Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina

We hadn't researched the place properly before booking, but it turned out to be a hit, and we’ll definitely return. We’re a retired couple who took a short trip, though we could imagine coming with several generations of family or as a couple looking for a romantic getaway. There really is something for everyone. The beach is beautiful, with chairs and umbrellas easy to get, and food and drinks can be brought to you there or at the pools. You can also rent cabanas. The adult-only heated pool and hot tub area has Bob’s Beach Bar, while the themed Octopool kids’ pool and quieter four-foot pool with a nearby hot tub are close to Bongo’s restaurant and bar. Complimentary kayaks and paddle boards are available, along with jet skiing, parasailing, fishing, and ranger-led tours. For meals, Bongo’s is solid for lunch and dinner, and Rae’s is good for dinner. Jake’s breakfast was excellent and our favorite. The staff were friendly and efficient.

We came back again, for the third time, and still highly recommend it for a family vacation. The value is excellent, the staff are always so nice, and breakfast is a real treat, especially if Ronald is serving. The hot breakfast is delicious and has plenty of bacon. Beach chairs and umbrellas are wonderful too. If you burn easily, the umbrellas give you full shade and keep you cool. We even spotted Venus, Mercury, and Saturn three planets after sunset. Nice job, Pink Shell!

I come to this resort every year and absolutely love it. The rooms are very clean, everyone is friendly, and it’s a nice place for kids. Breakfast is included as a buffet with lots of choices. The sunsets are beautiful, and you can also see the sunrise on the other side.

The beach is gorgeous, and the service at Pink Shell Resort was among the best we’ve had while traveling. Staff were exceptional, and we especially liked the peaceful adults-only pool. The pools are well maintained, and having unlimited towels was a nice touch. Dining was decent overall. Rae’s was excellent, though it’s small, so I’d recommend reserving a table. Breakfast was good too, especially the made-to-order omelets. The rooms have lovely ocean views, but they felt dated and due for a refresh. The bulky older furniture and plastic mirrors made the space feel tired, and the balcony furniture looked worn and dirty. We probably wouldn’t return, although families with young children or grandchildren might find it a paradise. Traffic on and off the island can be difficult. We took a boat out of Salty Sam's Marina a few miles away, and getting across the bridge sometimes took up to 45 minutes. One other tip: Salty Sam's Marina has a high-speed boat that goes to and from Key West daily. If you’ve never been, I’d recommend that day trip.