We stayed in the newer Twin Dolphins Tower during ...

We stayed in the newer Twin Dolphins Tower during this visit. I was not aware that could check in 24 hours in advance in order to choose your own room so the only room available upon my arrival was the first floor. I booked this trip well in advance so the price was decent but still not worth what I received. The oceanfront room was mediocre at best. The street traffic and parking lot was an eyesore directly out front and you could only see the ocean while standing. The hotel wall was too high for you to sit and enjoy anything. The patio was extremely large and yet they only provide you with two chairs and a small table while non oceanfront rooms receive chairs, a couch and a large table with patio umbrella. There was also broken glass on the floor in my room which luckily I was able to easily clean up... but I shouldn t have had to. The real downside was what I assumed was the allotted smoking section happened to be directly in front of our room. Hotel guests constantly left the pool area to come stand and smoke right in front of us. Disgusting. The pool itself was so overcrowded with people taking up loungers and never using them. There is a sand pit by the pool which ensures plenty of sand all at the bottom of the pool which I thought was weird. They provide a walk in section that was either too slippery or so full of sand it hurt to sit down. There were also babies and toddlers trying to play in that area and bigger kids were running around and splashing and coming dangerously close to hurting them all while the lifeguard just sat there. We purchased lunch at the pool once.. it was delicious and plenty of it which was nice. Tthe drinks were overpriced considering they were watered down with little alcohol. The time I went up to the bar instead of waiting on a server the bartender was bickering with another staff member. The valet was extremely easy. Our car was always outside and ready immediately after calling down for it. The hotel maid staff were friendly. The front desk however were not. Not one single one of them would acknowledge or smile at you upon arrival or departure. Also.. there was probably four or five weddings in the four days I was there and for one of them two staff members were carting flowers down a hallway and either a manager or someone was berating them very loudly for being unprofessional and not using a different route to which I thought she was wayyyy more unprofessional for screaming at them in front of guests. This was my second time staying here and while this time was much better than the last I don t have high hopes for them if I choose to stay here again... it s a shame because the hotel is actually very pretty and in such a great area.