we are planning to stay 3 days in florida keys in january 2001. never been there before and looking for a small motel in Islamorada, something clean with some beach and good view of the bay or ocean. from checking internet sites were thinking of the Coconut Cove? Has anyone stayed there recently or anyone live in the keys who might have any knowledge of it? Or would appreciate any other suggestions for place to stay there from previous travelers to Islamorada or keys resients.

Never heard of Coconut Grove. I would suggest either the Moorings or the Cheeca Lodge. There are a lot of hotels which look nice and sound nice, but are located right next to the Overseas Highway and you can hear the roar of cars all night long.

You might consider going on down to Key West, where you'll find all the water sports plus lots more restaurant and accommodations.

Holiday Isle.

Holiday Isle is an older Motel property that caters to the Spring Break and Party crowd...not fitting of the request for clean...I just stayed at a new Hampton Inn on Islamorada...Rooms were sparkling, pool was great, Tiki Bar in the back, and just a short drive from the restaurants and party scene... They also have a small beach on the ocean along a breakwall. The only thing was the fact that you're in a chain hotel rather than a keys type atmosphere and the property is attached to an Outback Restaurant...But if you want clean, reasonable, with a great location, you can drive to the atmosphere...

Thank you for your help. Coconut Cove looked so nice on the Net, but noone knows about it???
What about Lindbacks LaSiesta Resort in Islamorada???

Jack-I have been going down to the Keys for a long time and have never heard of any of the places you mentioned. Just because something looks nice on the web, it may not be the case. Photos can be airbrused and the place can be a real roach motel. I agree with the suggestions above, the Moorings, Cheeca Lodge or the Hampton Inn.

Hasn't January 2001 already passed?

Maybe this is the Islamorada Twilight Zone! Jack is from 100 years ago when his properties were open...

A second for the Hampton Inn or the Cheeca Lodge. I too picked a location off of the internet for Islamorada and made a big mistake. Was able to move to the Hampton Inn for a very reasonable rate. Keep in mind there really is nothing in islamorada, so you will probably spend a lot of time at the hotel.

Check out Casa Morada. I've never stayed there, but I saw a recent write up about it in Outside magazine.

Seems as though I saw a piece on Casa Morada on Discovery or Travel Channel. It has a website: www.casamorada.com
Would love to see a trip report from a Fodorite!

thank you all for your input. i think we will follow your advice and try to book into one of those you have vouched for. and yes, i mis-typed. going in january 2002.

I think a great place to stay in Islamorada is the Chesapeake Resort. It is small with great beach access, two heated pools, private lagoon with charter boats who will work with you to give you what you want. No restaurant on site but has continental breakfast. There are private bungalows and ocean view/front rooms that are very comfortable and worth the extra above the standard rooms.

Hi! Here's another vote for Chesapeake Resort. It's an incredible place, with the largest private beach in the area - very beautiful, very romantic with great ocean views from about 80% of the rooms and bungalows (but be sure and request ocean view). We stayed in both the bungalows (little private homes) and the rooms (large-ish hotel rooms) and thought both were equally wonderful. There's 2 heated pools and a large lagoon surrounded by a beautiful sand beach. Can't recommend this place highly enough.