IBIS BAY RESORT, Key West

The resort is set on the bay, about 2 km from the airport, in an area that includes gas stations and fast-food outlets. The free hourly downtown shuttle from 8 am to 10 pm connects directly to two stops near Duval Street, making a car unnecessary for exploring. Key West's historic attractions, such as the Ernest Hemingway Home (4 km) and Duval Street (4 km), are best reached via the shuttle or a short taxi ride. Several casual dining options, including CD Anchor Foodtruck and Big John's Pizzeria, are within a 5-minute walk. The property sits next to a busy main road, so rooms facing the street or courtyard may hear traffic noise, while bay-facing rooms are quieter. On-site parking is included in the resort fee and requires no reservation, but there is no airport shuttle.

Accommodations vary from standard courtyard-view rooms to beachfront units with direct bay outlooks. Double rooms have two full-sized beds; a King Suite includes a stove. The three-bedroom suite has a full kitchen and a $100 cleaning fee. Wall-unit air conditioners are standard and are noted for loud cycling, making them disruptive for light sleepers. Some rooms have slip doors or handicap-accessible features. Rooms are compact-bathrooms and showers are small-and decor is retro. Beachfront rooms have a patio with outdoor furniture and hammocks, while courtyard rooms face the parking lot or walkways. No in-room coffee makers or microwaves are provided, but all rooms have a refrigerator and a flat-screen TV. The lack of an elevator means second-floor rooms require stairs. Room cleaning is daily and free, though some requests for amenities like extra towels may need to be made at the front desk.

The complimentary continental breakfast is served in the restaurant from as early as 7 am and includes breads, bagels, cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs, ham, cheese, and hot beverages. Breakfast is plated with disposable containers and cutlery. The Stoned Crab restaurant (family-friendly, outdoor seating) is open for lunch and dinner, specializing in seafood and vegetarian options, with a poolside bar. A small on-site minimarket sells drinks and snacks. The resort does not allow barbecues or grills. For additional variety, several restaurants are within a 5-10 minute walk, including a pizzeria and a creperie.

The outdoor saltwater pool has a shallow end, pool/beach towels, and a fence around it. Sun loungers and umbrellas are provided free of charge. The pool bar serves drinks and snacks. Massage services are available for an additional fee. The private beach area is a lounging and walking beach with hammocks and lounge chairs, though swimming is not recommended due to the protected, muddy bottom. On-site activities include biking, canoeing, fishing, and walking tours (all at an extra charge), and a marina can accommodate boats up to 6.4 m. The property also houses a turtle sanctuary and hosts daily shark feedings at the dock. No fitness center, hot tub, or spa exist on site.