This two-night visit was our first trip to Key West and our first stay at Southernmost on the Beach. Our enjoyment of Key West was greatly enhanced by every aspect of our stay at the Southernmost. Being at the quiet end of Duval St, we were able to walk where we wanted to go and avoid the crowds and the joyful noise of Key West when we wanted to do so. Our room was beautifully appointed, very comfortable, and had a great view of the ocean. Our room's balcony was a wonderful place to relax and read when we wanted some down time. Otherwise, the pool and the poolside bars were great for just hanging out, quenching our thirst, and meeting other guests. Wine School on Wed afternoon was informative and fun, thanks to professors Mark and Jay. We loved being able to, and were encouraged to, use all of the hotel's amenities on our last day, even after we'd checked out by 11 am. We actually stayed all day, until 4:45 pm, before heading north to our next destination further up the Keys. Finally, we were impressed with the friendliness and helpfulness of every hotel staff member we encountered during our stay. They made our first trip to Key West truly memorable. We'll be back to Key West, and when we do, we'll stay at the Southernmost.

I am confused and conflicted about my stay at this resort. I stayed for a week. First of all, the good. It has a wonderful location on the quiet end of Duval. I really liked the resort layout. There is a beach, a pool, beautiful grounds, activities, and nice rooms. The staff was pretty great for the most part and wanted to help meet your needs (even if they were not actually able to meet those needs). I had a king room in Bldg D which had a nice balcony. Now, the not so good. I just can't wrap my mind around paying 5 star price for a room with a motel style air conditioner. It was loud, it was annoying both inside or outside on the balcony. It woke me up all the time.

And finally, the worst part: I was here with my cousin. She had a wonderful room overlooking the ocean and 3 floors above the 'sand bar' activity area and beach. She loved going down to the little beach in the morning to sun. There was even a little restroom to use there so you can avoid the 3 flights of stairs back to your room, or trekking to the pool. Unfortunately, the restroom is locked until at least noon every day. Should be easy to fix though, right? Simply ask someone to unlock it? Apparently, no one is empowered to make the decision to unlock the restroom earlier. No one. This is some sort of executive level decision that frustrated many of the staff who wanted so badly to help my cousin to prevent her from climbing the stairs to her room with arthritic knees. We asked every day. We could never get it unlocked at 9. Sounds silly, and I am not the type to drop the ratings to one star because of one issue. But this issue could be masking a bigger problem:

1) This resort was recently sold and the new management is making changes with fees and rates. While my reservation brags about never having a resort fee (and the new management honored that with my reservation) resort fees of $25 have been added to later reservations.
2) If the employees are not empowered to unlock a bathroom door, what does that tell you about the direction management is taking with giving the employees the ability and initiative to make simple decisions?
3) This started out to not be a big deal and a source of a chuckle. But, by the end of the week, it became so annoying that it turned out to be a deal breaker with my cousin and with myself as to whether we would ever stay here again. And that is a shame, because she was looking at a long term stay next year.

So, I struggle to recommend this place. I think it has some great things going for it. But I also think its expensive. But the deal killer was simply the refusal to unlock a bathroom door at 9 AM.

Six friends planning a getaway from the harsh New England winter could of not picked a better resort. Kudos to Chris for finding this gem . Location was perfection. Staff at the resort and the beach restaurant were outstanding. Meghan, Gui, Dale, Kelly, John, Dexter, and others made our stay so enjoyable. Rooms were beautiful, clean and comfortable . All the amenities were exactly what we wanted. We all agreed that because the Southernmost was so spectacular , it was difficult to leave. Would definitely go back. Colette