The Caribbean Resort — Hotel in Islamorada

I can’t say enough good things about The Caribbean Resort in Islamorada. And for anyone who says this place was expensive wasn’t doing any research. I am a classic over-researcher. There is NOTHING comparable at this price (I know prices in the Keys are seasonal, so for reference, our trip was beginning of May). I’ve traveled to the Keys many times over the last 20+ years, and stayed on many different islands/keys.That being said, this isn’t a full-service resort. It’s more like renting a condo - a spacious, wonderfully stocked and appointed condo in a location that is a slice of paradise - our unit had a wraparound porch too. There are no restaurants on site, and the business office is only staffed during business hours (but they made our after-hours check-in a breeze). Sign an online waiver, and you’re free to use the bikes, kayaks and paddle boards, no extra charge. There is an easy boat ramp for getting started off on your paddle board. There are a ton of places to explore that are easily accessible by bike (or car). There’s a big new grocery store about a mile away (Publix). We bought some pre-mix pina colada (there was a blender in our kitchen - I assume in all the units - and a full fridge with ice maker) and some snack foods, and we went out for all our big meals - we were on vacation after all. But you could easily make all your meals in the beautiful kitchen. The housekeeping is basically a daily refreshing of towels and a little tidying - not sure if there’s more during non- COVID times, but it was plenty for us. There are 2 buildings/4 units that open up right onto the pool and hot tub and we stayed in one of these. We loved that feature! But honestly, this is a cozy resort, and no unit is far from the pool, or the dock/pier. We stayed in Princess Palm South, and the walk to the pier was nothing. There is supposedly a 16 and up age limit, but there was another group doing a family reunion, and some were definitely younger, but I’d guess 10+ (they were wonderful kids), so I think they make exceptions if you have a group event. The place was serene and relaxing, and it’s obvious they put a lot of care and thought into the palms and vegetation. For reference, the resort is on the Atlantic side, and basically situated between The Islander Resort and Cheeca Lodge, so it would be easy to go there for meals, but I’d highly recommend Bayside Gourmet and the restaurant behind World Wide Sportsman/Islamorada Fish Market as my faves. I almost hesitated to write this review, because I want to keep this place as my secret! But I want them to stay in business through this COVID thing so they are still there for my next trip...

I really hesitated in writing a review for The Caribbean Resort because I didn’t want to tell people about this hidden gem of a resort. That would just make it that much harder for my family to find an open date to book. But these guys deserve a review plus some. We spent five nights here in the Canary Island North house and it was beyond AMAZING!! From the moment we arrived to the moment we checked out was like a dream. It was the easiest check in process I have ever experienced. The ladies in the office were very very helpful and accommodating. The property itself was a slice of paradise. My kids enjoyed free use of the bikes, the paddle boards and the kayaks. We even cooked out one night because the resort offers gas grills for each home. The pool and hot tub were beyond tropical and amazing. It was so cool to be sitting in the hot tub and watching the iguana’s and gecko’s walk around. Both pool and hot tub were like bath water. I can firmly say that we have found our permanent resort every time we vacation in the Florida Keys. And I have to give a shoutout to housekeeping. They were so accommodating. They came up and checked with us each morning to see if there was anything we needed or anything they could do for us. These people are the real heroes of the resort because everything was in pristine condition inside and out. My 66-year-old father says this is the best vacation he has ever been on...

Do not hesitate to book this absolute gem of a resort. My husband and I stayed in the Coconut Palm South "home" and it was spotless and beautifully decorated.||The use of bicycles, kayaks, fishing poles etc, are all included. The pool, the dock, and view of the endless Atlantic Ocean add to the feeling you are not at a resort, but on your own island oasis. It is a small resort, and you can mingle with the other guests as much or as little as you desire. ||Keep in mind there is no onsite restaurant, and some "homes" are designed side by side, where you share veranda space with other guest or guests. If you are lucky, like we were, they are friendly but not invasive if you seek privacy.| |We have stayed in 2 other properties in Islamorada, and all were wonderful but you will pay for it. No different at this property. The Florida Keys are expensive and there is no way around that. For a special stay, save up and treat yourself to this gem.||Note: When we stayed in April, there was construction going on around this area, so you may have some...