La Siesta Resort & Marina

La Siesta Resort and Marina is located on Islamorada, which is one of the quieter islands in the middle of the Florida Keys. Hidden from the Overseas Highway, the hotel is tucked away among tropical foliage and located directly on the ocean, with its own private beach (a unique feature, since most hotels in the Middle Keys don’t have beaches). The spacious pool deck has a relaxing, tropical vibe with hanging hammocks and panoramic ocean views.

Situated in its own peach-colored building, the lobby (called the “office”) is not what you would expect from a property that calls itself a resort. It is tiny and has tile floors with a check-in desk in the corner, and various items for sale like ice cream, post cards, hats, and wine.

Rooms are scattered across the property in separate buildings, and some are nicer than others with ocean views and somewhat updated furniture, but most are unimpressive. The high prices, outdated rooms, and inconsistent housekeeping at La Siesta Resort and Marina often leave guests unsatisfied with their stay. A better nearby choice is The Islamorada Resort -- it also has outdated rooms, but features a comparable oceanfront location for much lower rates.

The hotel is situated at mile marker 80.2 in Islamorada, which is located halfway between Miami and Key West. It is difficult to get around the Middle Keys without a car, so most travelers rent one. With that said, it’s much easier to drive to nearby hotspots rather than walk to them. The Theater of the Sea, which offers wildlife shows and opportunities to swim with dolphins, is located around four miles away. Robbie’s, located about three miles away on the next key, is a tourist hotspot where travelers feed giant tarpon and can get a quick bite to eat for lunch. The Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana bar, a waterfront restaurant known for its key lime pie, is located approximately two miles northeast of the hotel.

A far cry from a true resort, the majority of the rooms at this hotel are tired. The cheesy decor includes carpets designed to look like wood floors and mismatched furnishings seemingly straight from the 1980s. The old tube TVs in some rooms add to the dated feel. Even upgrading to a room with a kitchen is not much of a plus, as the appliances they offer (including refrigerators, stoves, and microwave) are aging. Other signs of wear and tear include dingy showerheads in some bathrooms. There are a few rooms that have been updated (like the website shows), but that is not the case for many of the rooms. The hotel has a problem with consistent housekeeping, as many guests have complained about cleanliness. The rates are high for what travelers get and the best part of the resort is the pool deck and location -- not the rooms.

La Siesta Resort and Marina is one of the few hotels with an actual beach (versus a man-made sand area). The beach is tiny, but provides guests with access to swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Additionally, the hotel offers waverunner rentals, as well as boating, diving, and fishing excursions. The best features include the hammocks swung between palm trees and a manicured pool deck that overlooks the water. The property lacks a restaurant and though it serves a free breakfast daily, the selection is basic (think coffee, juice, and pre-packaged bread items such as muffins). Other freebies include parking and Wi-Fi. The hotel charges a mandatory resort fee.