500 Burton Drive, Tavernier, Florida, United States
All-suite hotel located directly on the water
Rooms are individually owned and some have been completely renovated
Large outdoor pool and adjacent hot tub
Access to a small, private beach and marina
Free parking for cars
Kayaks, snorkel gear, and boat rentals are available for a fee
Waterfront restaurant and bar features pretty views and a covered terrace
Lighted tennis courts and beach volleyball nets
Some rooms are in dire need of a renovation
Fee for Wi-Fi in the public areas and guest rooms
Beach is tiny and sometimes littered with seaweed
No daily housekeeping service
Space is limited at the marina, so reservations must be made in advance
Ocean Pointe Suites is a 170-room, mid-range hotel located in Tavernier, just south of Key Largo in the Upper Keys. Designed with boaters, fisherman, and families in mind, the hotel features a marina with moorage and a harbormaster. All rooms are individually owned and have full-size kitchens -- some have been completely renovated and are quite comfortable, while others are stuck in the 1980s and have tired appliances and furnishings.
Scene
All-suite, mid-range hotel located directly on the water with boat access and family-friendly activities
Ocean Pointe Suites sits on 60 acres of waterfront property on an island in the upper part of the Florida Keys. Secluded from Overseas Highway, the hotel is sheltered by a mangrove forest and surrounded by lush tropical foliage. The property has a gated entry and a security guard stationed there.
Once inside the property, there is plenty of free parking for cars. Inside the lobby, the check-in area features tan wicker chairs, modern ceiling fans, and rich wood paneling on the floor and the ceiling. Public areas of the hotel, including the Waterfront Cafe and the Mermaid Bar, feature the same wood paneling and updated furniture. The restaurant overlooks the marina, a large lap pool, and a small beach lined with lounge chairs.
The property has five separate buildings with all suite-style rooms (some offer direct ocean views). Room quality and style vary greatly, so guests may want to ask the hotel ahead of time to provide them with one of the updated and renovated units, as some rooms look as though they should be completely gutted and renovated. Rates are reasonable compared to nearby properties. There’s a fee for Wi-Fi in the rooms and public areas of the hotel.
Location
Located directly on the water, just south of Key Largo in the Upper Keys
While the name Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo implies that the hotel is located in Key Largo, it is technically located in Tavernier, the island just south of Key Largo. The hotel sits on 60 waterfront acres with access to a marina, which can be convenient for guests who travel by boat. However, reservations for boat slips must be made in advance. A car is necessary for guests who do not have access to a boat, as the Overseas Highway in The Florida Keys isn’t designed for pedestrians. There’s a Winn-Dixie grocery store located around two miles away. The Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar -- with live music, tasty seafood, and some of the best key lime pie in the Keys -- is located less than 12 miles away.
Rooms
Some suites are renovated, while others are in dire need of updates
Spread out across five buildings, all 170 guest suites at Ocean Pointe Suites are individually owned and decorated. They offer full-size kitchens and either one or two bedrooms. Some also have balconies with water views. While some guest rooms are clean and updated with new furniture and appliances, others are tired and have worn-out appliances, stains on towels, cheesy and kitschy decor, and a number of other issues. Typically, the hotel staff will give guests an upgraded room when asked, but if the hotel is full, they may not be able to oblige. Guests may want to inquire specifically about the room ahead of time to ensure it meets expectations.
Features
A large outdoor pool, lighted tennis courts, and a marina with boat slips
The hotel caters to boaters and families, with a marina that offers slips for crafts up to 28 feet. However, those with boats should take note that marina space needs to be reserved in advance. There’s a tiny private beach, a small barbecue area, a large lap pool, and an outdoor hot tub. A waterfront cafe overlooks the marina and beach, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as cocktails at the bar. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with a lovely covered terrace that features pretty views. Food is average at the restaurant. Scuba and snorkeling gear and kayaks are available for rent. There are lighted tennis courts and beach volleyball nets.