We would appreciate recommendations for a waterfront cottage in either Key Largo or Islamorada. Have never been there before and can only spend the weekend. Any preferences?

I wish someone had responded to your e-mail! have never been to either place and am trying to decide on which place to go. I have done tons of reading and the moorings, konakai and the cheeca lodge look good. i would rather stay further up because of drive time but wonder if islamadora is that much prettier. what have you heard?

It might help if we had a sense of budget.

If it were me (and I've been there,) I'd google the web and get the phone numbers of the Kay Largo Welcome Center, and that of Islamorada. Then I'd give them a call, tell them what you want, and get some sense of what's available.

There are those who think the Welcome Centers act as shills for their favorite lodging. They don't. They'd get killed by their membership (CofC folks) if they did.

Check out www.floridakeys.com and www.fla-keys.com. Both have some good info on lodging.

As to which Key, my personal preference would be Islamorada over Key Largo. Largo is bigger, and is not overly attractive. Of course, Pennekamp is at Key Largo, os if you plan on doing some snorkeling or diving, you might want to stay at Largo.

Islamorada, which is actually a group of Keys, is a lot more attractive. The lodging choices are more varied, and there are some super places to stay there (such as Cheeca, and the Moorings). Also, IMO, there are more restaurant options in Islamorada.

The drive between Key Largo and Islamorada is probably 30 or so minutes.

I agree that Islamorada has it all over Key Largo in terms of scenery, dining options, etc. I'd check out the Moorings reort in Islamorada--all private cottages with their own beach--I stayed next door at Cheeca Lodge and wished I'd picked the Moorings.

thanks for the information....i loved the reports on the moorings and on islamadora!! I had read so much about konakai and heard some fabulous things about that place that i really wanted to stay there but it is in key largo.....only have 3 nights so just a long weekend would like to see it all but not enough time. Really want laid back with some snorkling and kayaking and swinging in the hammock with a margarita!!

We live in South Florida & go to the Keys often. It's the best place to relax and unwind. Last month we stayed at a really nice place in Islamorada called The Caribbean Resort at Sea Isle. When we first drove up, we were not impressed, (we were even thinking of leaving) but when we got to our villa & saw the pool, the long pier, etc. we were delighted. The pool was voted the nicest pool in the Keys. It's absolutely beautiful...it has no steps, you just walk into it from the deck & it's surrounded by lush foliage. If you're interested, the toll free # is 800-799-9175.
Also, the Chesapeake Resort in Islamorada is very nice. There are so many places to stay, it depends on your budget.

Forgot to mention, I much prefer Islamorada over Key Largo...to me Key Largo is just an extension of south Miami.

ok if we stay in islamorada at either the cheeca or moorings and want to snorkle where is the best place to go? Bike? Do we need to go back up to Pennekamp? thanks!