starfish1

We've never been to the Keys but have always wanted to visit. I'm having trouble trying to decide where to locate ourselves. It's a family holiday with two adults in their fifties and four young adults in their mid- twenties. Tranquility Bay looks like it has everything we would enjoy and is close enough to the other Keys to go exploring. I am concerned that it is located right off the Overland Hwy and wonder how "obtrusive" the hwy is in relation to the resort ie. do you hear traffic, what is the view from the water etc. We don't want to end up somewhere that we watch traffic go by when at the pool or in our unit and around the grounds. Any info would be greatly appreciated or also suggestions on the other Keys.

starfish1

Doh! and duh, I meant OverSEAS Hwy.

stumpworks73

Tranquility Bay is a very nice resort situated more on the water than on the Overseas Highway. You will not have a problem with location. Marathon is an excellent mid Keys location. The walk out the pedestrian 7 mile bridge to Pigeon Key is a nature tour. Sombrero Beach is the best in the Keys. Several restaurants from the 7 Mile Cafe to the City Fish Market are excellent local stops. You are not far from Islamorada or Key West to experience the best of the Florida Keys. Please search previous threads on the Keys for more of the story about everything to see and do while on your trip. Have fun.

GBC

Hi Starfish,

Tranquility Bay is a fairly new resort. It has an attractive layout and pleasing landscaping. It is on the Gulf side of Marathon. It has a nice pool but the beach really isn't. As noted, you can go to Sombrero beach which is free, has facilities, and is only about fifteen minutes drive over to the ocean side. I think that you'll like Marathon if your interests are mainly about water activities (fishing, snorkeling, diving, etc. There are lots of good, casual restaurants.

An alternative location would be Islamorada where you can check out The Moorings, Cheeca Lodge, and others. If shopping and upscale restaurants appeal to you Islamorada might be a good fit.

GoTravel

The Overseas Highway (US 1) is a stones throw away from everything in the keys.

I second GBC's suggestion of The Moorings and Cheeca Lodge. I would also suggest you take a look at Casa Morada (http://www.casamorada.com/).

I'm not a fan of Marathon. It is just so un-keys like.

Islamorada would be a much better choice.

BTW, my mom said Tranquility Bay is beautiful but the location leaves a lot at the table (she and my dad live in Key West half the year).

stumpworks73

Has Cheeca Lodge reopened? They were closed for a remodel following a fire.

Starfish: I stay in Islamorada myself when I visit the Keys for all the reasons above.

Will stand by my comments on Tranquility.

starfish1

Many thanks to you all for your comments. stumpworks73,from what I understand Cheeca Lodge has not reopened but is taking reservations for 2010. I shall look into the other recommendations as well. Appreciate your help everyone!

GoTravel

They've closed until 2010? Their Admin building caught fire a couple of weeks ago not the rooms.

If they've closed for the rest of the year that means they are doing major renovations.

GoTravel

My mistake. Cheeca Lodge is still closed from the New Years Eve fire and the one two weeks ago was in the admin building.