We stayed in Villa #7036 from Jan 11-19, 2012. I hadn't been to the Keys since 1985 and we wanted to get some sun with our 2 children (11 and 8 years old). We booked online with Keys Caribbean and received excellent phone service both prior to and during our stay.

The actual location of Duck Key is very central to the Keys, but those traveling with children should be aware that it is a 20 minute drive to Marathon for amenities (groceries/fast food, etc.) and about 30 minutes to Islamorada - so you can't just step around the corner for a jug of milk or a bag of chips. That said, there is a harbor store associated with Hawk's Key just down the road and they have a lot of stuff (booze, bread, milk, canned goods, etc) but their prices are high. (i.e., package of 8 hotdogs - $6.99)

Our villa was exactly as promised, but no more. It is the only reason I did not give them a 5 star review. The place was immaculately clean, but a little dated and somewhat tired. It was more like renting a cottage than a luxury villa. Our counter tops were 1980's style ceramic tile and the couch and chair in the living room had seen better days. We only had 2 problematic things; the master bed and the kitchen in general.

The queen size bed in the main bedroom was old and very noisy. It seems they may have put a new mattress on an old box spring....whatever the issue, it made for some pretty sleepless nights and a consistently sore back for my wife.

The real disappointment for us was the kitchen amenities. We were on a budget and hoping to eat in for breakfast and lunch and occasional dinners of local fish, etc. Unfortunately, the pots and pans and utensils provided made cooking impossible. The pots and frying pans were, to be frank, crap. The 5 black plastic utensils for cooking obviously came from a dollar store. Our fridge was serviceable but had rust showing on the sides and the interior of the freezer. They supplied no "staples" at all...we had to buy dish soap, dishwasher detergent, dish cloths, pot scrubber...everything! The counter top stuff (toaster, blender, toaster oven, etc) were cheapo models but in working condition.

Lastly - and I'm being picky now - we booked a unit with what was described as a jacuzzi.
What it actually is - is something called a "splash pool". It is just like a hot tub only with not as much heat. It only gets luke warm. Ours actually wasn't working properly until the last 2 days and when we mentioned this to the pool service guy he had it warmed up (as much as possible) in short order.

The other big drawback for us (and our neighbors) was the lack of a BBQ. It seems they are not permitted on the property, but the owners/property managers should get together and try to change this rule.

FYI, We were in other units near to us and they were very generously appointed and far more luxurious...

OK, that pretty much sums it up from our prospective - would we go back? Yes, but we would want to see recent pictures of the unit we were renting before committing to anything.
Were we happy with Keys Caribbean? Absolutely - they provided professional service and a great price.

My stay at Hawk Cay Villas by Key Carribean was from 1/2 to 1/5/2012
It was my first girlfriends gateway!
I loved the villa, very spacious and well decorated. The Jacuzzi was really warma and I like the semi-privacy, you can still see the waterfront while in it!

The kitchen was fully equipped and have plenty of cooking tools

The main bedroom was very nice and the twin beds were kinda small but very clean and soft

The phone number they provide we're very helpful and responded very fast

My only downside was the fact the bedroom doors were kinda dirty and dusty

We went here for a last-minute 3 night stay during Thanksgiving week.

We loved our 2 bed/2.5 bath villa along Harbor Village Drive. It backed up to a canal, with access from the side of our unit to walk out and down the wooden dock that wraps around the village waterfront. We had a private patio with jacuzzi splash pool and plenty of room. Price is definitely great through Keys Caribbean and provided great value compared to staying at a hotel. We already were aware that we would not have access to resort activities such as using the childrens areas unless you book through the resort. But we didn't have little kids, so it didn't matter much to us. Too expensive to eat there anyway, and there's plenty of good local restaurants within a short drive.

Fully stocked, modern kitchen, wireless internet and cable TV provided all the comforts of home. Even has a washer/dryer to wash any clothes or towels while you are there.

There's a tram that runs thru the village all day, probably every 20 minutes. It picks up practically in front of your villa, and was convenient to use when we wanted to go visit the pool. We went to the main resort pool, which is just gorgeous with a beautiful view of the water, and overseas highway...even has a saltwater lagoon with sandy beach if you don't want to use the regular pool. No one seemed to question our use of it...even the tram driver said we could go use it. Only thing was.....since we weren't a Hawk's Cay Resort guest we were not permitted to order food/drinks from the pool area....(seems kinda dumb to turn down cash business....but oh well, that's their rules).

We will definately be going back for a longer stay.

book directly through Hawks Cay. Loved the villa and location - backed up to a green water canal, private patio with jacuzzi splash pool and plenty of room. Price is definitely great through Keys Caribbean. The Resort may have been lax in the past about availabilty of their programs and facilities but no more! You do have access to the public areas - most restaurants - but will not be able to use the children's areas or have them participate in the Resort activities unless you book through the resort. So if a beautiful place to stay at a greatly reduced cost vs the resort experience is what you're looking for use Keys Caribbean. If the resort is important, pay the price and book through Hawks Cay. Either way I highly recommend a vist to Hawks Cay Resort on beautiful Duck Key, Florida.