I am a Florida resident living in Coral Springs.Whenever we can spare a couple of days my husband and I enjoy taking the kids to explore all the wonderful resorts that South Florida has to offer. When we decided on the upper Keys, for our latest trip, we were told by many friends that the only place to stay was the Cheeca Lodge & Spa. With such high expectations, I was a little skeptical. But without a doubt our stay at the Cheeca was one of the most wonderful experiences that we have had. The staff, from Managerial to maintenance, were extremely accommodating. The rooms were emmaculate, I felt like I was sleeping in my own bed.There was no need to leave the grounds, we did not have time to enjoy all of the amenities. We will not have to research our next trip. It will be back at The Cheeca to finish up where we lef off.

Darrelle Buckley

I would highly recommend this resort to anyone. We stayed in the least expensive room in the main lodge and it was GORGEOUS. Beautiful furniture, the bathroom was incredible. And a balcony with beautiful patio furniture. The grounds were gorgeous.

My kids (8 and 10) had a blast snorkeling in the lagoon. They had fun fishing off the pier (the poles are free to use).

We had dinner one night at the Curt Gowdy lounge and it was the best meal we had the whole time we were at the Keys.

There is a small food market across the street and a Burger King down the street where we had breakfast (well, the kids and hubby).

The Keys are definitely a boaters and snorkelers paradise. Don't expect any sandy beaches! Yes there is an ocean smell at low tide, but that's nature.

Comment from my 8 year old: Cheeca Lodge is awesome! The chocolates (at turndown), the lagoon, the Blackened Grouper.

I'm not exactly sure what many of the negative reviewers are expecting from a resort in the Keys, let alone Cheeca Lodge. If you're looking for a Club Med, no place in the Keys probably will suffice (although Key West may get you just as intoxicated) or, alternatively, if you're looking for the most kid-friendly place I say stay in Orlando. Islamorada and Cheeca Lodge provide an opportunity to escape -- and in a pretty luxurious environment, assuming you're not looking to pay Days Inn rates.

Admittedly, we stayed in one of the one-bedroom suites, which by anyone's estimation is top notch. On par, if not superior, to many similar rooms we've had at the Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton. The bathroom alone was truly remarkable.

We also found the amenities to be fine -- maybe not truly 5 star, but, hey, it's the keys, and it's probably as good as it's going to get (I say the same about many of the top Carribean resorts). Yes, the breakfasts may be a little hurried: it's a buffet after all. However, dinner in the fine dining restaurant is as good as it gets. Service is personable without being intrusive. Portions are huge. And, the ambiance is very romantic.

Oh, and the sunset cruise organized by the resort also is outstanding, and highly recommended.

All in all, I think Cheeca does a great job. We would happily stay there again. Those who want something different, I suspect probably want something different. If you're looking to stay in the Keys, however, I highly recommend Cheeca Lodge.

Poor Cheeca, they just can't seem to get it together. We stayed 5 nights at Cheeca during the same time period as the two reviewers below, but had none of the same problems. The 1 bedroom suite was great (huge bathroom, a master suite, a living room with queen sleeper and kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and fullsize fridge) and nicely decorated. My only complaint would be the air conditioners which are quite loud, but we eventually got used to it. Do request one with a view of the water feature area. But, for the same price we were scheduled to pay at the Four Seasons Exuma (cancelled due to Malaria outbreak we learned about on Trip Advisor!) we had twice as much space for our family of 4.

The service was acceptable, though not outstanding but the property is very relaxing, and very kid friendly, and stunningly beautiful at night. I can't believe anyone would go there on a honeymoon or complain about children "running wild" at the resort. It's a family resort--there's a kid's playground, a kid's program, kids menus etc. If you don't want to hear children, spend more money and go further south to Little Palm Island.

And, Islamorada is not a beach resort--its a fishing destination. So be warned if you are planning a trip to the Florida Keys--the Keys does not have beaches like you find on the Florida coast. If you want to lounge on a spectacular beach, head to Destin, Naples, Clearwater, or the Bahamas. If you want to fish, head to Islamorada. Thanks to a trip advisor review we rented a boat from Papa Joe's Marina (Bump and Jump rentals) and took our kids fishing. The 23 ft. Angler was in great shape and only $250 day. The hotel does provide fishing equipment for fishing off their dock, which our children loved. Yes, you have to buy your bait--but come on people it's $4.50 and an attendant hands it to you at the base of the dock. It's convenient.

The Breakfast buffet at the Cheeca was very good (fresh made Omelettes, waffles, etc) and despite complaints we read about the price, they didn't charge us for the kids and they serve free Starbucks coffee! For dinner I highly recommend Pierre's for a romantic adult dinner out, Morada Bay for dinner on the sand with live music and outstanding food(and the kids can "run wild"), and Islamorada Fish Company. We skipped dinner at the hotel, but did have lunch by the pool which was fair.

All in all its a nice family resort if you're planning to go to Islamorada to go fishing, diving, etc. If you are seeking a relaxing beach vacation, go somewhere else.