80051 Overseas Hwy, Mile Marker 80, Islamorada, Florida, United States | (888) 710-7049
Old Florida vibe and quiet, relaxed waterfront setting
Pretty grounds with coconut palms and tropical flowers, plus iguana and bird sightings
Homey rooms with microwaves and fridges
Efficiency units with kitchenettes; some with wraparound porches and hammocks
Small private beach and fishing pier with seating
Outdoor pool and hot tub
Hammocks, picnic tables, and barbecue grills on the waterfront
Kayaks available for guests
Free Wi-Fi
Pet-friendly
No on-site restaurant or breakfast offered
Decor in rooms can feel dated
Not many features for kids and families
Sands of Islamorada is a nine-room budget property with a candy-pink facade and a charming Old Florida vibe. This quiet, relaxed hotel has a small private beach and fishing pier, a waterfront pool and hot tub, and beautifully landscaped grounds with coconut palms and tropical flowers. Rooms are basic with tile floors and dated floral-print bedspreads; all have fridges and microwaves, and some have full kitchens and wraparound porches with hammocks. There's no restaurant nor breakfast service, though there are good options within a five-minute drive. Travelers might also want to consider the similarly priced Coral Bay Resort, another Islamorada budget property.
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Scene
A cozy Old Florida hotel on the waterfront in quiet Islamorada
Sands of Islamorada is a charming throwback to Old Florida, with its white-trimmed candy-pink buildings, thatched-roof patios, and sandy pathways lined with voluminous tropical plants. The grounds throughout the property are quiet and laid-back, with tall coconut palms, leafy trees, and sudden shocks of brightly colored flowers. Iguanas and shore birds frequently drop by, and there are also caged tropical birds on display outside. While the place is nothing fancy and can even feel a little run down in places, there is attention to detail and care throughout; despite some patchy grass outside the front office, the interior is bright and clean, with potted plants and charming, sea-themed wall decor, along with a comfy wicker chair beside a display of tourism brochures. Guests, typically couples and families, can unwind poolside or on the small sandy beach where there are basic blue loungers, Adirondack chairs, a picnic table, and a large barbecue grill. There are also seats at the end of the fishing pier, where guests can watch the incredible sunrises.
Location
Tucked away, but very close to the center of Islamorada
Sands of Islamorada sits just off the Overseas Highway and close to the center of town. This is a place for peace and quiet, and most guests spend their time out on the water or relaxing on the beach. There are several attractions nearby, such as the History of Diving Museum, the Lobster Trap Art Gift Shop and Gallery, and Indian Key Historic State Park, which are all within a five-minute drive; Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is 10 minutes away. For dining, Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar is five minutes by car, while Midway Cafe is under a 10-minute walk.
Rooms
Simple, homey rooms with fridges and microwaves; some have wraparound porches and hammocks
Rooms here are simple and homey, with tile floors, tropical-print bedspreads, and basic wooden furniture. The look isn't stylish, but many guests find it cozy. All rooms have air-conditioning and ceiling fans, TVs with cable, microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges or full refrigerators, along with kitchen tables and chairs; some have sofas or loveseats. Bathrooms are compact, done in beige and white tile, with stall showers and basic toiletries provided. Efficiency units have kitchenettes with two-burner stoves, microwaves, refrigerators, toasters, and cookware. There's a one-bedroom suite with a separate living room and a wraparound porch with a hammock, plus one of the Efficiencies also offers a hammock and porch swing on a wraparound porch.
Features
Small beach, fishing pier, outdoor pool and hot tub, and barbecue grill
This budget property doesn't offer too many extra features, but there is a small, sandy beach with various forms of seating and a barbecue grill. Several kayaks are available for guests' use. There's also a pier for fishing, and a short walk through the water leads to a small reef where guests can snorkel. The outdoor pool has a tiki-style hut where guests can escape the sun, and the hot tub is also covered by a tiki-style roof. Pets are permitted, and Wi-Fi is free.
