
Water Street Waterfront
Suites with river views, full kitchens, and a pool, offering a comfortable stay near Tampa's attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere

Water Street Waterfront
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Suites with river views, full kitchens, and a pool, offering a comfortable stay near Tampa's attractions.
"Fantastic balcony views and full kitchens make this a great spot, but be aware of potential room and management issues."

Check Water Quality
Inquire about current water quality before your stay, as it can impact bathing and drinking. :droplet:
Marina Slip Research
Compare marina slip rates and services in town; some guests found Water Street's pricing high. :boat:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Balcony River Views
Guest Rooms
Enjoy stunning sunrise and sunset views over the river from your private, screened-in balcony.

Full Kitchen Suites
Guest Rooms
Prepare meals with a full-size kitchen, perfect for enjoying fresh catches from the water.

Poolside Relaxation
Pool Area
Unwind by the pool, even during busy periods, for a quiet and restful experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Water Quality Alerts
Marina Slip Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Water Quality
Inquire about current water quality before your stay, as it can impact bathing and drinking. :droplet:
Marina Slip Research
Compare marina slip rates and services in town; some guests found Water Street's pricing high. :boat:
Request Room Updates
Rooms can be dated; consider requesting a recently renovated unit if available. :housewithgarden:
Pack Earplugs
Thin walls mean you might hear neighbors or early morning boat activity. :zzz:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Water Quality
Inquire about current water quality before your stay, as it can impact bathing and drinking. :droplet:
Marina Slip Research
Compare marina slip rates and services in town; some guests found Water Street's pricing high. :boat:
Request Room Updates
Rooms can be dated; consider requesting a recently renovated unit if available. :housewithgarden:
Pack Earplugs
Thin walls mean you might hear neighbors or early morning boat activity. :zzz:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests appreciate the spacious suites with full kitchens and the fantastic balcony views over the river, offering a relaxing atmosphere. However, issues with dated rooms, thin walls, inconsistent water quality, and sometimes unhelpful management detract from the experience for many.
"My parents and I spent two nights here and it was fabulous. Our room was on the third floor and had a balcony with a fantastic view of Scipio Creek, the Apalachicola River and several other bodies of water. The beds were comfortable and so were the other furnishings. We had two full bathrooms which were both very nice. It was obvious from the parking area that the hotel had plenty of other guests but it was so quiet and restful, not just in our room but even at the pool. Apalachicola is such a beautiful place and the hotel was just minutes away from anywhere we wanted to go in town and very close to nearby St. George Island. The staff was also wonderful even though we didn't interact with them much because our unit pretty much had everything we needed."
Kristen
"Our experience would have been wonderful as it usually is on several other stays, except for the water quality issue, which is not controlled by the hotel, but management’s response to this is. Management should be contacting reservation holders and informing them of this significant issue and offering a discount to compensate for the issues of horrible water that can not be used for bathing, drinking, etc.. When this was suggested, management became defensive and we were asked to leave prematurely. Not good.
In response to the owner’s reply, we never said we wanted the room to be comped, what we said to the clerk & the manager was that we felt “some” compensation was in order for the inconvenience, in addition that if we or any guest was informed of the water situation, we would have at least been prepared. That is what we said. We reiterate, we never asked for full compensation, nor did we ask for one night compensation . In addition, the manager was argumentative and defensive and obviously did not listen. Once a person becomes defensive, communication stops. And, we were not “asked” to vacate, we were “told” to vacate and our locks were changed so we couldn’t even access our property without picking up a new key at the desk. We have stayed there many, many times but have stayed our last - unless the property had new management. Period."
Sue Cox
"Good hotel, but several issues keep it from being a great hotel.
TL/DR: Great balcony, full kitchen, and friendly vibes reel you in — but paper-thin walls, prehistoric mattresses, and BPH-levels of water pressure might have you wishing you'd stayed on the boat.
The Pros:
By far, one of the best features of my experience was the large screened-in balcony, complete with fans and patio chairs to catch both sunrise and sunset over the river.
The large living room with futon sofa helps recover after a long day out on the water.
A full-size kitchen with everything needed to make a proper meal from that catch of the day.
Finally, a generally helpful staff that makes you feel welcome.
Some of the Cons:
You'll notice that almost all of the parking lot lights are out if you arrive late. The area is generally safe, so there is not much of a safety concern, but it is definitely an annoyance when searching for an item.
While the hotel does accept pets, the pet waste stations are largely forgotten about, with bird nests taking up residence where bags should be and the bins overflowing with everyday trash.
The thin walls become an issue, especially when you have rooms that overlook a boat dock. A dock that begins early each day with a good amount of noise as everyone gets ready to go out for their big catch.
The mattresses are garbage. You'd get a better night sleep on the sofa. Ask me how I know.
Generally low water pressure in all the faucets. It's hard to blast off all the salt from a day out on the boat when there is only a trickle coming from the faucets.
Finally, dated rooms. They are just old and tired. The whole hotel could use a refresh."
