Name: Amara Cay Resort
Address: 80001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, 33036, US

Amara Cay Resort

Florida Keys - FL · United States

80001 Overseas HighwayView location

100 reviews shown

6/10

Pleasant

29 Jul 2026

Louise

Genuinely think this would be a wonderful resort! Unfortunately we ran into a few issues with the uncleanliness of the corridors which needed a good hoover and also had children running up and down the corridors at all hours of both nights of our stay and banging on doors. I did phone reception about this and they dealt with this the best they could - it was parents who needed informed.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2026

Rachel

Housekeeping did a nice job and the staff was very helpful. The amenities are very nice, but we could not enjoy the beach 3/5 days of our vacation due to the algae in the water. It was disappointing to pay full price for things we could not use and we had no warning of the odor in the entire property either.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jul 2026

Estefani

Beautiful hotel, amazing views , very friendly staff, I will definitely return to Amara cay

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2026

Paola

The best

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2026

Arlett

We enjoyed how clean the room was, the property and also how nice the staff was. We loved the convenience from our room to the pool.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2026

Annette

Everyone, especially the young lady that checked us in were amazing! I forgot her name but she was so polite and very helpful. The room was perfect for us. My husband is on home therapy dialysis and the accommodations were perfect. The youn man at the bar (Marcus I think) even offered to help me with the machine and luggage. You just don’t get this just anywhere. The layout was awesome! Pool amazing! Loved the tiki bar and stunning scenery at night! I had to FaceTime family members to brag! lol we have been to the keys several times over the past 25 years and this was definitely the best! Thank you all!!

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2026

Jenifer

Beautiful resort and they have a shuttle bus or water taxi boat to take you to their other two sister resorts where you can enjoy all of the amenities
It's like getting 3 resorts in one! All of them are super nice and offer excellent service. We loved it!

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jul 2026

Wiktor

The resort could have its own water sports base ,

2/10

Poor

23 Jul 2026

Arianna

This was one of the most disappointing resort experiences we've had, especially considering the price.
Upon arrival, it was immediately obvious that the resort is in the middle of major renovations. The entire third floor where we were staying had no ceilings installed and no baseboards. The hallways looked unfinished, outdated, and had a musty, old smell. It felt more like walking through a construction zone than a luxury resort.
Our room appeared to have just been freshly painted, and we spent our entire stay breathing in strong paint fumes. Combined with the visible water damage renovations happening throughout the floor, it raised concerns about the overall condition of the building. When we brought our concerns to management, the assistant manager simply told my husband and me there was nothing they could do because the resort was fully booked. No alternative room, no accommodation, and no attempt to make things right.
The service was equally underwhelming. While a few employees were pleasant, several waiters and servers were bluntly rude, making the overall experience feel far from the level of hospitality you'd expect at this price point.
The resort itself was also disappointing. The first stretch of the beach is covered in dark muck, making it unappealing to swim in. The pool was consistently overcrowded, and poolside service was practically nonexistent.
For what this resort charges, there are far better options. You're honestly better off booking somewhere else or ch

8/10

Excellent

22 Jul 2026

Trakeisha

Just checked out for my bday celebration this past weekend. Amara is a beautiful resort. Staff is very welcoming, friendly and helpful. The property has amenities and activities to indulge in if you don’t want to drive around the keys. Will be back soon. A chill and relaxing reset from reality 🙌.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2026

Margaret

Amazing place, property.people. Will absolutely be back.

Family

4/10

Poor

20 Jul 2026

Janette

I went with my family for a two night stay as we wanted to try a new place in the keys. We had to upload all our luggage with no help, find a cart on our own and push it all the way to our room with no help. Front desk lady was welcoming and professional. Staff was friendly I must say.

There were some reparation going on so walking in and out of our room wasn't pleasant. We also felt and smell humidity in our room.

My kids enjoyed the fishing and the pool was really nice.

We would love to come back for a better experience .

