Marianne C.
Yelp
This is a great location right on the water on Front street. I give it three stars because it has seen better days. It's getting tired. We came here 14 years ago. It's the exact same room, but with dirty grout, chipping tiles, and chipped paint. This place just begs for a general facelift. It's been too long since this hotel has been "touched up."
The room is fine, but the furniture is showing its age. They added nice touches like cotton swabs, facial cotton pads, shower caps, and fingernail polish remover. I just wish they would tell you this before you go so that you know you don't have to carry these things with you.
The outside surrounding areas also need attention.
The breakfast was actually quite good and plentiful, but expensive (~$80 for two people). Shout out to Courtney Roltsch, Food and Beverage Manager, for a gracious response to a disastrous breakfast
Yes, the beach is small, but this and the Pier House, I believe, are the only hotels on the Gulf side that even have a beach. That's Key West. If you want a huge beach, you can go to the Fort Zachary Taylor public beach, which is wonderful, but on the Atlantic side.
I agree with the other comment that it's very sad in this day and age to see a parrot confined, although at night I did not see him. I can only hope he's allowed to fly free at times. Also, the turtles seem to have no enrichment. Even though they claim they are attended to by professionals, it's sad to see them in pools with just planks to rest on and one piece of wood to explore.
This hotel rates are quite expensive and that's why I believe this hotel needs to be renovated. If you charge high prices people expect more. It's time!!
They say (in the key card pouch that I read 2 days after arriving) included in the daily resort fee is a refreshment item at the pool daily. This did not happen nor did we get the Welcome Drink. They also mention you have access to umbrellas and ponchos. It was pouring when we arrived. No one mentioned those items upon arrival. I thought to ask for an umbrella and I did receive what I believe was one of only two that I saw. They also mentioned two hours of a free bike rental. I didn't see the bikes nor was I told about this when I arrived.
FYI--there are two taxes added to the resort fee. This seems to be the norm these days. I don't know why the properties just don't increase the room rates as opposed to adding these fees. It's very annoying.
They have added what I will call a water station. You can get flavored still or sparkling water in a reusable metal water bottle that is provided, part of your resort fee.
On another note, the CVS has moved even closer to this hotel. It's a nice plus if you need anything.