Duval Gardens at Southernmost Beach Resort – Adults Only

After traveling a long way to Key West, we arrived full of expectations and quickly felt let down. The beach access was covered in fermenting seaweed and impossible to swim at, even though the website advertised beachfront and we paid a premium for it. No one mentioned this when we booked. At check-in they casually said it was seaweed season, but didn’t offer any help or remedy. They apparently had equipment to clear it, while the neighboring property did clear its beach so guests could enjoy it. Hidden fees added to the disappointment. The restaurant experience was confusing, with three different menus and a bar setup that had us moving three times. After a very long drive, we eventually left the resort to find food elsewhere after hours. The restaurant staff were rude, and there were no options for children. I felt disregarded and robbed. Once they had our money, it seemed we were no longer their problem. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone I care about, and I absolutely wouldn’t come back. The lack of humanity in the resort business is disheartening.

Those sunrises and sunsets were the highlight, and the oceanfront room we ended up in was clean, fresh, and a much better fit. Our stay at the Southernmost Beach Resort got off to a rough start: the first three Avalon rooms we saw had a strange musty smell. Management quickly accommodated us and upgraded us to one of the oceanfront buildings. The staff were very friendly, and housekeeping kept everything very clean. Dining is a little limited since there’s no traditional room service, but the beachfront cafe was decent, and we could bring food back to the balcony. The main pools are lively, with lots of kids and loud DJ music. There’s an adult pool for a quieter swim, though it was farther away than we wanted to walk, so we chose the beach instead.

The resort’s location is great, and having a beach right there is a real plus. Just check the room listing carefully if you want to be oceanfront. I booked a junior suite listed as oceanfront and got a large, mostly empty room with an ocean view only if I craned my neck, while paying the oceanfront rate. There weren’t any supplies in the room, not even paper towels, plates, cups, or coffee for the machine. Housekeeping was sporadic too, so the tiny trash bucket filled up fast.

Roxana made check-in feel warm and welcoming. She was friendly and professional, and I felt at home right away. My room was in an excellent spot, and the resort has lots of space and complete, well-kept facilities. I had a wonderful stay at Southernmost Beach Resort and would happily recommend it to anyone visiting Key West. I’d love to return.