Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco Resort on Marathon: a Great Escape with Teens

Staying in Marathon is always the most relaxing sort of Florida Keys trip, and that includes when you’re visiting with kids. The Faro Blanco Courtyard Marriott is a wonderful option that’s well suited to travel with older kids and teens (and young kids too, but mine are older). The property has multiple swimming pools, indoor and outdoor game spaces, large rooms, and is a good hub for exploring the Middle Keys, including the famous Bahia Honda State Park.

Are you looking for a nice vacation spot that’s good for all ages AND is in an ideal location? The Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco is it and we’ve got the full scoop for you. From what to expect on property to things to do on Marathon, read on for a great vacation plan for the Middle Florida Keys. If you have any questions or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great trip!

Why Stay at the Courtyard Faro Blanco Resort

In the Middle Keys you’ll have lots of resort hotel choices, but we really like the Faro Blanco Resort, and specifically the Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco. Yes, there is their sister property next door, and yes, it’s wonderful to stay at too, but the Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco is more centered around being a teen/all ages stay than the Faro Blanco Resort. Both properties give you access to the other, including the swimming pools at each, but it’s nice to be close to the game courtyard and game room when you’re traveling with teens.

Something else that makes the Courtyard Faro Blanco a great stay with older kids is the amount of space all around the property . Whether anyone is in the mood to be around people or just to relax in solitude, there are options. There are shady reading areas, indoor and outdoor quiet spaces and then there are different pool areas with different vibes. The Courtyard Faro Blanco is a solid choice if you are looking for a relaxing property.

And for people who plan on exploring beyond the hotel, I think the location of the Faro Blanco properties is fantastic. You’re at the southern end of Marathon which means you’re close to where local snorkeling and fishing tours depart from (the Starfish is my favorite snorkeling tour in the Keys!) and you’re less than 15 minutes from Bahia Honda State Park, which is considered to be the prettiest park in the Florida Keys. You can walk to several restaurants and the Turtle Hospital, and you are never too far from conveniences like the grocery store or pharmacy. It’s a win all around.

Book the Courtyard Faro Blanco Resort here!

Room Options at the Courtyard Faro Blanco on Marathon

Having space is so nice when you’re traveling with kids, especially teens, or even when you’re just traveling as adults looking for a nice vacation. The rooms at the Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco are larger than your standard Florida Keys hotel room. Even in the standard rooms, there is seating and floor space, plenty of desk space if you need it, large bathrooms and the balconies are big enough to relax comfortably. There are also connecting rooms, which some people like to have when they are traveling with kids or other friends/family.

We got to enjoy several days with us parents in a king room and the kids in a two queen room. Our king had a beautiful shower while the two queen room had a bathtub. The room types can be booked by both bed arrangement and view, with tropical (garden) or ocean views. There room types themselves are:

• King Room
• Two Queen Room
• Studio Suite
• One Bedroom Suite

There are variables between the rooms including some with kitchenettes and some with sofabeds. When you book, you can check with the property to confirm that the room type and specific view you’re looking at will suit your needs for sleeping arrangements.

Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco Amenities

The outdoor spaces really are the shining amenities of staying at the Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco on Marathon. There are two swimming pools, one of which is oceanfront and is an infinity pool, and the other is more secluded just off the small marina. There is a spa tub next to the infinity pool, but during our stay it was kept at a cool temperature instead of being hot. The snorkeling access is just off the pool area into the cove, and the wildlife within was beautiful. Staying at the Courtyard Faro Blanco means that you also have access to the two swimming pools next door at the Faro Blanco Resort, so that’s four pools in total!

While there isn’t a beach in terms of a zero entry beach into the bay, there is a sandy relaxation area with beach chairs, hammocks and shade. There are also two jetties with seating that are perfect for watching the sunset. There are three different areas for enjoying a fire at night, and smores kits are available if you’re interested. And you can also go to the resort next door where they have nighttime fires as well.

If you’re somebody who does like to hang around the property for relaxing, there is both an indoor and outdoor game space. The indoor game room has foosball, board games, a big couch and an X-Box. The outdoor game space is a nice lawn off the marina with giant chess, cornhole and lounge areas. The Courtyard Faro Blanco has a good size fitness center as well. It’s got plenty of cardio equipment, free weights and floor space for body weight exercises. If you want to use the gym next door, it’s more of a club than a hotel fitness center, but you can call them to confirm if access is open when you want to go. There is also guest laundry available if needed.

Snorkeling from the Courtyard Faro Blanco Resort

The Florida Keys have lots of snorkeling tours, but it can be tricky to snorkel from shore. At the Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco, there is a cove that’s a part of the property and it has lots of good structure for underwater life, making it a snorkeling spot you’ll enjoy. When the waters are calm it’s very clear and there are lots of fish, but when it’s rough, snorkeling within the jetty is best (still a bit turbid) and you’ll still be able to see all kinds of beautiful nudibranchs as you explore.

Is there a spa at the Courtyard Faro Blanco on Marathon?

While there isn’t a spa onsite at the Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco Resort, next door at the Faro Blanco Resort they have the Ocean Spa. I love it here. You can do any number of treatments (not included) or you can just purchase a day pass to enjoy the quiet and amenities. It’s a great, easy escape if you’ve been traveling with family for a few days.

Dining at the Faro Blanco Resorts

When you’re staying at the Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco, there are two dining options onsite: the cafe in the lobby and the Blue Waters Bar & Grill. The lobby cafe does breakfast, both made to order and pastries, and they serve Starbucks Coffee. It’s an easy option and can be charged to your room. The Blue Waters Bar & Grill is located by the infinity pool and is open from just before lunch until after dinner. They do table service or you can sit at the bar counter. They’ll also serve you by the pool. It’s always well staffed it seems, so we never had long of a wait at all. For a fancier meal, next door at the Faro Blanco Resort is the Lighthouse Restaurant. We’ve dined here several times, including when we weren’t even staying at either hotel. I love their Caribbean style menu, both for breakfast and dinner. And you can’t beat the atmosphere.

Courtyard Faro Blanco Resort Parking Information

Parking is all self-park only at the Courtyard Faro Blanco Resort. It is $20 per night in addition to the resort fee. Be sure that you get a parking pass when you check in. If you are just visiting for the day (resort day passes are available) parking is free. And if you’re one of the cool kids with an electric vehicle, there is a charging station on property as well.

Activities and Sights Near the Faro Blanco Properties

The Courtyard Faro Blanco and Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club are located at the southern end of Marathon, just before the Seven Mile Bridge. There is a tour boat marina nearby, as well as the bulk of Marathon activities within 15 minutes. Here are our top picks for things to do near the Faro Blanco properties.

• Starfish Catamaran Snorkeling to Sombrero Key – BOOK IT HERE!
• Visit historic Pigeon Key – you can do the tour or ride bikes (check out at hotel)
• Do a sandbar trip with the Marathon Mermaid – BOOK IT HERE!
• Spend the day at Bahia Honda State Park
• Go kayaking and have a beach day at Curry Hammock State Park
• Visit the Crane Point Hammock Preserve
• Do a beach day at Sombrero Beach