I am wrapping up the series on my awesome time at the Reach and Casa Marina with a short recap of both properties. I had never stayed at either one, and I was impressed with both resorts, but each for different reasons. Both hotels have similar features in the rooms, and one of my favorites is the Nespresso machines. The ability to have a good coffee at the touch of a button is fabulous.
The first night we spent at the Reach and everyone we encountered was really friendly. Upon check-in, I was greeted with a smile from
the valet to the check-in person. We spoke briefly about Babka, the dog, who I assured her would be coming later in the day. I was escorted to my room, a spacious, upgraded king room with a balcony. It was lovely, and I longed for an extra night (or ten) there. When we returned from dinner, we found a dog bed and bowl waiting for Babka in the room. She was delighted, but more on her take on the place over on her blog.
The resort itself is small (I believe there are about 150 rooms), and the atmosphere is relaxed. The pool, although small, is comfortable and there are plenty of chairs surrounding it. The beach, also small but lovely, and the pier where weddings often take place is truly beautiful. You already know how I feel about dining at the Strip House. The thing is this: if you started off thinking you wanted small and intimate, yet miss
the big, bar-side pool, just stroll over to the Casa Marina for the afternoon. Then come back and enjoy the relaxation of the Reach.
The Casa Marina is a much larger property. This was built by Henry Flagler, the railroad magnate, and opened with a grand party on New Year’s Eve, 1920. You can still see down into the giant cistern, which is still in use today for irrigation. The hotel lobby is magnificent, as are the ballrooms, the pool and beach. Oh,
and of course the oceanside massages available from the spa. The Casa Marina has a broader selection of rooms available, from the standard, in the original wing, to the two floor, two bedroom suite. Although, truly if money is no object, you should spring for the rooms that are fairly basic, but have the giant balconies overlooking the two pools and the beach. They are magnificent.
Either of these resorts would be a wonderful place to spend your Key West vacation, and over the summer there are “Summer Escape” deals offering resorts credits on stays of 2 nights or longer (the longer you stay, the more credit you rack up.) Use the credits at the bars, restaurants, shops or spa.
Much like life, the resorts were not perfect. We had an error on our final bill at the Casa Marina, and they never did bring us a dog bowl, but the minor imperfections were part of an overall lovely experience that I would not hesitate to recommend.
Have you stayed at either of these hotels? Id love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
