Holiday Inn Key Largo is a straightforward, dependable choice on the Overseas Highway in the middle of the island, the sort of hotel that suits travelers who care more about the reef than the lobby. Key Largo is the gateway to the Florida Keys and the home of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the country, and a stay here puts the dive shops, snorkel boats, glass-bottom tours and seafood restaurants of the Upper Keys within a few minutes. A recognizable brand brings predictable standards, which is a real advantage on a busy holiday weekend or when you are traveling with children. It will not have the boutique polish of a design hotel or the sprawling grounds of a luxury resort, but it offers a comfortable room, a pool to cool off in and a location that works for almost every plan in the area. Many guests use it as a launch pad for early boat departures and return in the afternoon for a swim and an easy dinner.
Rooms are generally straightforward and practical, with comfortable beds, work space and the usual in-room conveniences. Several room types are typically offered, including options with two beds for families and groups, and some may have water or pool views. Compare the available categories when you book, and check the current room list, bed types and any connecting-room options if you are traveling as a larger party. Because Key Largo is a short drive from Miami, many guests arrive by midafternoon and head straight to the pool. The amenities center on convenience.
Expect an outdoor pool, on-site dining and a bar, parking for your car and the sort of front-desk help that can point you toward dive operators, snorkel trips and fishing charters. Reef trips are the main event in Key Largo, and the water here ranges from calm and shallow to deep and dramatic, so ask the hotel or your tour operator which departures suit your experience level. Check when you book which amenities, such as water sports rentals, are available on site, and confirm pool and restaurant hours for your dates.
Who it suits
Families who want a reliable pool and restaurant, divers and snorkelers who need a central base without paying resort prices, road trippers heading down the island chain, and anyone who values a recognizable brand and loyalty points. It is less suited to travelers hoping for a private beach, since Key Largo shorelines are rocky or lined with mangroves, or to those who want a quiet, secluded retreat, because the highway is close by and the area is busy.
Practical points
The hotel is about an hour and a quarter from Miami International Airport by car, depending on traffic, and groceries, pharmacies and restaurants are a short drive away. Winter is the busiest and most expensive season, and holiday weekends fill quickly, so book early. Summer is hotter and often better value, though hurricane season runs from June to November, so a flexible rate and travel insurance make sense. Confirm resort fees, parking charges and cancellation terms with the hotel before you go.
Why stay here
- ✓Central Key Largo location
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓On-site restaurant and bar
- ✓Rooms with two-bed options
- ✓On-site parking
- ✓Front desk help with reef trips
- ✓Near Pennekamp State Park
- ✓Close to dive shops and restaurants
Good questions
Is it close to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park?+
Yes. The park and many reef tour operators are a short drive away in Key Largo.
Is it a good value choice?+
It is a mid-priced option in a market where resorts cost more; check when you book for current rates and fees.
Does it have a beach?+
Key Largo shorelines are mostly rocky or mangrove, so the pool is the main swimming area.
