WEEKEND OF FUN AT FLORIDA BEACH!!

We were excited about a weekend visit from my niece and nephew, Nicki and Lincoln (Peggy's daughter and grandson)... and decided, this visit, we would arrange something different and fun!!  Quick decision...we both, in unison,  said THE BEACH!  Not just a trip to the beach (not unique since we both live about 20 minutes from Hutchinson Island/Jensen Beach), but an overnight at a beach hotel would be a fun treat!

We set out to find the best.....and we did!!  Courtyard by Marriott - Hutchinson Island / Jensen Beach offered everything we were looking for...right on the beach; ocean view balcony!

We secured exactly what we wanted, with the help of a lovely manager, Sue Ann!  Comfortable large room with ocean view balcony!  Tip....If you're going to stay near any beach, anywhere, it's well worth splurging a little for that balcony ocean view room!  Sunrise and sunset and every time of day in between...spectacular!

Of course, after checking out the room and awesome balcony view, we donned our swimsuits and headed for the beach.  Going through the pool and hot tub area with the Tiki Bar, we took a stop off  to enjoy a light lunch and a cool  drink, served by a most capable and friendly bartender.  Which brings me to another Courtyard Marriott asset  ... the employees! The lovely ladies at the front desk were most smicsble, competent and helpful!  We had the feeling, through our overnight stay, that all of the employees really enjoyed their jobs! As our followers know, we've found that happy and capable employees equal a  skilled, competent and pleasant general manager (at this hotel, Ed Griffith), which adds up to a positive hotel stay!

Everything is considered at this hospitable hotel....On our way to the beach, there are plenty of towels, and  lounge chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards and other beach toys are available for rent.

 A fun day at the beach!  And, nice to know we had a room waiting for us to leisurely shower, get dressed for dinner and again, enjoy the balcony.

We had heard that the restaurant next door had  music on the patio so we were looking forward to dinner with live music background, but, alas, no music after 6:00 P.M.!  (weekdays music goes on until 9:00 or 10:00 P.M.). So, we jumped in the car and drove a few minutes on Ocean Blvd. to Shucker's Restaurant.  We opted for an ocean view table on the restaurant's patio, and enjoyed yummy drinks and dinner...although, unfortunately, we missed the Marriott's 8:00 "s'mores on the beach" party.  (Next time...we will definitely be back!)

Which brings me to another Courtyard Marriott plus...activities are planned almost everyday - sand castle building, shell collecting and art, etc,  Fun for all ages!

Back to our hotel - a beautiful evening on the balcony and comfortable sleep!

Nicki and Lincoln got up early to view the spectacular sunrise (another beachfront balcony experience) and then spent some time at the hotel gym!

Delicious breakfast at the hotel's Bistro, an hour or two at the pool, hot tub and beach - and we were on our way!  Great family memories....and happy, happy, happy!