Cheeca Lodge Resort, Islamorada

Overall: The location is terrific for exploring the Keys and sampling the restaurants and attractions offered there. If you want a fishing, water oriented vacation in the Keys outside of Key West, the Cheeca Lodge offers a good alternative, though I thought the prices were a bit high for the value. Perhaps the renovation work will spruce up the old grand dame.

Location: Approximately an hour south of Miami in the Florida Keys 

Opened: 1946 as the Olney Inn

Class of accommodation: Four diamonds; member Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Size: 203 rooms, suites

Ease of reserving a room: Arranged by third party without difficulty

Check-in/check-out process ease: Excellent

Language: English

Lobby and common areas: Air conditioned, island décor. There was a mild humid odor. 

Rooms: Comfortable, and by Keys standards, luxurious. My room had an excellent view of the ocean and adjacent porch.

Bathrooms: Comfortable, with a large shower

Cleanliness: Good

Amenities: Pleasant soaps and bathroom amenties.

Facilities: A large (by Keys standards) 1,100 foot stretch of white sand beach; 525-foot fishing pier; Avanyu spa and fitness center; four Jacuzzis; restaurant; lounge; poolside grill; six lighted tennis courts and pro available for lessons; two heated swimming pools and a wading pool; salt water lagoon; water sports and dive center; fishing charters; recreation center for children (6-12);  Jack Nicklaus designed par-3, 9-hole golf course and lessons; large (42,000 square foot) conference center; 27 acres of landscaped gardens; sports and sundry shop; video center. 

Restaurants: Food was standard hotel fare, slightly better at times. 

Overall service: Service in the hotel and its facilities was good.   I found the staff helpful and pleasant.   

Conference facilities: Good

Other: The property is lovely and offers a wealth of choices. When I was there it seemed a bit run down for the prices. There was a strong smell of garbage on my way from my room to the main building. To avoid it I had to walk on the beach side and get sand in my shoes.

Ownership/Management: Purchased by Cheeca Holdings, LLC, a venture comprised of Johnson Resort Properties, The Falor Companies. Management by Rock Resorts

Length of stay: One night, two days

Date of review: November 2001

Would you stay there again: Yes