Trying to Understand the Hype around Beachplace Towers (Fort Lauderdale)

[scoutings]

I've been here less than 42 hours, but I'm struggling to understand why Tuggers laud Beachplace Towers.

We have no internet for most of today (and no follow up from staff after I called multiple times). Edzel instead redirects me to call their vendors (???). The call results in a quick restoration of service for the entire resort. I'm paying, but doing an employee's work.

There's no follow up after contacting staff about very loud pressure washing after 11:30 pm (I tried to record it after an hour and after I called downstairs, but the video failed). They said they were sending security to consider the situation, but they never showed.

Can you all remind me why you love this place? My impression is that it's a loud bunch with lax staff at a hefty price tag. In my humble opinion, it seems the staff depends on their guests to be drunk, happy with beach access, and generally indifferent.

 

[dioxide45]

I've been here less than 42 hours, but I'm struggling to understand why Tuggers laud Beachplace Towers.

We have no internet for most of today (and no follow up from staff after I called multiple times). Edzel instead redirects me to call their vendors (???). The call results in a quick restoration of service for the entire resort. I'm paying, but wondering whether I'm another uncompensated guest who should become an employee to drive this show.

There are hurricane warnings, closed pool decks, and a generalized lack of communication. The staff seem absorbed by the weatherbug phone app rather than their guests.

There's no follow up after contacting staff about very loud pressure washing after 11:30 pm (I tried to record it after an hour and after I called downstairs, but the video failed). They said they were sending security to consider the situation, but they never showed.

I considered calling the cops to figure out what was going on, because staff are clueless.

Can you all remind me why you love this place? My impression is that it's a loud bunch with lax staff at a hefty price tag. In my humble opinion, it seems the staff depends on their guests to be drunk, happy with beach access, and generally indifferent to service.

This trip has taught me that when major things go wrong, we start to focus on the minor things too. Maybe it comforts us when there's no real hospitality?

Staff are negligent amidst life and work threatening conditions....

My picture is my view from my toilet. Just about sums it up.

Hype? Where have you heard any hype about Beachplace Towers? There isn't any that I know of. The place is underwhelming at best.

Edited to add: What are the hurricane warnings for?

 

[Dean]

I agree with Jeremy, it's not an amazing place from what I've seen. I know a lot of people really like it but many just find it OK. IMO it isn't someplace to go just to hang out more than a few days. That said, it is true that TV, internet, etc are run off site for all resorts I know of so referring you to the vendor is appropriate. I assume the weather issues are related to Erin though it's only affect there would be wind and surf and it should have passed by now. Obviously the resort can't control the weather and you're traveling during hurricane season. You decided to take your chances.

 

[RX8]

@dioxide45 The OP might be referring to the TUG reviews. The last 8 reviews for this resort averages 8.75. The 9th review, in 2021, was 5.5.

 

[ljmiii]

I've been here less than 42 hours, but I'm struggling to understand why Tuggers laud Beachplace Towers.

Because it's across the street from one of the best beaches in Florida and is located right in the heart of a dynamic beachfront city.

In our admittedly limited experience (one visit) the staff were helpful and eager to please. The villas are quite nice and views are spectacular...we had a great view even though we were on one of the lowest floors facing the city. An additional advantage for those who don't live nearby is that you don't need a car...many restaurants are walkable and for everything else Uber/Lyft is ubiquitous.

That said, the pool area *is* small...but why sit at a pool when the beach is next door? And the onsite dining *is* sad...but you're in the middle of a city full of good to great bars and restaurants.

 

[ilene13]

I've been here less than 42 hours, but I'm struggling to understand why Tuggers laud Beachplace Towers.

We have no internet for most of today (and no follow up from staff after I called multiple times). Edzel instead redirects me to call their vendors (???). The call results in a quick restoration of service for the entire resort. I'm paying, but wondering whether I'm another uncompensated guest who should become an employee to drive this show.

There are hurricane warnings, closed pool decks, and a generalized lack of communication. The staff seem absorbed by the weatherbug phone app rather than their guests.

There's no follow up after contacting staff about very loud pressure washing after 11:30 pm (I tried to record it after an hour and after I called downstairs, but the video failed). They said they were sending security to consider the situation, but they never showed.

I considered calling the cops to figure out what was going on, because staff are clueless.

