Drop Anchor

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.

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.

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.

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.