Don't bother requesting a specific unit or even a specific building. Don't bother requesting wi-fi or ocean view. The staff doesn't seem to read the requests and they just put you wherever they feel like putting you. Don't book a package either. It will just confuse them. Trust me.
The first unit we were given was in the building next to the parking lot and trailer court. Lovely. Not. When we complained because we had reserved many months ahead of time and asked for specific amenities, we were shown to a disgustingly filthy unit that housekeeping hadn't been inside of in weeks. There was trash everywhere, food lying on the counters, sheets on the floor, towels in the half full bath tubs. The place was a health hazard. I called the front desk to let them know the room had not been cleaned and was assured it would be taken care of. It never was. We were moved AGAIN to the first unit for the night.
To the credit of the housekeeping staff, by the time we moved into the second unit again the next day (yes, WE moved our stuff - there isn't any actual staff that helps you here), they had done an amazing job cleaning the place. However, there is no disguising worn out furnishings, dirty carpets, and disrepair. The sliding screen door never fully closed, the bedspreads are harbingers of disease, and the pathetic second bedroom does indeed resemble a dorm room as another poster mentioned. An OLD dorm room. Without even a tv, working lightbulbs, or a telephone.
It's odd - they DO have people who can work with tools; I know this because they woke me up early each morning pounding on the roof of the building next door. You'd think one of THEM would be able to change lightbulbs and maybe even shampoo a carpet.
Don't expect to see a manager when you run into problems here - and you WILL run into problems. She won't face you. She will instruct her peons to refund some money. Apparently they are accustomed to doing that. We were definitely not the only unhappy visitors demanding refunds. I guess that's why the rate is inflated - they have to make back some of what they lose to disappointed, disgusted guests who demand their money back and flee.
I felt truly sorry for the front desk staff. They incur the wrath of unhappy guests while management cowers in a corner somewhere occasionally lashing out at the "help" for attempting to pacify angry guests.
The "cafe" is kind of a joke. If you like airport food, you'll love the place. Order a panini - I dare you. They remove it from the freezer and slap the whole thing, paper wrapper and all onto a hot grill. This burns the paper into the "bread" ensuring a tasty bit of paper with every bite.
I have to stop now - it just makes me angry all over again that I wasted money and precious vacation time at this dump. The grounds are lovely. It's deceptive. Don't fall for it.
The area surrounding the "resort" (hahahaha!!!!) is terrific. Eat at the Island Grill for superb service and even better food. Get a haircut at Waves by the Sea. No matter where we went, even the convenience store, the service beat that which we encountered at the "resort".
Check out Cheeca Lodge. It's where we'd go if we return to Key Largo/Tavernier.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
no way!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun