I stayed with my family in the Marriott Marina in August 2007 for four days (weekdays).
We had a rental car and chose valet parking over self-parking in the hotel's garage. Valet Parking is $26 per day and self-parking is $20 per day. It is better to choose valet parking on weekdays because there aren't as many people in the hotel using their cars (at most a 5 minute wait for the bellboy to retrieve your car). However, on Friday and the weekend the wait becomes much longer due to the influx of short-stay tourists. It might be a better option to just self-park during those three days.
Check-in was swift, easy, and polite. We reserved a room in the North Tower, which is basically the "deluxe" tower of the two that comprise this hotel. When we reserved the room a few months ago, we asked if there were any things that might disturb us during our stay (such as planes, trains, clubs, etc.). The hotel replied that nothing was there to bother us. However, once we checked tripadvisor and saw the reviews of the "loud" trains, we called the hotel back and confronted them about their previous statement. They apologized and promised to give us a room where the least amount of noise was, which was the highest floor of the North Tower (25th floor).
The lobby is modern and pleasant. However, there was an unpleasant smell during the day there and in the elevators. It might be from the pool just outside.
I definitely encourage anyone to go for a room in the North Tower facing the marina. Each one in this tower has a nice balcony with a beautiful view. The room I reserved had two double beds, both fitted with several pillows. The Marriott beds are very similar to the Westin Heavenly beds. The Room was pretty basic and the ceiling had a few cracks in it. The bathroom is also basic, nothing special. The bathroom vanity had a several cracks in it and the bathtub had a few hairs in it as well upon check-in. The floors were also not vacuumed properly; I found pieces of cookies on the carpet behind the armchair. We did not hear any train noises in our room.
The breakfast was served at LC's, and the service was exceptional. The waiters and waitresses were efficient and friendly, as they should be. The food was also delicious. On Friday and the weekend the breakfast room becomes crowded and a waiting list is formed. However, the wait isn't too long- about 15 to 20 minutes. Realize though that the hotel is probably filled at capacity during the weekend.
The fine dining establishment is called Molly's. The food is wonderful and the service is impeccable. However, the prices are high. A dinner for three people (without alcohol) cost around $200. The setting is also very elegant and comfortable.
There is also a Starbucks in the South Tower lobby as well as a bar in the North Tower. There is also a bar and a stall selling ice cream next to the pool. An outside cafe next to the pool area serves lunch.
The pool is absolutely wonderful. But even in the weekdays, it gets extremely crowded in the afternoon and is difficult to find lounge chairs. It is open all day long and the best time to use it is in the morning and evening. During the weekend, it would be impossible to find a chair.
The Marriott also rents out boats and jetskis in the marina. My sister used the jetskiis. You have to place a $500 deposit (you get the money back) but you have to pay $100 per hour. Overall, it was a positive experience for her.
There was also a problem with the elevators apparently. They broke down twice during my stay at the hotel.
I definitely recommend going to Fashion Valley, Soak City, and Chianti's Restaurant.
Overall, this is a good family friendly hotel in San Diego. It is not exactly a luxurious hotel, but is still comfortable. The staff were wonderful.
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