Gulf View Waterfront Resort
MM 58.7 BS, 58743 Overseas Hwy., Grassy Key, Florida 33050, USA
Why We Like It
The owners and their family are so kind; they’ll do what it takes to make you happy. They truly enjoy you as a guest on their property. And the grounds are kept so nicely, you’ll love exploring, especially their onsite ‘zoo’ of tortoises and birds. That in itself is unique to this resort.
Gulf View Waterfront is not fancy by any means, but the rooms are sufficient and the location is central. You can be in Key West in an hour or Islamorada in less than 30 minutes. If you want a beach, visit Sombrero, because you won't find one here. But, if you want to feel like you’re staying with family, stay here.
Fodor's Expert Review
This family run resort caters to its guests and their pets. They’re on the Gulf of Mexico, the units are clean, and the grounds are well kept and fun to explore. Sway in a hammock, escape in a complimentary kayak or pay a visit to the aviary and tortoise pen.
Tip They have several room sizes, so take your time and find which suits your needs. The efficiencies are a great deal for what you get.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
More than a number, each room also has a name like Sea Turtle, Iguana, or Stone Crab. Inside, it’s simple tropical. Pastels, older rattan furniture, older TVs, floral bed spreads, an A/C wall unit, and a push button phone. Closets have a few mismatched hangers. Kitchen units have the basics like a toaster, blender, coffee pot, gas stove, and a refrigerator. Reusable grocery bags are available for your use.
Tip You get a coffee pot and filters but no coffee grounds. However, you can get free coffee each morning on the patio.
Bathroom
Rather bland with plain tile, shower curtains, a step-in shower or tub, and standard white towels that are showing wear. No shampoo or lotions, just bar soap.
You Should Know While they’re basically clean, some are older so there are issues with the grout and staining. Some baths have been redone.
Lobby
Follow the signs to the office, walk up two flights of stairs, and ring the bell for entry. There is no elevator. Once inside, check in at the small counter area. Nothing notable except a fish tank and a rack of brochures.
Tip They sell laundry soap if you want to use the onsite laundry facilities.
Pool
Surrounded by a white concrete spindle fence, this heated saltwater pool is elevated, so you get a great view of the Gulf of Mexico. The mosaic tilework is unique with dolphins on the pool bottom. There’s a permanent palapa hut in the corner and a few plastic white loungers around the edge.
Tip No need to bring pool towels, they're provided in your room.
Spa
No onsite spa.
Gym
No onsite gym.
Dining
No onsite dining but there are kitchens in the larger units and BBQ grills all over the grounds.
Drinking
No onsite venue for drinking.
Grounds
Fuchsia bougainvillea, traveler and coconut palms, and colorful hibiscus add provide tropical enticement, and guests love the Tiki by the water, swaying hammock, picnic tables, and ‘sandy’ area with plastic chaise loungers for sunning. Painted murals by Big Pine artist Nancy Gagliardini add a homey touch.
Activities
Complimentary use of canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats are available. You can also rent fishing poles.
Aviary And Tortoise Pen
The owners have several beautiful birds on display, including macaws, cockatiels, and cockatoos. There is also a pen for their resident tortoises. Walk over and say hello, and see which bird will say hello back.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
You can walk to a few places from here, including restaurants, but to explore further than a five-minute walk, you’ll need a car. It’s safer than trying to walk along Overseas Highway, and the A/C in your car will be a welcome respite from the heat and bugs.
Restaurants
SS Wreck and Galley Grill (1-minute walk) is a favorite of locals and visitors alike, who flock here for their nightly specials. If you’ve never tried conch, (pronounced ‘konk’), try it at the Cracked Conch Cafe (12-minute drive). Any preparation is delicious, especially the marsala. You can even have cracked conch and eggs for breakfast! Grassy Key Outpost (1-minute drive) will keep you coming back for more. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they serve casual fare all day and incredible seafood, artfully presented, in the evening.
Bars
Sparky’s Landing (8-minute drive) is on a marina and a happening spot for casual cocktails. Havana Jack’s (8-minute drive) is fantastic for live music on the ocean. The views are gorgeous and the food and drinks are good. Any day is a good day to visit Sunset Grille (17-minute drive). Look for the huge Tiki at the foot of the Seven-Mile Bridge. Sunday is fun day with an all day pool party.
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