84959 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, Florida, United States | (618) 248-8274
Heated, oceanfront pool shaded by palm trees
Boat launch and fishing pier for guests
Rooms include AC, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers with Green Mountain coffee
Some rooms have private patios or balconies, full kitchens, and ocean views
Picnic area and barbecue grills on-site
Free in-room Wi-Fi
Free self-parking
No swimming allowed on the beach
No
on-site restaurant, bar, or breakfast service
Room decor dated, and rooms show wear and tear
No fitness facilities
The two-and-a-half pearl, 18-room Drop Anchor Resort is located on Windley Key in Islamorada, "the fishing capital of the world." The resort, very much in the laid-back "Old Keys" style, includes a man-made beach surrounded by thatched-roof umbrellas, hammocks, palm trees, loungers, picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs, but the area is for boat launching and docking, not swimming. But there's a heated pool overlooking the waterfront, shaded by lush palm trees. Rooms are spread over several one- and two-story pastel-painted buildings, and include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with premium channels, and coffeemakers. Some have full kitchens, private balconies or patios, and ocean views, but they're no-frills and decor is dated. Travelers might want to check rates at the Sands of Islamorada, a seven-minute drive from Drop Anchor, which offers similar amenities plus a hot tub.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
"Old Keys" ambience with landscaped grounds and outdoor pool
This "Old Keys" resort has manicured, landscaped grounds with aromatic jasmine and gardenia and
colorful bougainvillea, along with various native trees and other tropical plants. Most
of the property is situated under a canopy of several coconut
palms, which offer shade to the outdoor pool area. The beach leads to the ocean-side
dock, and a boat ramp and dockage are available to guests. Drop Anchor has no lobby or lounge -- the reception desk is in a small room with a soda machine in the corner, which leads to another room with sightseeing brochures and a convenience store with drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and free Green Mountain Coffee. Drop Anchor is in no way fancy, and there's no private beach for swimming. But it draws couples attracted to its laid-back vibe, families, and those serious about fishing.
Location
At MM85 on Windley Key in Islamorada
Located in Islamorada, home to back-country fishing, the Drop Anchor is a four-minute walk to
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, which
showcases the botany and geology of the Florida Keys, as well as its vast slabs
frozen in stone. The History of Diving Museum, a three-minute drive from the hotel, features exhibitions and events all relating to diving. The Theater of the Sea, a
seven-minute walk, hosts dolphin and sea lion shows, along with a chance to swim
with them. Lignumvitae Key Botanical
State Park is a 12-minute drive, and
Founders Park is a five-minute drive. Founders is a huge public area that’s
great for outdoor activities; it includes a marina, boat ramps, beaches, a
baseball field, an Olympic-size pool, and a skate park. Restaurants are within
walking distance or a short car trip, including Hog Heaven Sports Bar and Grill, which has a dance club, outdoor waterside seating, and a menu of classic pub food, and Ziggie
& Mad Dog's, known for its
steaks, chops, and local seafood served in a sports-bar setting. Jaws Raw Bar, a 13-minute
walk, has a wooden terrace overlooking the lush water. Florida Keys Marathon Airport Is a 40-minute drive from the hotel, and Key West is a little under two hours away by car.
Rooms
Rooms range from Standard to Suites with private patios or terraces, and full kitchens
The Drop Anchor's 18 rooms
come with one to three beds, and some have balconies
overlooking the ocean, or patios with gardens. Some rooms include heavy-wood wardrobes and matching elegant desks, and common areas with dining
tables and chairs. Other, more stylish
rooms have bedrooms with wood paneling or red-accent walls, with pulled-back curtains separating them from the living area. Two-bedroom units come with full-size kitchens. Connecting rooms are possible for groups or families. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, and those without kitchens have mini-fridges.
Decor has begun to show some wear and tear,
especially in the kitchens. Bathrooms, with their kitschy coral or Pepto-Bismol-pink tiles, could especially use an update; all have toiletries, hairdryers, and shower stalls or shower/tub combos.
Features
Guests come to dock their boats, not swim in the ocean
The Drop Anchor Resort has a heated outdoor
pool, a marina, and free self-parking, but there's no swimming on the beach -- the waterfront area is strictly for boat launching and
dockage, and taking in the views. Guests can fish right from the pier, and charter fishing excursions and in-room massages can be arranged for
a fee. There are barbecue
grills and a picnic area on-site, but no fitness facilities, bar, coffee
shop, or restaurant on-site. Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms.