Sincerely,

J S

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2026

Dawn

It’s nice to have access to there sister properties

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2026

Ailette

The room was spacious and very clean, the hotel is very nice and the restaurant Reel Cath was wonderful, the food was amazing! The hotel is pet friendly and we could enjoy our stay with our little dog. My son, my husband and I spent a few wonderful days!! 😊

Pet

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jul 2026

james

Breathtaking view from our balcony. Large comfortable suite

Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jul 2026

wojciech

We loved everything except the construction work on the hallway and the pungent smell on and around the beach. Stuff was wonderful! 9700 International Dr, Orlando, FL, 32819. The best part was that we could take free water taxi or shuttle that was open until 11pm! and visit sister resorts and use different activities there. We loved yoga on the beach and kayaking!

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

17 Jul 2026

Eliana

Great place to relax and escape from city noise and stress.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2026

Leidys

Amazing stay in Amara Cay

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

16 Jul 2026

monica

It was a construction zone my floor was loud dusty bags and blowers everywhere prob should have shut that floor down . Hotel def short staffed as well I have stayed here numerous times probably won’t return .

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2026

Jon

Staff was helpful and they went out of their way to make sure our stay was good.

Family

4/10

Poor

14 Jul 2026

Martinyka

Room was very clean. Location was good. We were not able to use any of the amenities like paddle boarding, or kayaks due to so much seaweed. The smell was also horrible. There is no beach at this hotel. Upon check in there is a $100 PER DAY deposit nor a notice of a resort fee thought this was all included in the hundreds I had already paid to stay here. When I checked out there was no notice once again about a resort fee that would be charged when I left I got a notification from my bank that $300 was withdrawn from the hotel when I called they said it was for the resort fee. I said resort fee? This was not discussed at check-in or check out. So long story short this “resort” was not worth all the money we paid. All we did was basically sleep here and leave for the day to go to the actual beach or site see.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

14 Jul 2026

Scott

Beautiful place, clean and well maintained. Staff was friendly and helpful.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

13 Jul 2026

Linor

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2026

Jelena

Highly recommend!

4/10

Poor

10 Jul 2026

Donald

Not a good experience. Dog poop on the pathway leading to the pool. We had room 319. Construction going on both sides of the hall between the elevator and the room. Ceiling torn out. Banging and hammering. We enjoyed staying here previously. We will never come back!!

Partner

4/10

Poor

10 Jul 2026

Ryan

Unfortunately around 10pm a water pipe burst on the third floor where we were staying and flooded the whole floor. My family had to quickly gather all your things and evacuate. Our whole room flooded but thankfully we made it out. This happen the same night we checked in. Front desk person did not know how to handle the unfortunate situation and never apologized or said much to anyone. The manager was 45min away. We ended up getting a refund for our whole stay and went to go stay at one of our favorite hotels, The Islander.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

09 Jul 2026

Jason

The rooms were clean, staff was attentive but property had trash laying around and

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2026

israel

Gooood

4/10

Poor

05 Jul 2026

jose

Thw hotel is not what it used to be. Smell terrible . Fans in all thr floors due to leaks . Room service is ordered now through text .

Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2026

Matthew

We loved everything about it! We will be back!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2026

Sofia

It was a really nice family trip

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jul 2026

Janet

Overall, we had a lovely one-night mother-daughter getaway at Amara Cay and would consider staying again. The resort has a relaxing tropical feel, and all public areas were clean and well maintained.
The front desk associate who checked us in was exceptional, friendly, accommodating, and kind. (Don’t remember her name, but name tag said she was from South Africa)
We appreciated being able to use the amenities before check-in and after checkout. The complimentary shuttle, access to sister properties, and nearby restaurants added great convenience.
We requested a room change due to an adjoining door in the room and the associate was very understanding. The second room also had an adjoining door and had a musty odor with signs of past water damage. She offered to send engineering and complimentary beverages. Since it was just one night, we declined and stayed in the room. Didn’t want to be difficult.
The tiki bar staff could have been friendlier overall, though one team member stood out. We were also disappointed that the Rum Runner tiki boat was unavailable during our stay.
We recommend requesting an upper-floor room if you’re sensitive to odors. Despite the room issue, we enjoyed our stay, appreciated the excellent front desk service, and loved the location and amenities. (Lazy Days and Papa Joes in walking distance) With a different room, we would return.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2026

Ashle

I like that housekeeping visited the room every day and provided fresh towels. The saltwater pool was amazing. The staff at the kayak and paddle board station were very helpful.

