JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek: Excellent in every way

After a long journey from Boston, I arrived in Orlando for my business trip.

As a reminder, here is the itinerary followed:

#TypeReview
1DiaryBusiness trip to Orlando
2LoungeAmerican Airlines Admirals Club, Boston Logan
3FlightAmerican Airlines Domestic First, Boston Logan – Miami International, Boeing 737-800
4LoungeAmerican Airlines Flagship First Lounge, Miami International
5FlightAmerican Airlines Domestic First, Miami International – Orlando International, Boeing 737-800
6HotelJW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek
7FlightAmerican Airlines Domestic First, Orlando International – Charlotte, Boeing 737 MAX 8
8LoungeAmerican Airlines Admirals Club, Charlotte Gates C
9FlightAmerican Airlines Domestic First, Charlotte – Boston Logan, Airbus A321
Today’s itinerary

Booking

I made the reservation about 15 days before my arrival. Initially booked with Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts, I then modified my reservation to book with a more advantageous public rate, which enabled me to reserve an Executive Suite with pool view for the price of a standard room.

I completed the check-in formalities via the Marriott Bonvoy app around 2 days before my arrival.

Arrival

I arrived at the hotel mid-afternoon with my rental car.

Having received my room card in advance, I headed straight for the self-parking area, which I can access with the mobile key available in the Marriott Bonvoy app.

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Once parked, I headed for reception, where an agent welcomed me.

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Arrival formalities aweree handled with the utmost professionalism. I’m proactively offered a late check-out, which I gladly accepted until 1pm.

No upgrade, but having booked one of the highest category suites anyway.

I chose breakfast as a welcome benefit, and was escorted by the receptionist to the elevators.

Suite

My suite was located on the 12th floor of the hotel.

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The door opened onto a large entrance hall with a storage drawer on the left, and a small half bathroom on the right, which included the guest toilet.

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Next came the living room with its large corner sofa and comfortable armchair, and at the far end, a beautiful desk from where I had the pleasure of working from for the duration of my stay. Opposite this desk was a large sideboard with an Illy coffee machine and an empty minibar, as is now de rigueur on the American continent.

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A large TV faced the corner sofa.

Next came the bedroom, with its huge, comfortable king-size bed. An armchair was also available by the window, along with the welcome bottles of water traditionally offered to Marriott Elite guests.

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On the other side of the room, you’ll find a spacious walk-in closet and a large bathroom with shower, bath and separate toilet.

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All decorated in modern tones, which I particularly appreciate.

Finally, the virtual tour:

Hotel facilities

The hotel has a fitness room, spa and two outdoor pools.

Gym

The hotel’s fitness room is located on the 3rd floor. It’s very spacious and well-equipped, with towels and bottled water available to guests.

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I used it every morning.

Spa

On the second day of my stay, I booked a 50-minute massage at the JW Spa. Not cheap by the way, $200 out of pocket.

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I arrived a few minutes before my massage time andwas warmly greeted by the receptionist, who escorted me to the men’s changing rooms. The well-decorated locker rooms features a sauna, hammam and sensory showers.

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I changed into the robe provided and headed off to the relaxation room when the masseuse came to collect me.

She leaded me to the treatment room.

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The massage was perfect and the oil used will be of excellent quality. The masseuse brought me a glass of mimosa to refresh me. To be repeated.

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Pool

I spent an hour at the pool on the second day of my stay at the JW Marriott.

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The pool is located on the first floor of the hotel, one level below reception (same level as the all-day dining restaurant).

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The service is absolutely perfect: a pitcher of ice water was brought to me immediately, along with a menu. I took Pepsi max, which was systematically and proactively refilled. Impressive.

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The place is very pleasant, with a separate adult pool and a Jacuzzi also reserved for adults.

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Catering

The proparty boasts a number of restaurants. I tried as many as I can during my stay.

Dinner – Illume Rooftop

On the first evening of my stay, I dined at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Illume, located on the 9th floor.

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I booked through the OpenTable app as advised by the receptionist on arrival.

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I arrived on time and took a seat at the bar. The menu was brought to me. It was very interesting, and I ordered an excellent cocktail based on Japanese whisky and sparkling water, a delight.

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The main course was a selection of sushi: wagyu beef, fatty red tuna and scallops.

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Everything was absolutely excellent, with a special mention for the Otoro nigiri.

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Dinner – Sear+Sea

For my second evening at the hotel, I chose to dine at Sear+Sea, the hotel’s signature restaurant.

I was warmly welcomed and seated at my table outside.

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I ordered a Wagyu beef and a glass of excellent California Cabernet-Sauvignon.

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Breakfast service – Unreserved Food Bazaar

Every morning of my stay, I had breakfast at the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. The service was excellent, as is the quality of the items on offer.

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Platinum breakfast coverage was perfect, as the buffet as well as a la carte drinks will be taken care of (including gratuities). Perfect.

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Lunch – JW Market

On the second day of my stay, I stopped at the JW Market located in the hotel lobby. I had a latte and a homemade chocolate bar, which was excellent.

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Service

The service at this hotel is simply excellent. The staff is absolutely everywhere and very attentive.

Departure

Check-out formalities were simplicity itself, as I used the mobile check-out and dropped off my keys after leaving the parking lot.

Bottom line

An excellent stay, happy to return with my family.

Olivier Delestre-Levai
Olivier Delestre-Levai
Olivier has been into airline blogging since 2010. First a major contributor to the FlyerTalk forum, he created the FlyerPlan website in July 2012, and writes articles with a major echo among airline specialists. He now co-runs the TravelGuys blog with Bertrand, focusing on travel experience and loyalty programs.
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