Review of Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina

Attended a conference here. They did an exceptional job labeling Gf on the buffet and keeping the gluten (most of the time) at the far end so I felt safe eating from a buffet (a rarity!). The first night we had a reception and when I asked about GF options they offered to make me GF Mac and Cheese (the reception had a slider station, Mac and cheese bar, salad bar and creme brûlée bar). It took awhile to get but it was really good and I really appreciated the effort - they were busy with the reception, they didn’t have to offer! They also had a custard/pudding/mousse type dessert at each lunch or dinner with “gluten friendly” label (I hate that term) which was very nice to be able to even have dessert! The ONLY reason I took a star off is because of the last meal there - a taco bar that had corn and flour tortillas side by side at the front of the buffet... and mislabeled! I put the tortilla on my plate and instantly recognized it was flour not corn (not everyone can tell that!!). I corrected the signs and brought it to the attention of servers who were nearby. I rather panicked over this especially since I purposely got to the front of the buffet line to minimize cross contamination risk and the line behind me was more than 50 people long. The server did then escort me to the front of the line to get a new plate, only a few people had gone through so I was careful to select food from untouched areas of the chaffing dishes. In the end it was fine but everything had (seemed) to go so well to that point that this type of thing increases my gluten paranoia. When something obvious goes wrong, what not obvious things could have been missed? Sometimes I just have to let it go - my reaction isnt as severe as many but I still aim for 99.99999999999999999% GF. Overall it was a great experience and I certainly had more to eat then I expected. Thanks Marriott!