Family

4/10

Poor

26 Jun 2026

Laura J

The first room is the room we reserved and paid for, a ground level with king, beach front, and water view. We asked to be moved because of the strong smell of mildew. My family and I very allergic and did not feel safe in that room. We tried using the phone to ask to be moved but it wasn’t working so we went up to the front and felt bad to complain in front of other guests. They had engineering look at it and offered other accommodations. We took photos of the ducts through the covers and it was rusty and had a lot of condensation. The halls at the ground floor also smelled strongly of mildew. We were moved upstairs to a 1 bedroom, 1.25 bath, 2 queen bed water view and balcony. The air quality was much better, however the plumbing was not great. The full-size bathroom toilet and sink drain did not drain or flush well. I waited for two hours for engineering to look at the toilet that would not flush, and eventually left for the day to enjoy the rest of the vacation. That toilet did not flush well overall. The hall on the second floor smelled bad, and got confirmation from a couple also walking down the hall. Overall I am very unhappy with my stay, especially for the price I paid for this vacation. If they replaced the HVAC in this place I would consider staying here again because the amenities are great and all the staff were so nice.

Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

26 Jun 2026

DIANA

They’re we blood stains on the pull out mattress . I brought this to the managers attention, she was not to apologetic at all and offered at 65$ refund . I will not be staying there again .

6/10

Pleasant

24 Jun 2026

Amelia

Enjoyed the food & pool.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2026

Giselle

Great location, great property had an amazing time!

4/10

Poor

22 Jun 2026

Amy

Staff were kind

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

21 Jun 2026

Christina

As repeat guests of Amara Cay, my husband and I chose to return for our babymoon. Unfortunately, this stay left us feeling overlooked and disappointed.

Several weeks before our stay, I exchanged emails with hotel regarding our babymoon and a request related to a medical condition. I was assured these notes had been documented. However, upon check-in, the front desk staff was unaware. I showed the email correspondence, but the response was dismissive rather than accommodating.

Hospitality is found in the small details, especially when welcoming repeat guests. As excited as we were for this trip, we didn’t even receive a simple congratulations on our babymoon. While that may seem minor, those small gestures make guests feel valued.

The room was spacious and had a nice view, but there were several issues- The bedside outlet didn’t work, the AC was locked, and there was a persistent musty odor in the room.

To be fair, there were positives. The restaurant staff was wonderful, and we really enjoyed the Rum Runner water taxi and outdoor amenities. We also visited Three Waters Resort, Amara Cay’s sister property, where the staff was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming- highly recommend!

What makes this review difficult to write is that we’ve enjoyed previous stays and chose Amara Cay because of those experiences. A babymoon is a special memory, and instead of feeling celebrated, we were dismissed. At these room rates, attentive service should be the standard.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Jun 2026

Gary

Marcus at the inside bar was a delightful young man and very attentive to the guests.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2026

Robert

Loved the area

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

19 Jun 2026

Rafael

The lobby seating is very dirty.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2026

lisa

The property was gorgeous and I highly recommend getting an ocean front room walk out on the beach !

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2026

Yordanka

We had a wonderful stay at Amara Cay and recommend it for an unforgettable vacation. We were treated with great kindness, and the place is beautiful.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2026

Steven

Beautiful and well maintained resort. We would differently return for another stay. The only thing I didn't like was the water sports hut closes at 4:30pm every afternoon. It's too early in my opinion. Other than that it is the best place to stay in Islamorada.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2026

Paula

Lovely Resort, clean rooms and great staff. The restaurantes are very good. We loved the pool area. Thanks Nomvelo for your outstanding service!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Cynthia

Loved the location and the fact that is one of three resorts which are available when you stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

LYNN

Amazing

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Brittany

Great resort! Family and pet friendly. Your stay includes paddle boards and kayaks which was super fun! The pool and pool area was very nice and clean and well maintained. Room was clean and comfortable, nice size as well. We really enjoyed the use of the shuttle that you can book and use for your transportation to any location within a certain mile range. Can’t wait to go back!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Jun 2026

