Fodor's Expert Review Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway

If you love old school-style Florida resorts, this is the real deal, and it’s right on the bay. There’s a marina so you can easily book a charter or rent a boat for fishing, snorkeling, and diving. Already have a boat? Bring it, and keep it right behind your unit. The property is simple, it doesn’t pretend to be anything else, and it provides easy access to what the Florida Keys is all about--the water.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Captain Pip’s has good bones but some may still find it a little rough around the edges--that's a big part of its charm.

room

Forget the small guest room, book a one-or two-bedroom in one of their colorful, waterfront apartment-style buildings. All units have been updated with new furniture (nice!), new baths, tiled or hardwood floors, curtains, a/c units, and kitchens. Is that a stainless steel French-door fridge in the Marlin unit? Yes-sir-ee! Don't worry, you’ll still get the old school feel with the exposed, painted brick walls and wood paneling (which is actually rare Dade County Pine). Units have useful extras too, like a cooler, beach towels, coffee, creamer, and sugar.

Water views go a long way to make your soul happy, so does renting a boat at up to 30% off, a special for guests.

Photo: This is the common area for our Marlin Building Guest. This building has 1 guest room and 1 large apartment. Waterviews, next too pool.. Check out our website www.captainpips.com to see individual rooms.

Photo: This is the outside common area for our Dolphin Building Guests. This building has 2 guest rooms and 2 apartments. Waterviews and a dock. Check out our website www.captainpips.com to see individual rooms.

Photo: This is our Garden building common area. Less expensive rooms with garden views. This building has 2 apartments and 2 guest rooms. Check out our website www.captainpips.com to see individual rooms.

bathroom

Not even sure we can classify Captain Pip's as "old school" anymore as the bathrooms have been updated with travertine tile and a modern vanity. You'll also find fluffy towels, shampoo and conditioner, and a hair dryer.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Walls can be thin. You have been warned.

lobby

It’s a shed! It’s a shack! It’s... the office! If the door is open to the colorful shed, they’re in. You’ll see it as soon as you drive up. Park on the pea rocks, wipe your feet, and step inside. Rumor has it that a new lobby is being constructed, complete with a Captain Pip's shop, but it won't be ready till early 2018.

Photo: Enjoy our chilled and heated pool. Great place to sunbath while enjoying the beautiful bay view.

pool

Take a dip in their new pool that overlooks the Florida Bay. It’s a good size and the deck has plenty of lounge chairs for sunning. Fill your cooler from the room with drinks (just not glass) and bring it with you, and soak in those beautiful bay views.

Whatever the season, the water will be just right, because this pool has a heater and a chiller.

Photo: Enjoy our chilled and heated pool. Great place to sunbath while enjoying the beautiful bay view.

Photo: This restaurant is within walking distance from our sister location Knights Key Inn. It boost the best Family Fun Day in the Keys.

dining

Walk over to Porky’s Bayside for breakfast, lunch, or dinner--seven days a week. If you’re heading out on a boat, order a boxed lunch the day before, and pick it up in the morning, starting at6:30 am. Every day is a different food special but our favorite is Monday, for beer butt chicken. There’s live music nightly and Sunday afternoons. They smoke their own BBQ on the premises daily. If you want to grill your own dinner, or catch of the day, each building has its own community bbq.

Photo: This restaurant is within walking distance from our sister location Knights Key Inn. It boost the best Family Fun Day in the Keys.

grounds

There aren't really grounds here, it's all pea rocks. Everywhere you go, from the marina, to the bike rentals, and the restaurant, you'll be walking over pea rocks. But, there's a reason. Water is a premium on these islands so instead of trying to keep grass green, resorts and residents use these popular, white, stone pebbles instead.