DRIFT HOTEL, Key Largo

The Drift Hotel is located on the main highway through the Keys, making it easy to reach from Miami International Airport (99 km). The property occupies a long, narrow lot running from the road back to the water, so rooms closer to the highway may experience traffic noise. The private beach and dock area at the rear offer a peaceful retreat with sun loungers, swings, and excellent sunset views. Nearby attractions include Pigeon Key (1 km) and John Pennekamp State Park (13 km). Several restaurants, bars, and a supermarket are a short drive away, but a car is necessary for getting around.

Rooms range from double rooms to spacious suites that can sleep up to 6 people. Some suites include a kitchenette with a stovetop, refrigerator, microwave, and kitchenware. Certain rooms have balconies or a terrace. Beds are described as comfortable, but storage space is very limited - there is no closet, dresser, or luggage rack in many rooms. Bathrooms are small with minimal shelving. Road-facing rooms can be noisy due to highway traffic, and thin walls may allow sound from neighbouring rooms. Some rooms are closer to the road and less desirable; requesting a room at the beach end is recommended for a quieter stay.

The Drift Hotel does not have a restaurant, café, or breakfast offering. Guests looking to eat on site can use the BBQ grills (bring your own charcoal) or prepare simple meals in rooms that include a kitchenette. A supermarket is a short drive away. Several highly rated restaurants are located within a few minutes' drive, and the area also offers many dining options. The office has snacks and fruit for sale, and bottled water and soft drinks are available for $2 each.

The property's main leisure draw is its direct water access. Complimentary equipment includes kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, snorkelling masks and fins, and bicycles - all available on a first-come, first-served basis by leaving a photo ID at the office. The private beach area is sandy with steps into the water and a dock from which guests can swim, fish (catch and release only), or watch marine life. Life jackets are provided. There is no swimming pool, but the bay is swimmable, and the water is typically calm. The dock is also popular for sunset viewing. Note that the water access area is relatively small, and the number of sun loungers is limited.

The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in all areas and free private parking directly outside the rooms - no reservation needed. Check-in is from 16:00 using a door code provided in advance; the office is open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM for any in-person needs. There is no laundry on site, but a laundromat is a 9-minute drive away. A boat dock is available for boats 7.6 m and under, though there is no boat ramp on property (a public ramp is next door at Sunset Pointe Park, free of charge). The property has smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. The hotel consists of ground-floor rooms only, making it accessible without stairs. Payment is accepted via American Express, Visa, Discover, and MasterCard.