Attending a conference in Key Largo this winter, and not liking the hotel where it is being held. Can anyone recommend a good place to stay there, with an upscale feeling and good pool/spa/beach/restaurant access? Thanks-

I would suggest you stay in Islamorada. Cheeca Lodge is a good choice. There are very good restaurants in Islamorada including the one at Cheeca. I also recommend Morada Bay, Islamorada Fish Company and Ziggy and Mad Dog's. The Lorelei is a good sunset spot. I lived in the Keys for many years and much prefer Islamorada to Key Largo.

Funny you should recommend Cheeca Lodge, because that's where I would really like to stay - - - was just hoping to get something closer! Thanks.

This is a lovely spot on Key Largo. Bayside for great sunsets and the people are very nice.

Kona Kai Resort

http://www.konakairesort.com/

We've stayed twice at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo for meetings. I believe you had to either attend a meeting or know a member in order to rent the rooms in their Inn, but the policy may have relaxed. It's worth the inquiry, although the place is so wonderful that you would have to drag yourself away to attend your conference.

Can you please tell me a little more about what makes the Ocean Reef Club so desireable?

Depending the on the times you need to be at the conference I'd head to Islamorada too. It would be worth the drive IMO - IF you don't have to drive home after an evening function with alcohol.

The Ocean Reef Club is a nice, upscale, gated community. Incidentally, it's about 15 miles or so from the center of Key Largo (using MM100 as the center,) about the same as Islamorada.

It has a beautiful beach that is about as clean and manicured as it is possible for Nature to be. The golf course (if you play) looks interesting and is beautiful, and the place overall has a feeling of quality and timelessness that we've haven't found in many places. The rooms in the Inn are lovely, and most people get around by golf cart.

The little fishing village in the resort is fun, and there is always something going on---game fishing events, celebrations, arts events, etc. The resort is much like a tiny town, even down to the two desalinization plants that keep it nearly self-sufficient. They have a really nice performing arts venue and some surprisingly big names make their way to ORC in winter.

http://www.oceanreef.com/