| In the Florida Keys for Spring Break? Don't Miss these New and Newly Improved Resorts |
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| March 16, 2009 |
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I don't know about you, but I'm definitely ready for Spring Break. And lucky Florida girl that I am, I don't have to travel far to get in the spirit of the holiday. Still, driving down to the Keys always feels like an exotic venture to me. There's the Key Lime pie fresh from the source to enjoy, of course. Not to mention fresh grouper sandwiches and snorkeling and diving at Looe Key Reef. Just the watery ride down to the Keys, bridge after bridge along the Overseas Highway through the islands, mentally whisks me away before I even get to my destination!
I'm excited about a few new -- and newly improved -- hotels in the Keys that are fresh on the scene in time for this year's Spring Break. Check it out:
- Parrot Key Resort (2801 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, 305-809-2200): The accommodations here are actually colorful conch-style Key West homes on the waterfront with one, two or three bedrooms, gourmet kitchens and plasma TVs. The location, two miles from Duval Street, allows for some peace and quiet in a family-friendly atmosphere -- and if you want to join the Duval Crawl, you're just a short drive or bike ride away.
- Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel (3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, 305-296-8100): Newly operated as a Marriott property since December 2008, this waterfront resort fronting seven acres along the Gulf of Mexico in Key West offers standard rooms as well as one, two and three-bedroom suites with private balconies and full gourmet kitchens. Again, you're slightly removed from Duval Street here, but a free shuttle can transport you to the action whenever you're ready.
- Key Largo Grande Resort & Beach Club (97000 S. Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, 305-852-5553): Recently renovated and re-branded as a Hilton property, this Key Largo resort sits on more than 12 acres of tropical forest along the Gulf of Mexico. Some $12 million was poured into the renovations, and rooms are spacious and contemporary. You can rent Jet Skis, kayaks and Hobiecats on site or take the family on an eco-tour boat trip.
- Hawk's Cay Island Resort (61 Hawks Cay Blvd., Duck Key, 305-743-7000): This exclusive 40-acre property on Duck Key, at Mile Marker 61 (midway through the Keys), re-launched in February 2008 after a facelift of some $35 million. The results are as breathtaking as you'd imagine, with luxurious villas and an expanded poolscape and saltwater lagoon. Kids love the treehouse playground and pirate ship swimming pool, and parents love everything else. For a fun family Spring Break activity, consider sailing lessons. The resort is offering a Kids Learn Free special -- with two adults paying sailing tuition, up to four kids between the ages of 7 and 17 can come along and learn for free!
- Casa Marina Resort (1500 Reynolds St., Key West, 305-296-3535): This Mediterranean beauty in Key West is the largest hotel in the Keys, and better than ever after a $43-million renovation that was careful to keep the historic property's integrity in tact, staying true to Henry Flagler's original concept. Upgrades to all rooms include the addition of espresso machines, iHomes for docking iPods and MP3 players and plasma TVs.
- Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa (601 Front St., Key West, 305-809-1234): A $10-million renovation saw this classic Key West property come back better than ever in 2008. For proximity to Duval Street and Mallory Square, it's hard to get any more central than the Hyatt. The hotel's fabulous Jala Spa, with treatments inspired by the waves, is among the shiny new additions.
Happy Spring Break!
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| Crowds gather to watch the nightly specatcle at Mallory Square in Key West. |
| Credit: Terry Ward |
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