Can you all remind me why you love this place? My impression is that it's a loud bunch with lax staff at a hefty price tag. In my humble opinion, it seems the staff depends on their guests to be drunk, happy with beach access, and generally indifferent to service.

This trip has taught me that when major things go wrong, we start to focus on the minor things too. Maybe it comforts us when there's no real hospitality?

Staff are negligent amidst life and work threatening conditions....

My picture is my view from my toilet. Just about sums it up.

I'm sorry that it is so underwhelming. We have never stayed there. I wonder where the staff is finding the hurricane warning. If you are on FB follow Denis Phillips. He is the most incredible meteorologist that I have ever seen. We live in Sarasota and in the 10 years that we have lived here he has ALWAYS been spot on. According to Denis there is NOTHING coming!!

 

[scoutings]

Because it's across the street from one of the best beaches in Florida and is located right in the heart of a dynamic beachfront city.

In our admittedly limited experience (one visit) the staff were helpful and eager to please. The villas are quite nice and views are spectacular...we had a great view even though we were on one of the lowest floors facing the city. An additional advantage for those who don't live nearby is that you don't need a car...many restaurants are walkable and for everything else Uber/Lyft is ubiquitous.

That said, the pool area *is* small...but why sit at a pool when the beach is next door? And the onsite dining *is* sad...but you're in the middle of a city full of good to great bars and restaurants.

Those are all helpful points. It's true the villas are very nice.

The "dynamic" beachfront city reminds me of places that college students go for spring break.

I also thought it was THE best beach in Florida, but now there's two sudden drop offs within 3-4 feet of the water's edge. There are also a very strong current and riptide warnings. I didn't know this time of year could have such a strong impact on the ocean, but now that I'm here, it makes sense.

Anyway, your post helps me put yesterday in perspective. Thanks.

 

[scoutings]

@dioxide45 The OP might be referring to the TUG reviews. The last 8 reviews for this resort averages 8.75. The 9th review, in 2021, was 5.5.

I developed a sense that TUGgers felt it was one of the best Marriott options. I recall negative reviews about slow elevators, but otherwise it seemed there was a lot of love for the place.

 

[AnnieBets]

I’d rather be beachfront than across a busy street. However, we spent a couple of afternoons at the lounge. No refreshments but really felt like a beach resort up there.

 

[dougp26364]

Beachplace isn’t my cup of tea. The big selling points seem to be its location across the street from the beach and a vibrant night life. We’re usually in bed by 9 or 10 and there are other MVC resorts right in nice beaches that don’t require you cross a street.

I do find the location great if I’m flying in/out of Fort Lauderdale as it’s reasonably close to the airport.

 

[scoutings]

Beachplace isn’t my cup of tea. The big selling points seem to be its location across the street from the beach and a vibrant night life. We’re usually in bed by 9 or 10 and there are other MVC resorts right in nice beaches that don’t require you cross a street.

I do find the location great if I’m flying in/out of Fort Lauderdale as it’s reasonably close to the airport.

What are the MVC beach resorts you're thinking about? (So I can put them on my list for next time!)

 

[jp10558]

@dioxide45 The OP might be referring to the TUG reviews. The last 8 reviews for this resort averages 8.75. The 9th review, in 2021, was 5.5.

This can be an issue with any reviews - you do want to read the actual reviews. I will yet again refer to Villa Roma!

 

[emeryjre]

Everyone loves the parking at BPT
Especially first-time visitors to the building
(satire)

 

[jwalk03]

@dioxide45 The OP might be referring to the TUG reviews. The last 8 reviews for this resort averages 8.75. The 9th review, in 2021, was 5.5.

One of those positive reviews is mine. I had a perfectly lovely stay at Beachplace Towers two years ago. I think this resort is all about expectations going in. If you book it thinking its going to be a quiet relaxing beach destination like say Ocean Pointe or Oceana Palms or even the South Carolina beach resorts- you are sure to be disappointed with it.

But if you book it- understanding that its really an Urban location with a beach across the street and a small pool deck than you can have a great time! Personally I loved the location and I was given a high floor villa with a fantastic ocean view, and the other short comings were worth the trade off. So many great restaurants you can walk to! And the beach is vibrant but also still very enjoyable. Lots of stuff going on- we were certainly never bored.

