"Give us an overview of this place. Down a residential road on Stock Island you reach the entrance to Oceans Edge, which fronts canals and a marina on the island just next to Key West. It's lush with tropical plants and palms, and has a bit of a residential feel too, with Key West cottage-style buildings (three stories, so not towers) that could just as easily be homes as a hotel. There's sparkling water everywhere and bobbing boats at every turn. What's the backstory? The property is located on Stock Island, so it's a bit removed from the Key West crowds but still just a 10-minute free shuttle drive to Duval Street. The resort occupies a manicured 20-acre swath and is the biggest player on the island. It attracts people who know that the best thing about the Keys is getting out on the water surrounding them to fish, snorkel, sail, and dive—and having your boat parked right in front of your room is a huge perk. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? The rooms evoke Florida style with tropical paintings and prints. The rooms mix preppy and modern—think Palm Beach meets South Beach. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is free and fast. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? The restaurant, Yellowfin Bar & Kitchen, is very Tommy Bahama in appearance. It's an open-air affair with a big long bar, fishing photos, and an outdoor dining area within a few steps of the dock/marina. It's not a fancy place, but hardly a dive either—it's pretty come as you are, straight off the boat or from the pool. The menu is classic Florida Keys, with things like blackened shrimp salad, ribs, fish tacos, watermelon feta salad, and jerk chicken sandwiches on the menu. And the service? Service is good. Efficient. Casual. The hotel really has more of the feel of a vacation rental condo. Chances are the only times you'll visit the lobby is for check-in and check-out as it's in its own building attached to the restaurant. What type of travelers will you find here? Lots of anglers and their ilk here—salt life people who came to boat and be on the water more than in their bedrooms. They're talking about what's biting, visibility conditions for scuba diving, and storm patterns. What about the neighborhood? What else is around here? The surrounding neighborhood is an RV park with humble fisherman homes with lobster and stone crab traps out front. The property is gated and doesn't really try to be a part of the residential surrounds. There's a regular free shuttle from the resort to bring guests to Key West and also bikes you can use, on the house. They also throw in free SUP rentals during your stay to paddle around the surrounding marina and lagoon. Any other hotel features worth noting? A great spot for takeaway eats near the resort is Yahman's Authentic Jamaican Jerk Shack, which does great ribs and jerk sandwiches you can sit outside to eat or bring back to your room's balcony to enjoy. They also offer free paddle boarding, kayaking, and bikes to guests. Also, when fishermen are in the marina cleaning their catches you can watch giant tarpon hanging out under the boats waiting for a snack. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? It is—especially if you have your own boat. You pay extra to keep it here, but there's 24-hour security, and you can’t beat having your boat at the ready." - Terry Ward
