Marco Island or Islamorada
 

Curious on what everyone's opinions are on Marco Island and Islamorda Florida? General information on which is prettier, cheaper, etc... Would it be worth to check out Islamorda if one has never been? I have heard the beaches in the keys are not that great but curious on what everyone's thoughts are. And is there a certain hotel that is under $150 along the beach at either of these destinations? Any opinions and advice would be helpful.

$150 is not realistic.

There are hotels in Marco but most people rent a house or condo for a month. Lots of beachfront high rises, no great restaurants, beautiful weather, wide and beautiful beaches.

Islamorada has a nice Hampton Inn but it is around $200 in season. The beach is about 20 feet wide. Lots of other stuff to do, fishing being prime. Restaurants of all kinds, including Chanticleer South, a wonderful small French restaurant. Easy access to the other keys, all of which are intersting.

Check into the cost of flights from where you are to MIA and RSW (Fort Myers). Ditto car rentals. One could be significantly cheaper than the other and might help you figure out where to go for the least TOTAL cost.

I have only been to Marco and we just love it there. It is the most beautiful beach we have found in Florida. We always stay with friends when we go, but do know there is a Marriott and a Hilton there. There are many good restaurants in Marco-you can walk to some of them from the hotels. The beach is very shelly and you will also find sand dollars and star fish.

Marco is a great beach vacation. One of the prettiest beaches in Florida with great hotels, condos or homes available. I found the restaurants acceptable. Not a negative at all.

You don't say when you are going and the Keys are seasonal. If you are an off shore fisherman, the Keys are paradise. Snorkeling is excellent in the Keys. Maybe a bit of a drive from Islamorada, but worth it. Ackislander is right on about the beaches. They are small, man made, and not the main attraction.

The Keys have great character with every destination tee shirt casual. Fresh caught fish make for great food from tiki shacks to fine resorts. Cruising the bridges, walking the causeways, visiting Key West are all great activities.

Peak season can be really, really expensive in the Keys or Marco. You won't hit your price point Christmas to spring break. I have stayed at the Hampton Islamorada and enjoyed. The best Hampton Inn pool you will find. A private beach. Walking distance to Lazy Days, a great restaurant.

Also research flying in to Fort Lauderdale instead of MIA for the Keys. Really only an hour further away so if you are coming for more than a day or two it could be very much worth it.

Well said above. If you want to go Deep Sea Fishing - Islamorada and the Keys. For great beaches/golf - Marco.

We took a cruise out of Miami - and then rented a car afterwards and drove down the keys - staying at a great place in Islamorada for a fairly reasonable price. The next day however - was the start of the Christmas holidays - and our room rate tripled - but we were headed back anyway.

You can get a room under $150 in Islamorada if you plan well in advance. Also, Chanticleer South closed some time ago and is now Chef Michael's.