Marina del Mar Resort: Top Pick for a Key Largo Waterfront Stay on a Budget

Key Largo is such a fun place to be based for a Florida Keys trip, and the Marina del Mar Resort is in a great spot, and it’s even budget friendly! Located on one of the inlet waterways of Key Largo, Marina del Mar has great views, it’s convenient to everything happening on Key Largo, and the rooms are pretty nice and quite comfortable. It’s a solid choice for a getaway or a family vacation.

If you’re looking for a nice, budget friendly option on Key Largo, I think you’ll like the Marina del Mar. We’ve got all the info about what to expect, what’s really great about staying here and things to do on Key Largo. 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 place a great trip to the Florida Keys.

Why Stay at the Marina del Mar

Something that stands out to me about staying at the Marina del Mar Resort in Key Largo is its easy location with neighboring partner properties. The Courtyard Marriott and Holiday Inn are just next door and all are owned by the same management group, so you have access to the amenities across properties. I love this. It means that you can either use the small fitness center at the Marina del Mar or you can walk over to the Courtyard Marriott and use their big beautiful fitness center that looks out over the pool and marina. Or you can go pool hopping between hotels (but the pool here is great, so you don’t need to).

There is really good value at the Marina del Mar Resort hotel as well. Despite its great location and available amenities (more on that below) it also has one of the best price points of any hotels in the Florida Keys. Key Largo is an expensive destination and if you’re booking with enough advance notice, you can stay here with a room rate of less than $200 per night. That’s a steal for the Florida Keys and the spaciousness and room updates make it even better. Remember, this isn’t a fancy resort, but it is a very nice standard hotel.

When it comes to location, the Marina del Mar Resort is in a good spot. Walking out of your hotel you have quite a few tour companies that leave from this marina including the African Queen boat, one of the large glass bottom boat tours (I love doing this!), and several fishing and dive operations. Not even ten minutes from here is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (which is phenomenal for snorkeling and kayaking) and then Dagny Johnson Key Largo Botanical State Park just past that. And then Rowell’s Oceanfront Park is nearby too, which has great snorkeling from the dock. The Marina del Mar Hotel is in the best location for any sort of trip to Key Largo.

Book the Marina del Mar Resort hotel here!

Room Options at the Marina del Mar

Although there are elements of the rooms at the Marina del Mar Resort hotel that could use updates, both for decor reasons and simply because there could be a bit better maintenance, the rooms are nice, comfortable and clean. Little things like scuffed furniture and brass elements from the 80s don’t have a negative impact on a stay. I like that the rooms are spacious and each room’s entrance is far enough from other rooms that it feels like you have your own balcony. In fact, some rooms do have their own large decks that really expand the space.

The available room types at the Marina del Mar Resort on Key Largo include:

• Standard King or two Double beds
• One Bedroom Suites w/ kitchenette – sleeps 4 (king and sofa bed)
• Studio Suites open floor plan w/ kitchenette – sleeps 4
• 2 or 3 Bedroom Suites w/ full kitchens and large balconies/decks – sleeps 6-8

The Marina del Mar Resort is pet friendly, but there is a $75 pet fee per dog (limit 2 dogs per room).

Marina del Mar Resort Amenities

The rooms themselves are nice and medium-updated, but they’re clean and well maintained. On property, the amenities are great! The fitness center, while not fancy, is actually pretty large with free weights, a weight machine, cardio equipment and even a Peloton bike. You do have access to the Courtyard Marriott Fitness Center too, but the one here at the Marina del Mar is just fine and does the trick.

The swimming pool is very large and one of the highlights of staying at the Marina del Mar. The pool is horseshoe shaped with plenty of lounge chairs and shade all around, including a sandy are to play or just hang out. There is also a hot tub attached to the pool (hot is a relative term, but it’s warmer than the pool). Between the resort buildings, there are other shady hang out areas just off the marina that have chairs and yard games, making this a good family hotel.

And yes, the marina out back is a part of the Marina del Mar Resort

Dining Near the Marina del Mar Resort

There is not a restaurant directly in the Marina del Mar Resort hotel, but breakfast is included in your stay (unless otherwise noted) and happens just off the lobby. Next door is my favorite restaurant in Key Largo, Skipper’s Dockside. For years they’ve been able to hold the title (bestowed by me) for the best Key Lime Pie. I think they put molasses in their crust maybe, but it’s amazing. There are lots of other good restaurants nearby, as well as a dive bar or two. There’s no shortage of both delicious and family-friendly dining on Key Largo.

Marina del Mark Parking Information

Parking is included with your resort fee, so they’ll give you a parking pass to display on your dashboard. You can park as close to your building or the appropriate elevator as spots available, and there is plenty of parking. And yes, there are elevators as the hotel buildings are three and four floors tall. Since there are several tours that go out from the marina next to the hotel, it’s very convenient to be able to leave your car and walk to your tour departure for the African Queen boat or the Pennekamp Glass Bottom Boat.