Cold_in_Cleveland

My fellow Fodorites,

I have done the research and am at a loss. It's our wedding anniversary and we'd like to stay in a romantic spot in Islamorada within walking distance of the restaurants that has at least a tiny walk-in beach, pool, tiki bar with refreshing frosty beverages and some semblance of ambience for around $250 or less . . . does such a place exist?

Thus far my research has led to the following conclusions: Cheeca is too snooty and expensive, Pines and Palms appears to lack a beach or nearby tiki libations, I'm not loving the Hampton Inn because it's a chain with an Outback Steakhouse . . . Help! Please let me know your thoughts and certainly let me know if my above conclusions are wrong.

Thank you !
Cold_in_Cleveland

Ackislander

The Hampton Inn is in your price range but is not like a standard roadside Hampton Inn. It has its own beach (at low tide), a nice pool, and a tiki bar. You don't have to eat at the Outback. It is not romantic, but 4 out of 5 may be as well as you can do. But I hope you get better answers!

If you need this right away, it may be a problem. This is absolutely primo time in Florida since no one can stand one more minute in the north.

Cold_in_Cleveland

Thank you, Ackislander. I really appreciate your input. Looks like Hampton Inn is booking at about 350/night right now so it's out of my price range. (

Marcia

Try the Pelican Cove Resort. My husband & I stay there a lot (we live in South Florida.....they have a beach, pool, & Tiki bar.

bon_voyage

Depending on your dates, the Lodges North and South at the Moorings are listed from $250-325. This is a gorgeous property. We took a look at the grounds when we were in the area last spring.

Ackislander

Keep looking. I just read a magazine with an article on places to stay in the Keys, some of them reasonably priced. The problem is, I just read a _bunch_ of magazines in the last two days. I will skim tonight and see if I can send you a reference.

Ackislander

Sorry, no luck.

There is no special magic about Islamorada compared to the other keys (well, except for Chanticleer South, a wonderful French restaurant).

Have you looked at Marathon or Matecumbe to the south or Key Largo to the North?

Sue413

Hi, try the Chesapeake Beach Resort in Islamorada- its a great location. not sure if tiki bar but very pretty property, romantic. Bring your own wine and beer. You can take a taxi or short walk to a few great tikis nearby. Islamorada is very pretty place- I recommend it over any of the Upper Keys including Key Largo. I know as I used to lived thereDefinitley do a boat ride or sunset cruise, the true beauty of keys is the water.
The Moorings is also the most stunning property in all the Keys. You can walk 1 minute to the Cheeca Lodge for your tiki drinks. You will feel like you are in total paradise-and its worth the money. good luck