 

[ljmiii]

I do find the location great if I’m flying in/out of Fort Lauderdale as it’s reasonably close to the airport.

And for cruises...DCL is now sailing out of Ft Lauderdale and a cruise on the Magic is what brought us to Beachplace Towers.

 

[NboroGirl]

I have an exchange into BPT for the 1st week of March, 2026. We've never been there. We're going with my son and his wife (early 30's) so they will love the location. That being said, my son had a question: is the beach for BPT private or public?

I was wondering how difficult it is to get to the beach. Is there a walkway or tunnel? Or do you literally have to cross the busy road?

 

[claraj]

All beaches in Florida are public.

 

[jwalk03]

I have an exchange into BPT for the 1st week of March, 2026. We've never been there. We're going with my son and his wife (early 30's) so they will love the location. That being said, my son had a question: is the beach for BPT private or public?

I was wondering how difficult it is to get to the beach. Is there a walkway or tunnel? Or do you literally have to cross the busy road?

All Florida beaches are public. This one is very public and will be crowded in March for Spring Break. LOTS and LOTS of college kids.

You cross a city street- there are crosswalks with signals. And during spring break there is a very heavy police presence to keep the rowdiness under control and ensure people are crossing at the crosswalks.

 

[Dean]

I have an exchange into BPT for the 1st week of March, 2026. We've never been there. We're going with my son and his wife (early 30's) so they will love the location. That being said, my son had a question: is the beach for BPT private or public?

I was wondering how difficult it is to get to the beach. Is there a walkway or tunnel? Or do you literally have to cross the busy road?

The beach will likely be crazy that time off the year though not as much as mid March. Since PCB has cracked down on spring break shenanigans I hear it's even worse in South Florida than ever. Just go in with expectations the beach will be beyond crowded and there will be stupid intoxicated people around and it should be fine.

 

[dioxide45]

I don't think it is true that all beaches in Florida are public. At least not in the way you think of all Hawaii beaches being public. There are laws around where the public beach ends and where private ownership begins. A has-been boy band star recently sued a one of the Florida sheriffs for not keeping trespassers off what is his private property of the beach. Dry sand in Florida does not mean public beach. That said, the beach in Ft Lauderdale in front of BPT is open to the public.

 

[Big Matt]

Beachplace isn’t my cup of tea. The big selling points seem to be its location across the street from the beach and a vibrant night life. We’re usually in bed by 9 or 10 and there are other MVC resorts right in nice beaches that don’t require you cross a street.

I do find the location great if I’m flying in/out of Fort Lauderdale as it’s reasonably close to the airport.

This is spot on IMO. It's either something you want or it isn't, not right or wrong. We like to spend a lot of time at our resort and usually cook out on grills or cook in the unit for dinner. BP is not good for that. Compare it to Grande Ocean and you will see a very different resort and experience.

 

[geist1223]

My SIL & BIL live in Melbourne Beach. Their neighborhood has a private Beach. Access from the Road is controlled by a locked gate.

 

[jwalk03]

My SIL & BIL live in Melbourne Beach. Their neighborhood has a private Beach. Access from the Road is controlled by a locked gate.

There are many places that have "public beaches" where they put lots of impediments in place to make the public beach as difficult to access as possible for the public with parking restrictions, gates, fences, landscaping, etc.

 

[dougp26364]

What are the MVC beach resorts you're thinking about? (So I can put them on my list for next time!)

In south Florida we enjoy Ocean Pointe for its big resort feel and short walk over the dunes to the beach. Oceana Palms for its boutique feel and High rise towers. Crystal Shores for its expansive beach and good restaurants close by. HHI has Grand Ocean and Barony Beach Club. Others can speak to the Caribbean resorts. Maui Ocean Club, Kauai Beach Club and Waiohi all have nice beaches to enjoy.

 

[davemy]

I have an exchange into BPT for the 1st week of March, 2026. We've never been there. We're going with my son and his wife (early 30's) so they will love the location. That being said, my son had a question: is the beach for BPT private or public?

I was wondering how difficult it is to get to the beach. Is there a walkway or tunnel? Or do you literally have to cross the busy road?

First week of March is College Spring Break. It will be crazy there. Just want to give you a heads up. I have been there in March.