Hyatt Place Marathon Florida Keys

With its angled, layered facade, the hotel's exterior falls in line with the Hyatt Place collection's typical contemporary-light architecture. The hotel was built in 2014 and its decor feels typically modern, inviting, and fresh for the chain. That being said, the company didn't stray far from its template when decorating the property: the sandy and earthy tones throughout are far more corporate than beachy. But it's the property's other features, such as the on-site marina, fine-dining restaurant, and two outdoor pools, that ultimately make the hotel feel more like a resort than a typical chain hotel. Families and couples alike are frequent guests, plus a sprinkling of business travelers.

Located off the busy US-1 highway that joins all the Keys, Hyatt Place Marathon is central not only on its key but to the archipelago itself. For those staying on the island, Marathon Marina is a three-minute drive away, and Boot Key Harbor and nearby Sombrero Beach, its quieter cousin to the east, are a seven- and 10-minute drive respectively. Fishers can stock up at The Tackle Box, a bait shop located a three-minute walk away from the hotel. Plenty of restaurants, most of them featuring local seafood or borrowing barbecue and Cuban flavors, lie along US-1, so they're never a far drive away. It's an hour drive from Key West International Airport or a bit over two hours to Miami International Airport. 

Contemporary rooms keep in line with Hyatt Place's standards: spacious with warm earth tones, streamlined wood furniture, and large, comfortable beds. Be sure to request a good view when booking to avoid one of the highway, though don't expect any balconies or terraces here. Even Standard Rooms have sitting areas with sofa beds, as well as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are large for this type of hotel, with generous walk-in showers (no tubs), hairdryers, and quality toiletries. There are no in-room safes; guests will need to store valuables in safety deposit boxes in the staff office. 

The Hyatt Place bills itself as more of a resort than the line's other properties, and it follows though. The hotel has its own marina and boat docking services, as well as the ability to book water sports such as jet skis and paddleboards. Two outdoor pools are on site -- the marina one is smaller but has lovely views of the boats anchored just on the other side of the fence. Both have ample loungers and a smattering of umbrellas. A spacious gym has a decent amount of cardio and weight-training equipment. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and cell phone chargers are also available to borrow. 

Dining-wise, the fine-dining Lighthouse Grill receives positive reviews and there's a 24-hour cafe serving standard fare such as salads and sandwiches. Additionally, all rates include a hot and cold breakfast buffet; however, the breakfast ends at 9:30 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m., which is a bit early for vacationers looking for relaxing mornings.