Upper and Middle Florida Keys Hotels
 

Author: essatche
Date: 04/12/2007, 04:31 pm
My husband and I are planning a trip to Islamorada for 4 - 5 days. We are trying to decide where to stay - Cheeca Lodge or Casa Morada. We're looking for a nice / luxury hotel with a beautiful room and nice view. We like upscale accomodations. My husband likes to snorkel - I like to lay on the beach and enjoy a nice cold drink. Iwant to go somewhere to relax and unwind. We're going for our anniversary? Anyone have a suggestion?

My wife and I have stayed at the Cheeca a few times. (We normally spend our time in key West.)
I'ts been a few years since we last at the Cheeca.

I hear they've done some extensive renovations. I do know that they have increased their rates substantially. (they send me mailers every now and again trying to induce me to return.)

Although I found the Cheeca to be nice, I wasn't blown away by it. It seemed to be a typical multi room hotel circa the 1960s. the restaurant was adequate, but not memorable. I also am not a golfer, so that aspect of it also bugs me a little.

I've had my eye on Casa Morada for awhile, but haven't stayed there (yet.) The reviews on Trip Advisor all seem to be quite favorable. I think I'd prefer it over the Cheeca because it's smaller and (perhaps) more intimate.

Chances are good that either place will afford you a nice place to stay.

4 to 5 days in Islamorada might be a bit long. (Don't get me wrong - I've also considered Islamorda to be the prettiest area of the Keys.) You might want to think about spending a couple of nights in key West, and the balance in Islamorada. Just a thought.

Have fun in the Keys.

Thank you. I've read some good things about Casa Morada as well, but I've been hesitant to book a room because the suites face the bay. I don't know if that really matters in the Keys or not. I've also thought about spending a day or two in Key West. Where would you suggest I stay? I've read some good things about the Marquesa. Any suggestions?

I'm a big fan of the Gardens in Key West, but the Marquesa gets rave reviews as well. Keep in mind, neither of them are on the water.
The Keys are not really beachy.
Also, there's no real beach, in the traditional sense, at Cheeca. There's a beachy area, ie some sand, but then there's a sea wall. It's not like Daytona or Hawaii or any other famous beach place, in any stretch of the imagination.
In the Keys, the Bay side just means it's across the road. In some parts of the Keys, you can stand in the middle and throw a rock to both the Atlantic side and the Bay side, they're that close. On the Bay side, you'll have the full effect of the sun set.

I, too, hope you've read a little about "beaches" in the keys. Since the keys are coral, all beaches there are made with imported sand and most are tiny.

If money is absolutely NO object, look into Little Palm Island - littlepalmisland.com. It'd fit your qualifications!

For luxury in Key West, the Gardens is wonderful - as is the Marquesa. If you want luxury AND a view, you might try Dewey House and La Mer on the Atlantic side of the island, though there's some construction that will begin in that area within the next month or two.

I'm very partial to Key West! You can do as little or as much as you want there. Everything is within walking distance if you stay in Old Town, and they have fabulous restaurants. We stayed at Cheeca Lodge for one night en route to Key West on our first trip to the keys and have never been back. It was nice, but not special. Every trip since then, we've either flown into Key West or driven straight down from Miami.

I prefer the bayside for the sunsets. Book dinner at Pierre's for your anniversary. Get there a little before sunset and have a drink outside on the sofa they set up in the sand. Then head indoors for an amazing meal. Everything in the keys is rather casual but you can dress up a bit for Pierre's (but no jacket! no tie!)