Hmmm, I'm shocked that you ranked it that low. I do remember seeing that ranking when you listed it.
Our
experience and impression of the resort was different (not addressing the "ordinary quality" issue, I know), but looking back,
it was very early in our Marriott resort travels, so comparisons were short.
We visited in 2003 when our kids were in their early teens.
It was one of our more enjoyable family vacations, and the setting was as beautiful as they come.
I'm thinking that maybe for us, the resort's gorgeous setting superseded all else.
Our eyes were still wide open with new mega-resort style vacationing!
We did get what looked like a brand new villa, I remember that. I think they were constructed in 2000, just 3 years prior,
so it appeared wonderful.
That said, we didn't spend any time in the villa at all, and because of that I don't remember ANYTHING about what the villa
looked like specifically, what was in it, or the layout.
We did spend a good bit of time at the big pool---it was pristine, and had a great view. When we first arrived I was impressed with the
huge lobby and check-in area.....it seemed the prettiest I had seen. The staff was superb, and helped us arrange a private tour of Hollywood (Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, homes of stars, etc). We also drove around a lot, visited Newport Beach for
dining and shopping, and even a movie. We saw a lot in the area, up and down the coast, including the San Diego Zoo.
Our unit assignment was one of the best ever, to this day. We had a top floor unit with a spectacular view of the Pacific,
and we were close to the parking deck. Our building was up the hill from the golf course, and now they have built
many more units below that building. The landscaping was beautiful.
The cliffs and beach below the resort were breathtaking....we walked the beach a good bit.
Most of our time was off-site, granted, but I didn't particularly notice any quality issues at the resort proper. At least none jumped out.
Probably wasn't looking, and due to being with the kids I was perhaps oblivious if any were present. If it was generic and ordinary,
I guess we had not traveled much around the Marriott system as of yet. (I'm grasping.)
I trust your judgment more than anyone's, so I've been wracking my brain to remember anything deficient or even "ordinary",
but I can't come up with anything. I'm not denying it at all, but I'm pleading ignorance. We were too engaged apparently.
Not entirely in line with your focus here, so I'll simply say again that our experience was superb, hence my higher rating,
but again, that doesn't address the ordinary quality issue specifically.
Because of the time elapsed since 2003, I'd have to say I'll keep my ears open, and be more discerning if we go back.
Your personal ratings have been a very good influence, and quite contributory toward our travel plans.
Recent PHOTOS of resort:
The resort landscape has definitely matured since we were there in 2003.
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x80dce1258d616ca7:0x1809856112b9460d!2m22!2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i20!16m16!1b1!2m2!1m1!1e1!2m2!1m1!1e3!2m2!1m1!1e5!2m2!1m1!1e4!2m2!1m1!1e6!3m1!7e115!4shttps://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipP1wQ2WTgIplWWTlRuOrk4FonpvNwGSgin_iwn9=w478-h320-k-no!5smarriott's newport coast villas - Google Search&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipMIKitWY9kBWw6B3sZCA1gskQh_EQSZC_0GcJWE&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjOueSzg4nfAhUDneAKHW_aAkkQoiowDXoECAMQBg