Cheeca Lodge and Spa, Islamorada, FL.
 

This is where we stayed after we completed our recent cruise and wanted to spend some time in the Keys since we hadn't been there before. We chose this resort after doing some research on the internet for it's location, amenities and price. We stayed here rather than Key West since it would be a shorter drive to FLL for our return trip home. Our room was spacious, had ocean view, large screened-in patio. Lovely beach area, pool and lagoon, tennis courts, many hot tubs scattered thru out the grounds. The grounds were nice with landscaping and ponds with fish. The room rate started out being fairly reasonable for similar resorts in the Keys but ended up a bit pricier because of the taxes etc. - our rate was $l93.50 for double, plus a sales tax of $l4.5l, plus an occupancy tax of $7.74, plus a resort fee of $l0.00 PLUS this resort fee had two taxes also for an additional .75 and .40 cents! Each of these charges were daily. The "resort fee" sign was posted when we checked in (but never saw mention of it on the web site, or else we overlooked it, and it wasn't mentioned on the phone either when we made the reservations) and it was to include free daily newspaper, coffee in the room, unlimited 800# and local calls (which we never used) and one big bottle of water (water bottle wasn't daily, just one for the stay).<BR>So be aware of all the extra "hidden" charges when you are researching room rates, anyplace for that matter. <BR>They had a new spa with nice facilities and a gym. However, there is a fee too for resort guests to use the gym unless one is already paying for a treatment like a massage. I had a massage which seemed reasonably priced for a spa but there is an automatic l8% gratuity attached. I normally tip after a massage anyway, but felt this was too much plus I don't like the idea of it being tacked on automatically. But I didn't say anything, just didn't have any more massages!<BR>We didn't eat at the resort restaraunt other than lunch in their bar one day. Had conch (pronounced konk) for the first time, don't particularly like it - too chewy.<BR>Ate at several local restaurants, noticed that sea food prices were higher than what I expected, since the fish is caught locally I would think.<BR>Drove down to Key West, really enjoyed that town, would like to stay there in the future. Also visited the Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Islamorada - very interesting. Be prepared for the smell, since they're feeding on raw fish, and their environment is very natural with wetlands and swampy areas. No fee, but donations are requested. <BR>Would be happy to answer any questions if I'm able to. Would we stay here again? Probably, but first would check out other similar resorts, and look into places in Key West.

Thanks for the post, Cheryl. First in-depth account of Cheeca Lodge I've seen, and I've always wondered about it. <BR><BR>The bird sanctuary is fun. We always give it a quick visit on our way through. Several years ago, my wife wanted to pat one of the pelicans. She asked me about it. But before I could answer "no," she tried. And got a peck on her nose from the bird for her forward advances! Drew a tiny bit of blood. As the bird folks were putting a little bandaid on it, they indicated that one of the regular pelicans there (can't remember his name,) was a bit feisty...<BR><BR>We still visit. But she doesn't try to pet the birds any more.

Cheryl:<BR><BR>Thanks so much for a great report. I too have often wondered about Cheeca Lodge.<BR><BR>Concerning the price of seafood. I am not sure what is caught locally and what is brought in, but someone did tell me once that conch is brought in from Mexico. He said that the keys had been so overfished for conch, etc that it was prohibited for commercial reasons. Does that make sense? Not sure if it is true or not. I know when we lived there 20 years ago you could pick 'em up right out of the ocean, the fresher the better. :-)<BR> <BR>Glad you had a good time. We love Key West and usually make the drive and stay there for our entire trip. Recently we have been looking into Little Palm Island and other spots along the Keys.<BR><BR>Sheli

Sheli - that does make sense because I noticed that locals were very concerned about the environment and ecology down there which I thought was great. So thanks for clarification.<BR>And George, I, too, tried to pet one of the critters but got a "look" from it, so I refrained. There are a few resident cats and dogs that amble about with the pelicans and egrets etc. I asked the caretaker about it and he said they all get aong fine. It's really an interesting place.<BR><BR>Here are some restaurants that we went to: In Islamarada, Dino's (Italian - excellent), Uncle's (Italian, supposed to be the best but we like Dino's better) and Islamada Fish Co. <BR>And another one I can't remember the name of now - Maranda ? or something. <BR>In Key West, had lunch at the end of the Sunset Pier at Ocean Key House. Lots of funky/historic places to eat - Hog's Breath, Sloppy Joe's. 2 cruise ships were docked that day so town was busy, but we still enjoyed it. We were also told that all cruise ships had to be outta town before sunset,so they didn't interfere with view of the sunsets for the locals.<BR>(that made sense too!)<BR>Re FLL - a reminder that I think can't get stressed enough: If you are flying home from FLL on a Sat. or Sun, allow PLENTY of time to get thru security. We flew in/out of FLL, and when I was doing research for our cruise on this forum, I saw several msgs that strongly suggested this.<BR> When we arrived on a Sat., there were looooong lines zigzagging thru the terminal trying to get thru security. Our friends who flew home on a Sunday said it took them over 45 minutes just to clear security.<BR>Because we stayed in the Keys a few days, we flew home on a Wed., and got thru in just a few minutes BUT the security personnel were veerrrrryyyyyy slow and deliberate. My carry-on realy got searched (woman made a big deal of finding and removing a teeny needle in a little sewing kit BUT she left the bigger safety pins in my make-up bag next to it.) My husband also got wanded several times - he had a knee replaement couple months ago and doctors told him to be prepared for this from now on. Anyway, they certainly don't work fast or very efficiently so just allow plenty of time when there are cruise ship crowds.

Cheryl: Thanks again, this time for the FLL warning. AS a matter of fact, we're flying tomorrow from PHL to FLL. And returning the same route on Sun., the 3rd. <BR><BR>Hate to do it this way. But we're flying on Award (bump) seats on US Air. And in those circumstances, you take what you can get. We're going to have to drive back up from Key West on Sat., and spending Sat. evening at a motel near FLL. Will now make extra-sure to get to the airport in a timely manner.

Cheryl, was that Morada Bay where you a lovely dinner & a romantic sunset at mile marker 81.6? If it wasn't then I would suggest you give it a try. Its very good place to dine with great food. Thanks for the trip report.

George - glad to help. By the way, where are you staying in Key West? Will look forward to info after your trip for our possible future use.<BR>And W - thanks, yes, I'm sure that was it, and we enjoyed it!

Cheryl-The previous poster is correct about the conch being fished out and illegal. I think they may import some of it from the Bahamas. How did you like Islamaroda Fish Comany? When we were there the food was so-so, but the view on the back deck was nice. <BR><BR>As to driving into FLL, we made the mistake of driving back to FLL from KW the same day. Big mistake. Almost didn't make the plane. I think they are being very cautions at FLL because some of the 9-11 hijackers were residing near there and the anthrax cases at the National Enquirer's Office. I really detest Miami airport, that's why I fly out of FLL. A friend of mine suggested flying in an out of West Palm. Not that far from FLL.

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