243 61st Street Gulf, Marathon, Florida, United States | (251) 219-4428
Quaint, rustic Florida cottages
Relaxing hammocks hang by the tiki bar
Free coffee in the morning
Walking distance to grocery and convenience stores
Mini-fridges or full-size kitchens in cottages
Pet-friendly (for a fee)
Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Air-conditioning units are located in bathrooms
Some guests complain about inattentive staff
No amenities other than a tiki bar and hammocks
Not enough electrical outlets
Rooms outdated
Tropical Cottages, located in Marathon, offers a no-frills experience in the Florida Keys. The budget two-pearl property includes 12 cottages and three-bedroom suites, but all in all is lacking in modern appliances. Rooms could use a renovation, and there are few on-site amenities. It may also be worth considering the nearby Banana Bay Resort & Marina, which offers rooms for around the same price but also has a pool and tennis courts.
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Scene
A budget hotel located in one of the quieter Florida Keys, with few amenities
Located in Marathon, which is one of the Florida Keys situated about halfway between Miami and Key West, Tropical Cottages is a quiet, budget property. There is a tiny front office and 12 individually housed cottages. The Old Florida-style cottages are painted in bright colors with outdoor seating to take in the sun. Inside the rooms are decorated with standard Florida kitschy decor -- sea shells, wicker chairs, wood paneling, and beach signage. Out front, there is a traditional tiki bar (the only true feature on the property), where cocktails are served in the afternoon.
Location
A quaint cottage neighborhood by the water, located far from the action in Key West and Miami
Located right off Overseas Highway in Marathon, Tropical Cottages is tucked between a large wooded area, the Gulf of Mexico, and a shopping plaza. Five blocks and across the street, there is a CVS, Kmart, Publix, and Payless Shoe Source. At the dock, about a half block walk from the cottages, private companies offer snorkeling, fishing, airplane, and helicopter trips, bicycle rentals, and kayaking excursions. As there is no dining on the property, guests can walk next door to the healthy dining option, Food for Thought, or drive to other restaurants on the key.
Rooms
Aged, cozy old-style Florida rooms
The cottages are outdated, with tile flooring, painted wood paneling, and wicker furniture. Rooms have either king- or queen-size beds as well as fold-out sofas for larger parties. Amenities include a mini-fridge (upgraded rooms have a full kitchen), television, and free Wi-Fi. Guests staying in standard rooms can use an outdoor, private shower and sink, while more upgraded rooms have an inside bathing area. There are no outlets near the mirror in some bathrooms. For an additional fee, pets are welcome.
Features
Relaxing hammock and tiki bar -- but that's it
Built to evoke Caribbean-style living, the cottages are designed in the style of clapboard homes reminiscent of a 1950s neighborhood of sorts. Free coffee is served in the morning (but not breakfast). In the afternoon beer, wine, and cocktails are served at the tiki bar. There is a hammock and several Adirondack chairs near the tiki hut. While there is no pool or beach, half a block away there is a boat dock and kayak launch for water activities.
