Key Largo Cottages is a small, somewhat hidden property on Key Largo Bay that sees lots of repeat guests, typically families with kids. The owners, in an attempt to build word-of-mouth business, have limited the amount of signage outside, and as a result there's something of an unpretentious insiders-club feel to the place. The cottages are part of the Key Lime Sailing Club, which offers lessons for guests, and an easygoing maritime vibe pervades the property. There's a small, sandy beach area strewn with colorful Adirondack chairs, hammocks, wooden loungers, and a Tiki-style hut with a large barbecue grill right on the bay. Guests can sit outside and watch the sun set over the water while gathered around the fire pit, or relax on the wooden covered swing. There are also colorful plastic playground toys and tire- and rope-swings for the kids. There is no restaurant or bar -- or even a lobby -- here, but there's plenty of lovely outdoor space by the water's edge.

Set right on Key Largo Bay on the Overseas Highway, the laid-back Key Largos Cottages has easy access to other destinations in the Florida Keys. Key West is about a two-hour drive away and offers lively nightlife and dining. Guests can also reach several restaurants and bars on foot; Mrs. Mac's Kitchen is a one-minute walk, and famous Doc's Diner is 10 minutes on foot. There are several family-friendly attractions within driving distance as well: Everglades Alligator Farm is 40 minutes away, Dolphin Cove -- where guests can swim with dolphins -- is a five-minute drive, and Theater of the Sea is about 20 minutes by car. Miami is about an hour and 20 minutes away by car, and Miami's international airport is about an hour and 12 minutes away, depending on traffic.

There are nine air-conditioned cottages available, each with charming, individualized decor that includes tropical-print bedspreads and couches, wicker furniture, and colorfully painted walls. The Dolphin and Manatee cottages are decorated with paintings of their namesake creatures, while the Marlin Cottage has an outdoor shower and a tiki-style patio. The Main House is the most modern and spacious cottage available, sleeping up to six adults and two kids, and it includes a private outdoor seating area with a grill and hammocks. Each cottage has a full kitchen, though some have mini-fridges and two-burner stovetops while others have full-size appliances. All utensils and cookware are provided. Bathrooms have colorful tile and basic, somewhat small showers. All cottages have TVs (some tube-style) with cable channels. Some cottages are equipped with toys and games, and guests recommend confirming before check-in for those features. 

There isn't an on-site restaurant here, though guests can make use of the cottages' kitchens or stroll to restaurants in the area. But there are loads of other great features on offer, including free use of sailboats (for those with experience), paddle boats, kayaks, fishing and snorkeling gear, and bikes. Sailing lessons are available on-site, and the property offers once-weekly sunset sailboat cruises (with fees for both). Guests can use the barbecue grills and seating on the small beach. Wi-Fi is free, though inconsistent. Parking is also free, and pets are allowed for a fee.