The Oceanview Inn & Sports Pub
84500 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Fl 33036
Why We Like It
The OV is an old-school motel with a popular sports pub on the backside. It can be loud late at night, there might be a few obnoxious partiers, but in the same breath, it’s fun, clean, and inexpensive. This is a good place to stay if you’re a couple or a small group that likes to have a few cocktails, and enjoys meeting and mingling with locals.
If you’re looking for privacy or fancy, you won't find it here. Your place for solitude will be in your room. But if you like socializing and sitting around a fire pit with a cold beer and new-found friends, you will be glad you gave it a whirl.
Fodor's Expert Review
When the first words you read on the inn’s outdoor signage are, “NFL HAS-BEEN,” you know you’re in for a good time. Owned by Gary Dunn, former NFL player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the “OV” as locals call it, might just pleasantly surprise you, if you let it. The Netflix show, Bloodline, filmed many scenes on the property.
You Should Know There is not an ocean view as the name suggests, but there is an onsite sports pub.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
You can’t help but smile when you enter and see the bright comforters, colorful dust ruffles and fun pillows that decorate your bed. It’s all the colors of the Florida Keys. You’ll also get a flat screen TV, mini-fridge, microwave, and your own tropical patio with a plastic table and chairs. A private path from your patio leads to the pool. WiFi is OK and the air conditioner will drown out any road noise.
Tip The lower the room number, the closer to the sports pub, so if you’re sensitive to noise, avoid Room 1 at all costs.
Bathroom
Good size with a tub and/or tiled walk-in shower. Towels are nice and thick; separate towels for the pool. There is no hair dryer but the water pressure is insanely good. Toiletries are provided.
Lobby
There is no lobby, you'll check in at the bar. The bartender will give you the key to your room – a real key – not a plastic, electronic card. You’ll also get a free drink.
Pool
It’s not big but this freshwater freeform pool is heated and has a few tables, chairs, and plastic chaise loungers. A low, white picket fence is the only thing that separates the pool deck from the pub area (which is open to the public) so you might feel uncomfortable sunning or swimming with an audience.
You Should Know Although the pool is supposed to be for guests only, regulars know they won't be chastised for taking a dip.
Spa
No spa onsite.
Gym
No gym or fitness center onsite.
Dining
You’re in luck as their onsite restaurant is a local favorite because it’s inexpensive and it’s good. Walk over to the pub for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Tip Thursday is steak night - go early because they always sell out.
Drinking
The popular OV Sports Pub is just steps from your room. Sit inside or outside. TVs are plentiful.
Tip Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 4pm-7pm but Flip Night is Wednesday -- that's when you call heads or tails and if you call in right, your drink is free.
Grounds
Don't be surprised by all the white pea rocks in the parking lot and all over the grounds. Grass is a rarity in the Keys. There is a fenced playground for the kids and you can follow the boardwalk through the mangroves to the bay for a great view. You can also see the water from a bar stool, but not from your room. There is a nice fire pit surrounded by colorful Adirondacks.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Like most everywhere else in the Keys, a car makes life really convenient. You can walk to a few places from here, like Theater of the Sea, but wheels are a smarter choice since US1 is a busy road. Ubers and taxis are available to explore locally as well
Restaurants
If you love Italian food, try Ciao Hound (9-minute walk) at the Postcard Inn. For an upscale, pricey steak or seafood dinner, Ziggie and Mad Dog’s (9-minute drive) is an institution. For an all-you-can-eat experience, the brand new Sand Bar at Whale Harbor (2-minute drive) is oceanfront with a rooftop bar.
Bars
The world famous Tiki Bar at Holiday Isle (9-minute walk) is where rumrunners were invented. If you're never been, you should go. Hog Heaven (2-minute drive) is a sports bar on the ocean with pool tables, live music and a good bbq sandwich. Catch sunset at the Lorelei (5-minute drive) and enjoy music, a full liquor bar and good appetizers.
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