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I have stayed at the Hyatt Pier 66, and there are two parts to the hotel: the tall roundish tower, and the 2-story garden section (which I prefer because it is closer to the pool); I think both have balconies (or patios in the case of the first floor garden rooms). It has a really nice pool area, and a revolving rooftop bar (with the BEST pina coladas ever), but it is not on the beach (but IS near the port). I stayed at the Hyatt Pier 66 last year during the week between Christmas and New Years. According to the guidebooks, it is one of the better hotels in FTL. It was nice, but not luxurious. The rooms were nicely decorated, as were the public spaces. We chose the Hyatt because of the pool area, which was pretty but not spectacular (but much better than some other hotels like the Sheraton Yankee Clipper/Trader, Doubletree). If you are interested in using the pool, you may want to request the lanai rooms (the two story part of the hotel) rather than the round tower rooms (they may be called executive rooms). The revolving rooftop bar makes the best pina coladas I have ever had in my life, complete with a hefty price tag--I think they were over $12 apiece--but well worth it. It's not on the beach, but you don't really miss it. There are plenty of gardens and palm trees; also a good spa (I think it was called Louis XVI). It is on the Intracostal Waterway, so you still have that resort feel. The Hyatt had some great "Holiday on Sale" rates last year--$99 per night, I believe. This hotel is used by departing cruise passengers since the port is right across the street. In the way of restaurants, there isn't much within walking distance other than the hotel restaurants.
