"How did it strike you on arrival?In a sea of rather unforgettable two-star motels, it’s easy to see why most visitors to the Everglades come for the day and head back to the plush confines of their South Beach digs after a few hours of gator-scouting or birdwatching. But those people probably don’t know about The Ivey House, a cozy, 18-room bed and breakfast that caters specifically to travelers with adventure on the brain. It’s not The Ritz-Carlton, but there’s something kind of quaint about the old-timey Florida feel of it all—especially in the Everglades, an area that already feels largely untouched by urban development. Sure, the décor is a little over the top with its bright, tropical jungle prints that seem to want to remind you, “Hey, you’re in Florida!” But somehow it works for The Ivey House, the no-brainer choice if you want a clean and spacious room. What’s the crowd like?Generally, there are two types of people who visit the Everglades: the drive-by kind who just want to say they’ve been there, and those people who genuinely want to experience the many adventures these wetlands have to offer. It’s the latter group that you’ll find at The Ivey House—the people who know that a few hours isn’t nearly enough time to explore even a fraction of the park’s 1.5 million acres of wetlands. The Ivey House even offers a number of packages that will let you bundle fun extras like an eco-paddle trip, airboat tour, or swamp buggy ride into your stay. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.If the outside of The Ivey House looks like something from the past, wait until you open the door to your room. With tiled floors, oversized wooden furniture, and mismatched walls painted in various shades of pinks, peaches, and corals, the rooms are much cozier than the kind you’d find at pretty much any other nearby hotel. The Two Queens room had soaring ceilings and a hidden alcove that made it a great choice for a girls trip (the two queen beds would just as easily work for a small family or a pair of couples who didn’t mind sharing a room). A work desk made a nice spot to plan out the next day’s activities, and a corner changing area made for an unexpected bit of privacy—not to mention a great place to store any camping or other outdoor equipment you may have brought along. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?While nothing fancy—some standard white-striped sheets with a bright, jungle-print bedspread for a pop of color—the bed was surprisingly comfortable, especially if you like your mattress a bit on the firmer side. It didn’t take long to fall into a deep sleep, though some of that may have had to do with a long day of traipsing and paddling through the Everglades. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?There’s not much to talk about in terms of over-the-top in-room amenities; there’s a TV and a mini-fridge, but not much beyond that. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.When you’re crashing at an old-school B&B, having a private bathroom is a triumph in and of itself, and each of The Ivey House’s room has that (though there’s only one ADA-compliant room, so if mobility is an issue, you’ll want to call and make sure to book the right room). Beyond that, it’s all pretty standard stuff. We'd recommend bringing your own favorite shampoos, conditioners, and soaps along if you're particular about what goes on your face and in your hair. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?The Wi-Fi is free in all rooms and common areas, though the signal seemed strongest in public areas like the lobby. What do they have for food?While there’s no room service to speak of, the inn is within walking distance of a handful of solid restaurants, including City Seafood. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The front desk clerk could not have been more friendly or helpful getting us checked in quickly and giving us the lay of the land, like where the breakfast room was (a free breakfast buffet is included in your stay) and a quick tour of the hotel’s screened-in pool. Anything stand out about other services and features? If you’re spending a night at The Ivey House, it’s probably only because you’re spending time in the Everglades, and the hotel takes the planning part of that off your plate, too; there’s a free shuttle for you and your equipment to various sections of the Everglades from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. They’ll also hook you up with guided tours, canoe and kayak rentals, and lots of insider tips and reminders that might never have even occurred to you (like: don’t forget the mosquito repellent or the sunblock, and long sleeves and pants are always the best choice). What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?You don’t go into a stay at The Ivey House thinking it’s going to be one spa treatment after another, but more than one staffer went beyond the call of duty to make sure that we were well attended to. That personal touch and pride the team here takes in providing a clean, comfortable, and fun atmosphere for Everglades visitors made us happy that we had decided to forego the hour-plus drive back to Miami. Also: Onsite laundry facilities were an amenity we never knew we needed (but very much appreciated after a day in the tropical wilderness). Bottom line: Why are we choosing the Ivey House?With prices starting around $100 per night, you get way more than you pay for at The Ivey House. Whereas other small, independently-run inns seem to regularly bungle the details, booking was a cinch and the hotel was surprisingly proactive in reaching out to make sure that all of our questions were answered and needs were met. It was a much more personal experience than you tend to get from even the largest hotel chains." - Jennifer M. Wood
