Sunrise Suites Resort

This is a quiet condo complex for families, couples, and small groups who need the extra space and don’t mind being a 15-minute drive from the island’s main tourist area. It’s a well-maintained property with pleasant landscaping and a small lobby with tropical island accents. Despite being packed with comfy sofas and armchairs, guests don’t typically linger here, and with no restaurant or bar, the pool is a primary gathering place. It has loungers and a covered space with tables and chairs where parents can relax in the shade while their children swim. The wooden bridge over the adjacent lagoon is a popular spot for viewing the resident wildlife.

The Resort is located a few miles north of the Key West Historic District on the far side or "New Town" part of the island. Key West International Airport is nearby -- a five-minute drive or free shuttle ride -- but noise from departing and arriving flights is minimal, even at night. The popular public Smathers Beach also is five minutes away by car or shuttle, and a grocery and deli is a four-minute walk. Duval Street in the heart of the Historic District is about a 15-minute drive. For some, being removed from the late-night revelry of the sometimes raucous Historic District is a bonus. On the flip side, it can be inconvenient to travel into town, especially during the evening when the resort shuttle doesn’t operate.

These condos are individually owned, so their upkeep and decor can vary by unit. But they all have the same two-bedroom, two-bathroom configuration and can sleeping six when the sleeper sofas are utilized. They also have fully equipped kitchens that include full-size fridges and bars with stools. The appliances in the two units we saw were not stainless steel, but they were in good condition. Counters and bars were Formica-style in neutral tones that generally matched the light walls. Flooring was a mix of tile and basic carpet, and both units had tropical accents like artwork, throw pillows, and rattan furniture (in one unit). The condos were clean and offered plenty of space and light, with sliding glass doors leading out to balconies with tables, chairs, and nice panoramic views of the surrounding area. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs in both bedrooms and in living rooms, safes, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Bathrooms have acrylic shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and a decent stock of toiletries. Overall, these condos were a bit dated but still pleasant and comfortable. One variation is that not all units have their own washer/dryers (but the complex has a guest laundry room). 

Given its location in New Town, the resort’s free daytime shuttle service to downtown is a welcome amenity. The outdoor pool is spacious and heated, with an adjacent whirlpool and a covered area with tables and chairs. It also has a tennis court and a fleet of bicycles it rents to guests for reasonable fees. But the fitness center is in a dingy and uninviting basement, with only a few pieces of older cardio and strength-training equipment. A computer and printer in the lobby serve as the business center. The guest laundry room has three washer/dryers, and the on-site convenience store sells groceries and other items. Private parking is free, and some of it is covered. Wi-Fi throughout and daily housekeeping also are free. Next to the pool is a lovely lagoon that has fish and turtles, as well as a bridge so guests can walk above the water to observe the wildlife.