Theresa

I have mixed reviews. The staff was very helpful, especially the lobby bartender, Marcus. The grounds and the pool area are very nicely maintained. The location is very close to Bud and Mary's marina, where my husband booked a half day fishing charter. Also, very close to the Midway Cafe- excellent coffee and key lime pie!
My main complaint would be the rooms. They definitely need some upgrades. Our room smelled musty and the hallway did also. Mildew stains on the patio curtains.
Also, this facility allows dogs, so be aware of that. Our next door neighbors had a large dog that started barking in the middle of the night for ten minutes straight and my husband had to go bang on their door to get it to stop. Overall, a good, but not awesome stay for us.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2026

Steven

Nice place

4/10

Poor

09 Jun 2026

Kelley-Mae

Although this is priced at a high end resort, there is nothing high end about it. Needs a lot of updating. Our room was very much in need of some deep cleaning and updating. We stayed on the 5th floor which smelled of pot the whole stay. Housekeeping was ok but very inconsistent. There is absolutely no beach to go swimming and the water was littered very badly. This is a $150 a night room all day! NOT $450! We took the shuttle a couple times as we were there for a wedding and the driver was not friendly at all. We did have a wonderful bartender inside tho! All in all.. A good trip because it was for a wedding just wouldn’t recommend Amara for the price point. Stay at the other sister resort down the road. Cheaper and more to offer!

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2026

Anthony

We had a great stay at Amara Cay. The room was super clean and comfortable. The grounds, staff, and location was perfect.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2026

Nestor

Un viaje familiar y fue expectacular.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2026

Geisy

Beautiful place

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2026

Claudia

En la habitación habían moscas es lo que no me gustó

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2026

Patricia

We love love Amara Cay!!! Will be back for sure.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2026

Betsy

Muy buen plan en familia para ir a los cayos. Buena atención y limpieza

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

31 May 2026

Christos

Good place to stay, very friendly staff and great breakfast!

Friends

8/10

Excellent

30 May 2026

Carlos

The mattress were not comfortable

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Beatriz

Great hotel, I strongly suggest the Karaoke Sunset boat (Rum Runner), it was really nice

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Jignesh

Great stay!!

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2026

jose

Awesome property

Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2026

fabrice

Great also they are dog friendly so a good choice

Pet

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2026

Gigi

Perfect stay. Good food, friendly staff, nice outdoors and pool. Lots of games for kids and families.

Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

27 May 2026

Rafael

Pet

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

Jacqueline

Absolutely beautiful! The pool was amazing and we could have stayed at the resort and never left and had an amazing vacation! The location was convenient, and feeding the tarpon and great food nearby makes this hotel a win!

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

24 May 2026

Daniel

Un hotel tranquilo con una piscina confortable y vista al mar. No tiene acceso al mar con playa.
Las habitaciones son sencillas pero cómodas. Nos facilitaron cuna para bebé.
Tiene dos hoteles hermanos de los que uno puede hacer uso.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2026

Judy

I really appreciated that they had washer and dryer available to guests. I needed to do some laundry.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2026

Marjorie

Great

2/10

Poor

21 May 2026

Danette

Didn't like the seclusion cleanliness set up

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2026

Philip

Nice well kept property...close to some good spots...free shuttle service is great

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2026

Crystal

Absolutely loved this resort! Amazing service and Happy Hour at the Pool! Excellent Transportation options and within walking distance to some really nice restaurants. Great stay after 3 nights in Key West for our Anniversary. Hotel staff communicated with us to plan our arrival and was able to accommodate an early check in. It was a wonderful stay, just book it!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 May 2026

Vivianne

The pool was busy. Lots of kids. Amara Cay does partner with the property next door (La Siesta?) and they offer adult pool lounging area. However, we did not partake. There is plenty of seating along the beach. We never had an issue finding a shaded spot. The music at night is very pleasant. We had breakfasts in the dining area. Food was very good. Bartender service at the pool was great. Fun staff. Our room was very clean and neat. Very comfortable. Our stay was only 2 nights but we enjoyed our time very much.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

17 May 2026

ALICIA

Hotel is beautiful. My issues was manly my room was very hot. Ac seem to barely blow. We woke up some at times at night very hot.

Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

17 May 2026

EMILIE

We booked this through Travelocity and were told upon arrival that there was no reservation and no rooms available. Staff was unable to help in any way and we were left to scramble to find a place to stay.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

14 May 2026

Connie

Room was clean .some of the staff was really rude. The staff out by paddle board were never around. Better off staying at Three Waters resort . Staff much more accommodating . Nicer and it the sister resort to Amara Cay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 May 2026

Claudia

Beautiful location, very helpful staff and just an exquisite experience. Food was excellent. Loved every second.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2026

David

This hotel is a secret gem. The minute you arrive the friendly staff let you realize you are away. The beach, pool, fire pits in the eve all just make the vibe incredible. We continue to return!!
Pet friendly!!!!

Partner

2/10

Poor

11 May 2026

Juliette

Unfortunately I had a bad experience regarding a fish I ate at the restaurant on property. It was spoiled and I ended up having to go to a nearby hospital due to the terrible spoiling effects of the food.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

10 May 2026

kirenia

Pedí una cuna y una bañera y nunca la vi en la habitación

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2026

amy

I enjoyed my proximity to the beach into the pool area and the room was nicely appointed!

Pet

8/10

Excellent

07 May 2026

Bethany

The staff at Amara Cay were all so kind and helpful. They really went out of their way for their guests.
The property has lots of amenities, including a fitness center that is small but very well equipped. The afternoon happy hour was great!
The property itself could be a bit better maintained, but overall, was a very good experience.

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2026

Robert

Great location, clean rooms & nice staff.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2026

Dillon

Great staff

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2026

Timothy

Excellent dinner, staff were fantastic

Pet

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Batuhan

Food

6/10

Pleasant

01 May 2026

Tom

Very expensive at Tiki Bar. Also disappointed with offer of late check then insulting $100 price tag.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2026

Corey

We had the most amazing stay at Amara Cay in Islamorada for our honeymoon! From the moment we arrived, everything felt effortless, relaxing, and truly special. The property is absolutely beautiful—clean, modern, and perfectly captures that laid-back luxury island vibe.

The rooms were comfortable and well-kept, with stunning views that made it hard to leave. The pool area and private beach were highlights for us—plenty of space to unwind, with crystal-clear water and the most peaceful atmosphere. It never felt overcrowded, which made it even more enjoyable.

The staff was incredibly kind and attentive throughout our stay, always going out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. You can tell they genuinely care about the guest experience.

The location is also perfect—close to everything in Islamorada while still feeling like a private escape. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or just a relaxing trip, this place checks every box.

We’ll absolutely be back and couldn’t recommend it more!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2026

Tanya

Nice quiet, relaxing property

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2026

Judith

Poolside area was very comfortable. Restaurant was very friendly and helpful. The bed was very comfortable.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Apr 2026

Igor

No clean room every day

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2026

John

Everything was as it was expected for the price

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2026

Kimberly

Great location. Eat at Lazy Days next door and Flagler Station if you want more upscale. They have a water taxi that unfortunately we didn’t get to go on because it was so windy but hope to go again and get on it next time.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2026

Jody

Clean room great food Had lots of fun

2/10

Poor

09 Apr 2026

Melissa

This was absolutely horrible! Amara Cay overbooked us, tried to blame Expedia, ruined our trip and moved us to their sister site even though our friends were staying there.

Friends

2/10

Poor

08 Apr 2026

Hayley

When I arrived to this property I was told that it was overbooked and I had to stay down the street at a different hotel that was way lower quality! I’m LIVID!

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2026

Anthony

Perfect resort for Islamorada. Everything you need to be comfortable

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2026

David

Location is ideal.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Apr 2026

Meaghan

I like how awesome the staff was, what I did like was some of the out door games needed to be replaced around the beach, and the out door sound system wasn’t working around the whole property, also. Think they need at least two more fire table and live music at least 4 days of the week.

Family_with_children