Rock Reef Resort
97850 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida 33037
Why We Like It
These days, it’s difficult to find older resorts that haven’t been knocked down, rebuilt, or majorly updated. Rock Reef Resort has no desire to go mainstream, so we’ll all get to enjoy the Keys of yesteryear for many years to come.
We say embrace the time warp, and the gently used furniture--it’s homey and comfortable and you won’t have to worry about scratching or breaking something. Besides, the grounds are gorgeous, you can fish and swim right off their beach and dock, and the sunsets are magnificent.
Fodor's Expert Review
The 1970s are alive and well at Rock Reef Resort--and that’s just the way guests want to keep it. It’s quiet, the bay views are stellar, the grounds are well taken care of, and the rooms are a throwback to another era.
You Should Know Only guests are allowed on the premises, so if you have friends in the area, make arrangements to meet them elsewhere.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
Vintage tropical décor, wicker and wood furnishings… it’s like grandma’s house--if your grandma happened to live on the water in Key Largo. But hey, either way, it’s clean and you get a flat screen TV, Wi-Fi, and some units even have a full kitchen (and all have at least a microwave, mini fridge, and coffee maker).
Tip Cottage #9 and #10 are closest to the water. Step out your door and you’re on the sand.
Bathroom
Most have updated tile and OK water pressure, but the vanities and lighting are dated. They’re small, clean, and you do get soap and other bath amenities.
Lobby
Pull into the circular drive, and you’ll see it the signage for the office right away. It’s just a small office with a greeting desk, nothing memorable, except for Bogey the parrot. He’s not so nice, so keep your fingers to yourself. This is also where you check out pool towels, kayaks, and the peddle boat.
Pool
Their sparkling, heated, freshwater pool is only a few years old and it’s surrounded by a decorative white fence. You’ll find several aluminum-style chaise loungers (the kind with plastic straps that leave an indentation on your backside). There's a shower for pre-pool rinsing, which they request you use.
Tip Get your pool towels at the front desk.
Spa
No onsite spa.
Gym
No onsite gym.
Dining
No onsite dining but there are bbq grills around the property for guests’ use.
Drinking
No onsite bar but you can bring your own.
Grounds
Beautiful in every way, you’ll love discovering what’s around each corner. The Bonsai Garden is unique as is the Serenity Garden. Keep an eye open for big iguanas, birds, and even manatees off the dock. There are chickee huts that provide shade by the water, lots of picnic tables, several kayaks and a peddle boat.
Tip Need to wash your sweaty, salty clothes? Laundry facilities are available onsite in the afternoon, for a fee.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
You can walk across busy US1 to Ballyhoo’s (they have a bar and indoor/outdoor seating for their restaurant), but having a vehicle is your ticket to exploring Key Largo and beyond. Key West is two hours away, the Everglades is about one hour, and in between are lots of shops, restaurants, museums, parks, and historic sites.
Restaurants
For a super casual, good meal, head to Keys Bite (2-minute drive). Their menu is huge with everything from Mexican to Thai dishes, but believe it or not, they do them all well. Bayside Grille (3-minute drive) is known for its sunset views (just like your resort!) and their fish dishes are fresh and tasty. For an upscale dining experience, Sundowners (8-minute drive) will not disappoint.
Bars
Skipper’s Dockside (4-minute drive) has an entertainment wall perfect for watching several games at once and they have a full liquor bar. Bayside Grille (3-minute drive) has a bar on the ground level that overlooks the bay and has live entertainment. The most happening place is JJ’s Big Chill (8-minute drive). You’ll find an indoor sports bar on one side and a big Tiki on the water on the other.
Photos
Quick Facts
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