My husband and I found the Drop Anchor by simply driving by. The hotel we had booked for our trip in May 2011 was forced to cancel our first night due to a wedding so we decided to wait until we got to Islamorada to find somewhere to stay. I wanted to stay somewhere that the decor epitomized the Keys and the Drop Anchor was it. The manager, Steve I think, was so nice and helpful. The room was older but very clean and spacious. And the location is right on the Atlantic. We were a bit worried about our decision at first glance but we would definitely stay here again. Great location also.

There's nothing really wrong with the Drop Anchor Resort. Then again, considering the cost, there's nothing really wonderful about it either. Although situated on the ocean side of Islamorada, it is located next to the marina, so the ocean's bottom is "yucky" (the hotel's words) and infested with sea lice. You are advised not to swim in it, so all you can do is look at it from the fake sand beach. As you look out at the water with the yucky bottom it does not appear aquamarine blue as you'd expect (there is a bit if you look to the far left and far right). They do provide passes to Founder's Park on the bayside, which is an ok beach with boat rentals, but when I asked where else we could go, they failed to mention Anne's Beach, which is a much more beautiful part of the keys, away from the commercial area (do make sure you venture out farther west for a more relaxing part of Islamorada).

On the other hand, if there are no clouds on the horizon, the sunrise and sunset views from the hotel are as spectacular as a picture postcard. There's nothing like it anywhere in the world from what I've experienced (in Islamorada, that is).

But back to the hotel. It is true that the rooms are pleasantly decorated and fairly spacious, although the furniture is starting to look a little worn (it's minor). We had room #8 on the second floor of the main central building, which featured a semi-private king bedroom, a living room with a comfortable pull out queen couch, balcony, a two-burner stove, mini-frig, sink, and good looking buffet to store a miserly selection of plates, pots and pans, etc. Oddly, the curtain that separates the bedroom from the living room didn't stretch all the way across to make it private. And the curtains for the sliding glass doors that overlooked the beach didn't stretch all the way across either. But I think the room arrangement is better than #7 where the bedroom and pull-out couch are in one room right in front of the sliding glass doors.

It was nice to have a balcony, from which we ate our meals, but there was a picnic table located directly below, and the smell of cigarette smoke rises if people are smoking.

What really irked me was the lack of amenities. With taxes our room came to $325/night. We stayed right on a real beach in a full 2 BR hotel in Cocoa Beach for $194/night with a fully-stocked kitchen and a welcome gift of fruit, fresh-squeezed OJ, and breakfast pastries. At Drop Anchor, there wasn't even as much as a book of matches available to light the grill! You are supposed to be on vacation--and yet, if we wanted to cook in the room, we had to basically buy everything--paper towels, charcoal briquets, salt, pepper. There wasn't even a cutting board, or a drying rack or hand towel for drying dishes.

The hotel staff is nice enough and approachable. Perhaps they just wanted to leave people alone, but they weren't particularly helpful when it came to advice. I wanted to know which company I should contact about a snorkeling excursion, and they couldn't even suggest one. And they didn't make any suggestions about other beaches to visit where we could swim without sea lice except for Founder's Beach. On the other hand, the woman did suggest going to the Morada Inn to watch the sunset, which was a good idea, as it is very pleasant at sunset and you can buy drinks from the bar without having to dine at the restaurant.

If you can, I would suggest staying at a hotel farther west on Islamorada where it is not as commercial and where you are closer to a nicer beach without sea lice. No matter where you stay in Islamorada, you are going to be subject to noise from the Overseas Highway, which is unfortunate. If you can't find anything else, though, hold your breath and pay the exorbitant prices at Drop Anchor, rent a bike for the day, and ride out to Anne's Beach, stopping along the way (or better still, skip Islamorada and go to Cocoa Beach). If you fish and don't want to rent a boat, you can also fish off the bridge that takes you to the very last island of Islamorada.

We love that each of the rooms are individually decorated in a tasteful eclectic style. The rates are very reasonable. I love the lower level king room in the back right on the beach...it's perfect to hang out on your own private patio and grill out. My only complaint is they don't allow pets. Otherwise we would stay here every time we come to the keys. Definitely recommend!

Only stayed one night but wish it was longer. We were pleasantly surprised with our room. It was very roomy and nicely decorated in a nautical style. Some might say it could use some updating but I feel it would detract from its charm. Our room #7 was upstairs and closest to the water with a great balcony. Family of four slept very comfortably with one king and a pullout sofa. Full kitchen even though we didn't use it was nice. We were here with a large wedding party and got to see several different rooms, all were just as nice but #7 with its balcony view was best. Nice courtyard / seawall area outback with seating and hammocks under palms overlooking the ocean. Got up early to watch the sunrise and it was worth it. Will recommend to family and friends.