Sea Dell Motel

A time capsule of a hotel, the Sea Dell's red-orange, one-story building, drive-up rooms, and bright underwater murals are reminiscent of old Key West. The kitschy decor throughout is certainly dated, but it's generally well-kept. The tiny lobby has a large mural of dolphins, lots of tourist brochures, and a small book exchange. Given it's a budget stay, facilities are limited to a few outdoor gathering spaces, including a pool. Most travelers spend their days at nearby beaches or exploring other sites in Marathon and surrounding keys. Guests range from retirees to young couples and families with tweens -- generally, people looking for simple facilities at a low price point. 

It would be hard to pinpoint a more central location on Marathon for a hotel: There's a big Publix grocery store a seven-minute walk away, a Walgreens a four-minute walk away, a community theater across the street, and it's right along the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail for those who are into hiking or biking the islands. It's also close to a few restaurants: a Wendy's is two blocks down, a few casual places are in the strip mall across the street, and the excellently rated Big Mouth Eatery is a five-minute walk away. Also nearby are Sombrero Beach (five-minute drive), and the Sombrero Marina, a 13-minute walk away. The motel is right off the main highway, but noise doesn't seem to be an issue. 

On a larger scale, Marathon is a well-suited base not just for the central Keys, but for exploring the islands that form the edges of the archipelago -- Key West and Key Largo (each about an hour by car in either direction). Key West International Airport is about an hour away by car. 

Rooms are definitely dated, but in keeping with the rest of the hotel, it runs more 20th-century Florida kitsch than grungy. A few different patterns splash each room with bright colors, while wicker furniture keeps up the Keys vibe. Each room has its own hand-painted sign with an ocean scene and bright numbers. Rooms have no storage -- guests will be living out of their suitcase -- but there is a rack to hang longer garments or jackets from. A small kitchenette includes a microwave, coffeepot, and mini-fridge with freezer. Some rooms are suite-style, with two doubles in one room and a pull-out sofa in the living room/kitchenette area. Free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs are provided. The smallish-but-clean bathrooms are decidedly old-school and have worn tile floors. Guests who prefer a shower/tub combo should ask for a room with one, as some rooms have only showers. Each room has a mini-patio with seating outside. 

This two-pearl motel has limited facilities, the best of which is a well-maintained outdoor pool that's heated in the winter. It's bordered by high walls of tropical gardens, and has blue-and-white plastic sun loungers around it. The pool is accessible for guests with reduced mobility. Dotted throughout the property are barbecue areas and picnic tables, as well as a lovely lily pond. Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property. Laundry facilities are also on-site.