I was expecting something a bit more posh since they highlight the fact that they are a "Waldorf Astoria resort." It is quite nice and clean; however, there were small issues that surprised me (e.g., loud, rattling refrigerator; cheap hair dryer; sticky iron). Don't anticipate long walks on the beach, as their stretch of beach is small. The layout of the building is annoying, and it takes a while to figure out the shortest distance between two points. It is very peaceful, though, and I would stay there again in a less expensive room. If you aren't so interested in the loud nightlife along Duval Street, then this is an ideal place to stay to avoid the noise.

We arrived late in the afternoon, and were greeted imediately by the doorman as we pulled in. The luggage was brought in while I parked the car. the evening staff checked us in and we went to our room, it was a little bit of a walk kind of 6 one way and half dozen the other as far as location in the complex. The room was neat as a pin and clean, the view was good, the water was in clear view from the balcony as well as the courtyard. We stayed here last year and are familier with the walk to Duval St. Key West is not about driving a car. Walk, bike or mo ped.The Reach is quiet enough in the evening and busy during the day. The working staff will go out of their way to get you anything you want and truly make you feel like you are on vacation.

The Hotel is at the wrong end of the Island if you want to be close to the Duval Street "Bar Zone". You must walk a lot to get close to the Duval Street "Action Zone". Depending on you that could also be a good thing when you go lights out "No Noise". Please do not be thinking Waldorf Astoria so that you don't be disappointed, but the Hotel is as good as you can demand in Key West. No thrills, no extra fancy accommodations, although I must mention the beach is one of the best for any hotel in the Island (don't be thinking paradise to be at a good beach in Key West you must get in a boat and find it). I had a great time and I will go as far as saying I will not mine staying here again. They just didn't get in my way of having a good time. I will recommend a dinner at A & B Lobster house (Grouper Oscar *****), also dinner at Louie's Backyard both excellent, lunch at Hogfish Bar & Grill Stock Island (best grouper sandwich ever), for breakfast Two Friends Patio is good enough to mention.

Savvy travelers know you don’t go to Key West for the beach. But if you really insist on a beach, The Reach is as good as you are going to get in Key West. I just wish there was more of it.

The Reach claims to have the nicest natural beach on the island. But they stack the lounge chairs three deep on the narrow spit of sand just inches apart.

If your idea of a relaxing tropical beach vacation is listening to loud, obnoxious, overly talkative New Yorkers retell their Duval Street exploits literally inches from your eardrums, then this is your kind of beach.

For me, I’d have preferred a lower tourist-to-sand ratio.

Fortunately, we were able to enjoy a quieter untourist-obstructed view of the water from our balcony which overlooked the pool and beach.

Our upgrade to such a nice room was much appreciated. As a Hilton Honors Gold Member, I was using points for our three night stay. Usually that means the worst room on the property (annoying considering this is a decade’s worth of points I’m spending).

But I requested an upgrade the day before our trip via email and was pleasantly surprised to have received one!

Clean rooms, great service and an ideal location just a block from Louie’s Backyard and the South end of Duval Street add up to making The Reach a great choice for exploring Key West. Just expect to get very familiar with your neighbors on the tiny beach.