When I booked the room in August, I wanted a room near the water but the manager suggested room #8 near the pool, giving me the impression that the room was the best one for a five day stay. Well, if that is the best room, then I hate to see the others!

Before I describe the room, please note that the pool was clean and the grounds were lovely, with many places to sit in the sun or shade. Each unit had a table and chairs on a small porch. Unfortunately, when we were there the water in the wading pool was green and dirty.

We entered the room by sliding glass doors and through thick drapes. The plain room contained a king size bed and a kitchen, with a full size stove and frig. So far so good. But then I walked into the bathroom. In an effort to update the room, they painted the tiles and tub (by brush). But the paint had chipped-off in big chunks, showing green tiles and a tan tub. I had to lay the rubber bath mat down over the discolored tub before I could use it. Furthermore, the toilet made a whining sound every time it was flushed.

The frig ran for hours at a time and was annoying when we tried to sleep. I turned off the air conditioner at night for the same reason - it startled us awake when it would start up.

We could see a sliver of water when the drapes were pulled back but then we could be seen by everyone walking by, going to and from the pool, so we kept it closed.

We missed the maid's schedule twice, so the room was never serviced on those days. Do not hang your "privacy please" sign until noon or you'll miss a chance for clean sheets.

We left a day early and the manager was angry with us. I'm not sure she could spend five days in that room either.

Several misleading statements and photos at the Coral Bay Resort's website. First of all, the tidal basin pictured at the website is murky. Yes, there are is a school of parrot fish in it but you wouldn't want to be swimming around in the basin. It's icky with debris and beer cans floating on top. Also, with the boat marina right there, the water is always oily and sometimes has discarded bait floating in it. You don't want to swim right at the hotel though the pictures make it look like you can or would want to.

Second, yes there are families staying there but they all have boats and take off during the day. If you don't have a boat, it's awfully lonely during the day for kids left behind.

Not always "family-friendly." We had a winter/summer, male/male couple in the room next to us who banged around at night and made "odd" sounds. Only way to drown it out was to run the fan continuously and play the TV.

Front desk help, Vicki I think, not very willing to give advice and directions.

Positives: nice pool and little lizards running all over which my kids loved to try and catch, coin operated washer/dryer on site, saw manatee at the dock one evening, close to Theater of the Sea, rooms/kitchens clean (killed giant roach in the kitchen our last night there, though).

my wife and i took our first vacation to fla. this year. we have been going to the jersey shore for years. we had a great time and will be returning with family members next year. they offer fishing right off the dock area and great snorkling.
mike g

First of all I am from Florida and I know what bech motels & hotels are like. If anyone is expecting a 5 star hotel with service do not go to most of the hotels or motels. Even though
they say resort. These places are much older but Coral Bay was kept very clean and the lay out was nice, We had a room with a small kichen and a little patio with a table and 2 chairs. They also have a one & 2 bedroom. Maid service every day. We rented a boat and Coral Bay gives their guests free dockage where others charge by the foot. The dock was an issue very narrow plus they had no hose to was down the boat at the dock. I told them 2x the hose was broken, they said they knew. pool was very nice. I would recommend Coral Bay.