Grassy Flats Resort in the Middle Keys – Peace and Calm near Marathon

Staying in the Middle Keys is not everyone’s first thought when they’re planning a Florida Keys trip, but the Grassy Flats Resort is a fun, quiet destination that is just perfect for exploring the lesser known side of the Keys. With a wonderful rooftop bar and restaurant, poolside service and activity rentals on property, you can check into the Grassy Flats Resort and spend several days just relaxing and having fun. And then of course all the great activities of Marathon and the Middle Keys are right here too, so you can keep it as mellow as you like.

Are you considering booking a stay at the Grassy Flats Resort? I would recommend it, especially for a little decompression after a busy visit in Key West. Whether it’s for just a night or a few days, add the Grassy Flats Resort to your Florida Keys itinerary for a different type of trip. If you have any questions about the hotel or things to do in the Middle Keys, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more!

Why Stay at the Grassy Flats Resort

What makes Grassy Flats Resort a unique choice for the Florida Keys is the location paired with the relaxation space all around the property. Grassy Flats is located on Grassy Key, which is very near Marathon where you’ll find lots of things to do, including my favorite snorkeling tour in the Keys. Marathon has a lot going on, but when you’re on Grassy Key it feels a world away and like there isn’t a whole town nearby. The resort is just off the Overseas Highway but it’s not loud in the slightest.

The rooms all have balconies looking towards the Atlantic Ocean, so the only noise you get is the occasional boat passing or a flock of pelicans maybe (and they are not loud at all). The peace and quiet of it all is the reason Grassy Flats is such a wonderful retreat. The rooms are very nice as well with nice, modern decor and plenty of space. The balconies are also large enough to enjoy time outside, either doing yoga in the morning or having afternoon cocktails.

Book the Grassy Flats resort here!

Room Options at the Grassy Flats Resort

A lot of visitors to the Florida Keys are coming down for a full week or more. This means that many of the hotels and resorts in the Keys are full condo-style suite hotels. The Grassy Flats Resort on Marathon has both multi-bedroom suites and standard hotel-style rooms. Depending on how many people you have with you, how you like to travel and how much time you’ll be spending at your hotel, the suites are a great option for being based in the Middle Keys.

Grassy Flats Resort reminds me a bit of the nearby Hawks Cay Resort or the Hotel Laureate in Key West. If you need a complete apartment with a kitchen, they’ve got it. Need kid bedrooms and adult rooms? They’ve got you set. Not going to be at the resort too much? No problem, a standard hotel room is also great and just as nice as a suite.

We were at the Grassy Flats Resort and Beach Club for three days and the standard room setup was great for us. We were just two people, but with the huge balcony and easy access to the pools and outdoor areas, our family of four would’ve been plenty comfortable here. We used our balcony for exercise, reading, afternoon drinks and watching the sunrise. I loved it.

Grassy Flats Resort Amenities

Upon check in you get to enjoy a welcome drink at the poolside patio bar, which is a great welcome, but then there’s more.. There are two swimming pools at the Grassy Flats Resort, one being very large in the center of one of the buildings and the other being much more secluded, in a garden setting and for adults only. I like the garden pool and it just reinforces the peacefulness of the property. In addition to the pools, there is also a small beach to enjoy.

I will say, in regards to the beach, it is a Florida Keys beach in the calmest part of the island chain. What that means is that instead of there being a lovely sandy bottom and a reef to explore, it means that it’s very calm and shallow, and is the grassy flat ecosystem. The sea grasses and silty sand settle here so it’s not great for swimming. There are kayaks and paddleboards you can rent/checkout from the activities center, so that’s a great way to enjoy the water, but swimming in the saltwater here is just not winning. Lots of wildlife though!

Dining at Grassy Flats

The rooftop restaurant, the Palm Deck, and bar at the Grassy Flats Resort is really wonderful. From quality, interesting cocktails to a great menu that’s good for either apps or a full meal, I love this place. We actually had several happy hours here during our last stay, and the beef tips app sustained us on several occasions. For coffee and breakfast, the poolside cafe does a simple island service or menu, and they do lunch as well.

Grassy Flats Resort Parking Information

Parking at the Grassy Flats Resort is free and easy. There are ample spots, some are even covered. The property is very open so lock your vehicle, but there are very few people traveling on foot or just showing up in the middle of the Keys, so it feels very safe. I will say though, if you’re trying to leave the parking lot during a busy moment on the Overseas Highway, you may have to wait a minute. When there is traffic or construction in the Keys, movement slows to a crawl, usually just for a few minutes, but it’s irritating. Don’t let that discourage though, as it’s the same all through the Florida Keys.

Activities and Sights Near Grassy Key

Being in the Middle Keys is wonderful. I love how even though everyone has to drive through to get to Key West, there are far fewer tourists hanging around and everyone here is so chill. There are some great activities near Grassy Key and in Marathon. These are our top picks for the area.

• Starfish Catamaran Snorkeling to Sombrero Reef
• Keys Cable Park – wake boarding and stuff
• Grassy Key Botanical Beer Garden
• Marathon Sea Turtle Hospital
• Historic Pigeon Key tour
• paddle boarding and kayaking