For our first visit to Key Largo, we stayed in the Pelican Key Largo Cottages. We knew nothing…read moreabout the area, and were hoping for the best, as I realize that even reading reviews, sometimes you don't always get what you're hoping for. First impression upon checking in with the front desk was positive. The attendant was very friendly, professional, and helpful. We were booked in Room 120 (Hibiscus), a double queen bed room, which was the first building (road side), going into the lot. Parking was free, and available on a first come, first serve basis. Unfortunately, another car deliberately blocked us in the first night of our stay. Once someone else moved their car, my husband was able to maneuver our vehicle out, but evidently, someone thought that the space we chose to park, belonged to them. The room was affordably priced; we booked through booking.com, and received a competitive rate. We visited just a few weeks prior to Memorial Day weekend (tourist season).
Check in is at 3pm, but they allow you to arrive anytime after 1pm, to enjoy the docks and the free kayak rentals. We didn't arrive until around 4pm. First impression upon walking into the room was the fact that it smelled VERY clean! It didn't smell like they just plugged in some room deodorizers to mask the smell; it smelled like freshly laundered sheets (like bleach and Downy). The room was small, there was a small refrigerator, and possibly a microwave (I can't recall if a microwave was in the room, but I believe so. There was a very tiny bathroom off from the main room, with a small, one person shower (no bathtub).
The lighting in the room wasn't the greatest; it came across a bit dark and cold, with little to no natural light (small windows obstructed by foliage). I wasn't crazy about the color of paint that they chose; I didn't think that it created a calming ambience. There's no carpeting, which is fine, but the floor is very cold, so I would suggest bringing house slippers or flip flops, if you don't want that on your feet.
There were some gnats in the room, but I noticed that was an issue within many public spaces near the water. Outside of that, we saw no sign of any other bug life. The beds were very comfortable, and I got a great nights sleep. The room had obviously been updated with the bathroom having a modern sink/knobs/vanity, and the shower was nice and hot. No issues with the plumbing. They provided complimentary shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. There wasn't a blow dryer in the room, but you can borrow one from the office. There is no complimentary breakfast; not even just muffins, but there are several restaurants within walking distance. We chose to dine at Doc's Diner, which wasn't on their recommendations, but we found it to be exceptional. Be prepared for the free roaming chickens all over Key Largo to wake you super early. There were two roosters just outside of our window crowing at just after 6am.
As for the grounds, walking down to the pier, the sunrises and sunsets are stunning, and the grounds have been kept up well, and we enjoyed them immensely. There was no loud parties or ruckus after hours, we didn't feel unsafe. There is no pool, but there is beach swimming available. There are plenty of picnic tables, chairs, and loungers.
All in all, if you're looking for luxury, this isn't your place. This is budget friendly, clean, and a nice stay if you're not planning on spending a lot of time in your room. I would stay again, but I wouldn't choose the Hibiscus room, simply because it's facing the road, and you can hear traffic all night long. I would choose a room either closer to the docks, or even better, overlooking the water.