We stayed at Parrot Key late August. I take reviews very seriously when staying somewhere especially for the first time so I hope this is helpful to someone! I did read a lot of other reviews that had already been left too.

Ok so first, someone had mentioned there was nobody waiting on them etc. that wasn’t true for our experience. Every day we were at the pool, we had a server come up to us and ask if we were okay and if we needed anything. Actually, multiple servers sometimes in one pool day. We did order poolside and Tracey was awesome! He was efficient and we had our food quick. It is very resort-like. Anyone who complains about the 18% gratuity added to resort food/drinks you order, never planned on tipping to begin with. After being in the industry for many years, that was added after probably months if not years of people being waited on hand and foot and not leaving the server a dollar, how would they keep employees that way? So, we were more than fine with that and you can add more if you would like to tip 20%. There were always complimentary towels by every pool. The pool areas were clean. I think some of the comments about the grounds being dirty, I think there’s always room for improvement but it is a very outdoor spot and I think it would be hard to clean the outdoor areas much more than they do. However, if I could put a request in for anything, it would be a garbage can out front on the “beach” area! With someone designated to change it. I think that would help the trash problem greatly. People just throw it anywhere, even though they shouldn’t, when you don’t give them another option.

So the actual rooms were beautiful. I would highly recommend staying waterfront. I can see why someone in the middle of the courtyard might not have loved their stay as much as someone waterfront. The views are phenomenal. The rooms needed a few updates but other than that, they were really clean, cozy and spacious.

They tell you when you first check in that if you need anything, call the front desk. They don’t go around in the morning to see if you need towels. We prefer this. I don’t want to have to get up at 8am to tell someone we don’t need towels. Plus, there are steps for a lot of the units and I doubt anyone would be able to hear someone knocking so this is definitely the most efficient way I believe. If you call to the front desk for anything, they answer quickly and provide whatever you need.

The shuttle is easy, all you have to do is literally call the front desk the night before and “sign up”. We didn’t use it because it ran to the beach too early coming back at 4pm but we did inquire about the beach chair rental at Smathers and you can get towels and chairs at the beach for staying at the Parrot Key, this is also very simple.

The only “cons” for us were the valet. I am sure some people enjoy valet and find it to be regal but we don’t at all. I hate someone having my keys and driving my car. I didn’t like having to get someone to get our car every single time we need to leave, we are very active people and like to come and go a lot. I would suggest giving people the option as there are many who would still do valet, you could even have that as an add on before they check in so you know how to staff. We would’ve been more apt to spend more money on the grounds or water sports if the valet charge wasn’t there at weeks end. Just a suggestion. The resort fee isn’t a big deal if you get your use. You do have to consider things like the water they put out at the pools and the towels. Those all cost money. So while you might not do EVERY thing, you are most likely getting some use out of the resort fee to some capacity daily. I used the gym which is very nice, small, but up to date and very clean. We also utilized the sunset pier quite often.

All in all, like every place you stay, there are things you would change. We will definitely stay here again as our experience was great! Thanks to all the staff!