there is a great deal of airport traffic (flights coming in for landings), but we did not find it distracting and my son was fascinated with watching them so close.

The area is busy - not like downtown Miami, but there were plenty of places to eat, etc... We really liked Pizza which was just up the road in the Publix plaza. We also went to Panera in that plaza and stocked up our fridge at the Publix.

The rest of the trip was great too. We went to South Beach and enjoyed Lincoln Road Markets. The best meal we had all trip was here at the Books & Books Cafe. The service was EXCELLENT and the food was even better. There were lots of other choices but this fit us best.

I go to the Doral area quite often to do my shopping and I have been around several hotels. This is by far the worst experience of all. My husband is a Marriot's fanatic so when we travel with him we need to stay at a Marriot.
The location is excellent, finding it if you are not familiar with the area or at night will prove an odissey.
The check in counter is pretty much non-existant and it would be helpful to be explained of how this hotel works at check-in.
I was with my husband and my 4 year old. Lots of walking, very little parking and the rooms are in very poor condition. Doesnt feel like a Marriot at all, more like a motel. Don't expect the full clean up of a hotel, you will get clean towels and a very rude maid will come once a day at a fixed time and if you are not out of the room, Too bad!!!
All in all i dont recommend it, stay in there only if you dont have a choice.