mrt

Interested in your thoughtd about the Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key, Fl and Tranqulity near Marathon Key. We are a family of 4 from Boca Raton, Fl (two adults and a teenager and pre-teen) thinking about a 5-7 night stay at one of these hotels in August, 2007. Both offer villas, which is important. Does one have better accomodations, restaurants, pools, etc.

SusanCS

I've never heard of Tranquility but from what I've heard of Hawks Cay, I think your children might be a little bored with it. I've driven by many times, and it's pretty isolated. If you want to leave the resort, you'd have to use a car. Have you considered Key West? It has lots of tourist activities and if you stay in Old Town, everything will be within walking distance. In addition, all water sports that are available on Duck Key will be available in Key West. You couldn't get a villa in Key West, but you could get a condominium in Truman Annex, which is a beautiful, serene area of the town.

If you prefer not being in Key West, I'd advise Islamorada over Hawks Cay, too. The Moorings Village is just next to the Cheeca Lodge and has homes for rent. Again, I think Key West is a better option.

NGail

Have stayed at Hawks Cay (don't know anything about Tranquility) and agree with SusanCS. Key West would be more fun.
But August? Won't it be really hot down there - we go to the Keys in the winter and it's warm enough for swimming and snorkling.

courtneycwo

I have to chime in as well and say to stay away from Hawks Cay. Isolation aside - it was the biggest disappointment ever. Dirty rooms, horrible service, mediocre pools, terrible food. We traveled from Seattle to stay there and could not get off property as everything else was booked. You could not pay me enough to return. Seriously bleak.

SusanCS

Wow, I'd completely overlooked the August part of this post. As much as I love Key West - we spend between 4 and 6 weeks a year there - I'd never go in August! Think hot and VERY humid!!! If there's any other potential time for your trip, I'd advise using it for the keys.

mrt

If it helps: the actual name is Tranquility Beach House Resort http://www.tranquilitybay.com/

mrt

Follow up: I have been to Key West. We are vlooking for more of a beach vacation which seems to be offered by Hawks Cay Resort or Tranquility Bay Beach Resort. (The beaches in Key West are not disirable)

NGail

Took a look at Tranquility's web site. It does look very charming. Is it walking distance(or short ride) to Marathon? There's one photo that shows a small key literally below the old highway bridge, Is that the resort? Because if so, it's kind of in the middle of nowhere,

NGail

Whoops!
Looked again at that photo. It's Pigeon Key.

SusanCS

mrt - the beach situation is exactly the same in all the keys. Since the keys are coral, all beaches are man-made and most are tiny (as you know from Key West). If you're looking for a true beach destination, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed with anything you'll find in the keys.

GoTravel

I've not been to Tranquility but have heard some good things about the place. Since it only opened about a year ago or so they probably have the kinks worked out by now. I'd definitely give it a try over Hawks Cay.

Did you look into Cheeca Lodge, Casa Morada, or The Moorings? They all have villas.

escargot

We stayed at Hawks Cay last year and were disappointed on many counts. Here is a link to my trip report if you are interested, but all said I agree with a few previous posters that the teens would be bored - it seemed to me the younger kids (under 10) were interested in the play groups,, etc they have organized there but nothing for teens.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34757904

If you have your heart set on the Keys, I would also look into Cheeca lodge - we've stayed there also and I think much better than Hawks Cay Resort, - the beach at Hawks cay is almost non existent, as in many parts of the keys -or Key West which my kids loved as teens -

so if you are looking for a large beach, one you can walk, etc - I would look elsewhere - Naples? but again, how hot it is for you in August is a personal thing -

At least Naples, aside from the beach, has great restaurants, options for shopping, walking the beach, nice resorts, etc.

GBC

The answer, sorry to say, is no.

We visit Marathon every year. I suggest that you keep on searching.

trishready

We stayed at Tranquility Bay last April and it was beautiful! The condo itself is out of this world. But, the beach is not nice (you don't go to the Keys for the beach). It will be way too hot in August. If you fish it is a great place to go!

mrt

trishready:

Beach is not nice meaning is it is small, no sand, water near shore is rocky or full of slimey vegetation?

stevebarr

It is sad to hear so many poor reports about Hawk's Cay.....I used to vacation there fairly often several years ago, and always had a great time. Has it changed ownership?

We swam with dolphins, took raft tours out to a nature walk on an island nearby, played constantly in the saltwater lagoon....and found travel to Key West fairly moderate as far as traffic went.

I guess I haven't been there recently....because it used to be a great place to go.

Also....the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon was right across the bridge, and lots of fun.

With kids, I'm guessing another place would be best. The one thing I didn't like about the keys was the lack of real beaches.

No_name

ttt