Doc B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Water Street Waterfront is located in the heart of downtown Toms River, easily accessible off the Parkway. For those arriving by air, Tampa International Airport is about 25-30 minutes away, making it a convenient base for exploring Tampa destinations like Channelside and Sparkman Wharf.
Yes, parking is available. However, some guests have noted that many of the parking lot lights are out, which can be an annoyance when arriving late. The area is generally considered safe.
If you're flying in, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is approximately a 25-30 minute drive from the Water Street area, offering convenient access to the waterfront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Water Street Waterfront is a hotel and marina, so advance booking for accommodations is recommended, especially during peak seasons. There are no specific 'tickets' required to access the waterfront area itself, but hotel rooms and marina slips should be reserved.
As a hotel and marina, Water Street Waterfront operates 24/7 for guests. However, specific amenities like the restaurant or front desk services may have their own operating hours, which are best confirmed directly with the hotel.
There are no admission fees to simply walk around and enjoy the waterfront views. However, if you are staying at the hotel or docking a boat at the marina, there will be associated costs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Guests can enjoy modern 1- & 2-bedroom suites, many with balconies offering river views. The hotel also features a pool, and some units include a full kitchen. Free breakfast is typically provided.
Yes, the hotel does accept pets. However, some guests have noted that the pet waste stations are not well-maintained, with overflowing bins and neglected bag dispensers.
There have been reports of water quality issues that can affect bathing and drinking. It's advisable to inquire directly with management about the current water situation before your stay.
While the suites offer great views and kitchens, some guests describe the rooms as dated and tired, suggesting the entire hotel could benefit from a refresh.
Some guests have reported issues with thin walls, leading to noise from neighboring rooms or early morning activity from the boat docks. Packing earplugs might be a good idea.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Tampa Marriott Water Street, located in the Water Street area, features Anchor & Brine, known for fresh seafood and waterfront views.
Many of the 1- and 2-bedroom suites come equipped with a full-size kitchen, allowing you to prepare your own meals, which can be especially convenient if you're enjoying local catches.
The description mentions free breakfast, so it is likely included for hotel guests. It's always a good idea to confirm this with the hotel directly when booking.
📸 📸 Photography
The balconies with river views offer fantastic opportunities for capturing sunrise and sunset shots. The waterfront itself provides scenic backdrops with boats and water activity.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography at the waterfront or common areas of the hotel. However, always be mindful of other guests' privacy.
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for sunset provide the best natural light for photography, creating beautiful colors over the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing some entertainment for downtime, as the rooms themselves might feel a bit dated. If you're planning on bringing a pet, be aware that the pet waste stations may not be consistently maintained.
🎣 Anglers and Boaters
Be prepared for potentially low water pressure in the room's faucets, which might make rinsing off salt and sand a bit challenging after a day on the water. While the balconies offer great views, the early morning noise from the docks could be a factor if you're looking for a completely peaceful start to your day.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Marina Services
Guests have also reported challenges with the marina office staff, describing interactions as rude and argumentative. Issues such as river foliage obstructing slips and non-functional breakers have added to the frustration for some boaters. If you're considering docking, it might be wise to seek out alternative marina options in town to ensure a smoother experience.
Key Takeaways for Marina Guests:
- Compare pricing: Marina slip rates can be significantly higher than other locations.
- Check amenities: Verify the functionality and availability of laundry, power, and waste stations.
- Staff interactions: Be prepared for potentially unhelpful or confrontational staff based on guest feedback.
Understanding Room Features and Potential Drawbacks
However, guests have pointed out several drawbacks that detract from the overall experience. The hotel's walls are described as "paper-thin," leading to potential noise disturbances from adjacent rooms or the early morning activity on the boat docks. The mattresses have also received consistent criticism for being uncomfortable, with some guests suggesting the sofa offers a better night's sleep. Furthermore, the water pressure in faucets is generally low, making it difficult to rinse off salt after a day on the water.
Room Considerations:
- Pros: Large balconies, full kitchens, ample living space.
- Cons: Thin walls, uncomfortable mattresses, low water pressure.
- Recommendation: If booking, consider requesting a room away from the docks and inquire about mattress toppers if comfort is a priority.
Navigating Management and Guest Relations
This confrontational approach has led to a loss of repeat business, with guests stating they "have stayed our last" unless there is new management. The lack of proactive communication about significant issues like water quality, coupled with a defensive stance when issues are raised, appears to be a recurring problem. It suggests a disconnect between guest expectations for service and the management's approach to problem-solving.
Key Takeaways on Management:
- Communication is key: Guests expect to be informed about significant issues like water quality.
- Defensiveness is detrimental: Arguing with guests and becoming defensive erodes trust and leads to negative reviews.
- Customer service matters: A more accommodating and understanding approach is needed to retain guests.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit