We really enjoyed our stay!!

Liked: Staff was very friendly and helpful , made the stay pleasantPool was very nice and pool bar (food and drink) was very nice to have!Room was comfortableBeach is BEAUTIFUL
Disliked: We did not care for the valet parking requirement.

Exceptional

A Room with a View

Liked: This hotel was located in a one mile stretch where we have stayed about 20 times over 40 years. ZOTA survived the two hurricanes last fall and our alternate accommodations will not recover until late Summer 2025 or next year. The staff were all attentive, particularly the valet parking staff. We never waited longer than 90 seconds for our car, two times it was closer to 30 seconds.
Disliked: First of all, let me say that I knew that this type of resort was not the style with which we are comfortable. We like smaller motels where one's presence is low profile, less crowded, like a retreat.I know this resort was built on the former Hilton site. The developer missed an opportunity when they failed to place the hotel at an angle where at least half the 187 rooms would have a Gulf view. It appears from Google Maps that only about eight to twelve units have Gulf views. I can think of a practical reason for the building's positioning. Gulf view rooms would be required to have expensive hurricane glass. Most rooms overlook the pool or the parking lot. A $65 upgrade per day was offered to have a pool view. That's kind of an insult...charging to see the pool. I realize you can't reorient the building, but the balconies from the parking lot facing rooms could get a view of the Gulf if there weren't so many tall palm trees obstructing the view. Another, more expensive, enhancement would be to create vista rooms at multiple floor levels where visitors could have access, view the Gulf in all weather particularly the striking sunsets!!!!This might be the case for the pool facing rooms.The common areas were striking, but the individual rooms were one step above a Holiday Inn Express. The carpet and linens were exceptional.One practical annoyance was the fact that the bathroom door actually scrapes against the toilet seat. Working your way to the shower requires acrobatic effort. I think I understand how this occured...when the toilets were upgraded, an elongated bowl and seat were specified. The units also had to be placed 3 1/2 to 4" from the wall otherwise the water supply pipe would need to be moved a few inches for 187 rooms....plumbers, drywallers painters...it would all add up. Still, you don't have the feeling of luxury when the door hits the toilet seat.

Wonderful

Liked: We loved the restaurants, live music and staff was excellent. Loved the beach access and pool.
Disliked: Our TV didn’t work the entire stay

Very relaxing, beautiful beach stay!

Liked: Friendly staff, pool area and restaurant all great
Disliked: Spa area would be great

Very good

Good

Liked: Breakfast was poor. Mediocre food; horrible music. Never used the restaurant again. Pool is terrific. Your key plus. Workout facility is good
Disliked: Restaurant sucks

Quiet beach front location was...

Liked: Very clean property inside and out.
Disliked: Very slow, poor service in an empty restaurant for dinner. 45 minutes to get crab cakes & a salad, would not refill water glasses, despite walking by numerous times. Staff needs training. Outdoor pool area staff was MIA…would disappear for an hour at a time. Didn’t circulate enough, inattentive & very slow to even acknowledge your presence. Food in both locations were ok, not great, not bad, just ok but definitely overpriced.

Exceptional