Lime Tree Bay Resort

The Lime Tree Bay Resort delivers a budget-friendly Florida Keys vacation on a private sandy shore that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. The isolated locale is serene, but there are scant dining and bar options in the area. The resort is made up of two separate properties, divided by the Overseas Highway. Zane Grey Inn townhouses are on the canal side of the property, with private garages under yellow painted structures. The main resort -- four separate buildings, including the office -- looks like a standard beachfront motel. Seashell curtains dangle in front of windows in the intimate lobby that offers free coffee and tea and books available to borrow. Buildings are surrounded by palms that also line the private sandy shore, where there are lounge chairs, tiki huts, hammocks, and barbecue grills. There’s also a suntanning area. However, mossy rocks on the shoreline can make entering the water difficult. The overall atmosphere is no frills and relaxed. 

The resort is on the Overseas Highway, in the sleepy city of Layton with snorkeling and boat rentals nearby and free kayaking available in front of the resort in a restricted area. Across the street is a grocery store. There aren’t many eateries nearby, especially with the hotel’s restaurant closed for renovations in 2015. The Little Italy Restaurant is next door. There are gas stations and mini-markets in walking distance. Key West is one hour and 30 minutes away by car. Driving to Seven Mile Bridge takes 30 minutes. Key Largo is a 45-minute drive. It’s a 20-minute drive to the Theater of the Sea.

Interior designs create a homey vibe that matches the oceanfront setting. Mexican tiles or wooden flooring, paddle ceiling fans, and cottage-style furniture are in rooms, mini-suites, studios, suites, and townhouses. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, microwaves, coffeemakers, refrigerators or mini-fridges, iron/ironing boards, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms come standard with showers or shower/tub combos and hairdryers. All rooms -- except Standard Rooms -- have balconies or porches with rocking chairs, hammocks, and/or patio furniture. 

The Captain Herbie Suite (with an elevator), townhouses, and one-bedroom suites have full kitchens. Studios, suites, and some mini-suites have kitchenettes. One-, two-, and three-bedroom suites come with living rooms, one to three bathrooms, and two to four flat-screen TVs. The Tree House Suite has a tree growing in the porch. Townhouses are on the canal. 

There are ample outdoor facilities at the Lime Tree Bay Resort that allow travelers to take advantage of the sunny Florida weather. Two outdoor pools -- one heated -- are open until dusk with causal lounge chairs on the deck. The oceanfront pool offers a hot tub and the Zane Gray Pool is located by the canal, where there's a fishing dock. Kayaks are free for guests to borrow. The outdoor tennis court is located across the Overseas Highway, by the townhouses. A computer corner, with a PC and a printer, is also in the small lobby. Wi-Fi is free throughout. The on-site restaurant is closed during 2015 for renovations, but a free continental breakfast is still served.