Key Largo hotel recommendations

The wife and I drive up to Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada sometimes because we like their 9 hole 3 par course. Ocean Reef has a lot to choose from on a variety of budgets.
I feel like a few larger resorts were redone right after Covid up that way. We’ve never been to Duck Key but that seems to have added some stuff as well.

Ocean Key is pretty nice, however it literally couldn’t be any further away from Key Largo.

Thanks everyone.

There's lots of options but good to have input.

Islamorada has better restaurants. There's an adult only hotel in Key Largo, but I don't know anything about it.


Here are some restaurant ideas:

Chef Michael's in Isla is a good spot for a "nicer/special" dinner.

Lorelei in Isla is a fun spot on the water to eat- they have a limo boat you can get a ride on.

Morada Bay in Isla- waterside restaurant

Other eating places we often go to in Isla- Green Turtle Inn, Lazy Days, and Square Grouper.

In Marathon there is the Dolphin Research Center/Sanctuary. Their website lists the activities open for the public.

There is also a turtle rescue center

If you end up going to Key West- the butterfly sanctuary there is awesome.

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Do you happen to remember how you rented the house? I have a buddy looking for a House rental w/pool at Duck Key this summer. They are meeting up with extended family who are staying at the resort there and doing a family reunion type deal.

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Just pulled up the emails (from 2015...so, plenty could have changed). Sam, if he's still with them, was very helpful and responsive.

Village at Hawks Cay Villas

Physical Address:
Duck Key
Marathon, FL 33050

Office Address:
11400 Overseas Hwy, Ste 109
Marathon, FL 33050

Reservations: (305) 853-5000
Guest Services: (305) 432-9870
Fax: (305) 647-0745

Sam Schorr
Managing Director, Middle Keys
KeysCaribbean Resorts
Sam@KeysCaribbean.com
Guest Services: (305) 853-5000
Fax: (305) 328-9334

You're welcome. Hope it's all still accurate. It was a great stay.

We drive down for an overnight trip occasionally. Usually, we look for a budget place, as we don't spend much time in the hotel. We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Key Largo, last time. It is on the water with a view to the west and the sunset. They have a bar and some nice lounge chairs outside on a small beach. Lots of iguanas roaming around. Breathtaking sunsets, but it's a Hampton Inn, so you won't get 5 star service. The rooms was okay - no water views. Price was good, compared to what some of the resorts are charging.


If you want luxury go elsewhere. If you want a nice spot to use as home base while exploring Key Largo and Islamorada, with a sweet spot to watch the sunset, then the Hampton in Key Largo may be a good fit.

ETA - the first two photos are stock internet photos, but pretty accurate. The third and fourth photos are ones I took.
Tiki bar


Beach


Sunset


Over near the pool

Bungalows Key Largo is fantastic

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Open to budget hotel

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FYI. The tiki bar was not open when we were there. Not sure if it was because we were there in the off-season, or not. We usually go down there in the off-season in order to avoid the crowds. It's only a 3 hour drive from our house.

We brought our own beer, sat on the lounge chairs, and watched a gorgeous sunset. There was even a gator swimming around out there that freaked a bunch of people out. There were also lots of iguanas running around behind the pool (which is behind the tiki bar).

ETA: I didn't see the kayaks that are in that stock photo when I was there. I don't know if those are available, or not. Other than sunbathing and swimming in the bay, there are not a lot of activities at the hotel. No restaurant (other than Hampton breakfast).

The rooms are a bit dated, but they were clean. Like I said, it's on the water, but not 5-star, so you might find a deal.