We stayed here for 3 nights with a 20 foot boat. Our room was an efficiency with Queen bed near the small marina. Front desk staff was friendly and the grounds were very well kept. Motel is dated, but rooms have been upgraded. Our only complaint was that the bed was pretty uncomfortable. We plan to return next year and bring our kids. There is a small swimming lagoon at the end of the "beach" area and lights allow for viewing the snapper in the water at night.
We did not try the restaurant this time, but heard they serve a good, cheap lunch! Boating access was great for both Atlantic and Gulf. Dock was clean and provided water, fish cleaning area, etc. Ramp was easy to pull in and out of.

Not sure why all the hate about this place.

Clean, well maintained rooms, helpful staff, and a great view for a sunset/sunrise. Location is right in the middle of the Keys. Bathroom could use an update.

I found myself having to find a room less than two days prior to my arrival in Marathon due to unfortunate circumstances. Since I am employed by a law enforcemet agency, I contacted local law enforcement seeking a recommendation and was lucky enough to have a conversation with Rose who suggested the Blackfin after I told her I was looking for a room that was clean, comfortable, and affordable. Well, it was all of that and more. Yes, it is an older establishment and what I would call a beachy decor, but it is clean, the rooms are comfortable and generous in size, and the price was definately right. My first night I meandered to the back of the Blackfin where the boat residents live and couldn't believe the stunning view. I met Rose and had "sunset cocktails" with her and some of her friends.....very enjoyable.....so enjoyable that I wound up meandering back every night to enjoy the sunset and always found myself engaged in conversation with whomever I met.....everyone was so friendly.....I even got invited to the Friday night fish fry.

All of the staff at the Blackfin from the front office to housekeeping were genuinely concerned about my comfort and welfare. Karen, who works at the front desk, was always there with a warm greeting and welcoming smile whenever I walked into the office with one of my requests.....from coffee to sweetener to plastic utensils. I must say the coffee from her private stash was definately above and beyond my expectations.....great customer service Karen!

The Hurricane right next door to the Blackfin office is a favorite of the locals and has specials every night like "Taco Tuesday" where Tacos are only a buck. The food was great, the drinks were stiff, and "Open Mike Night" was a great opportunity to see and hear the locals shine....very entertaining and lots of fun. Mia, the resident bartender, is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside and is probably the best bartender in Marathon......knew my drink the 2nd night I walked in (it's a busy bar) and the Peanut Butter Pie was delicious.....thanks Mia for everything.

Lastly, Marathon, Florida is a small community where everybody pretty much knows everybody. The intent of my visit was to see an old friend, who unfortunatley passed away prior to my arrival. I decided to go anyway and "walk in his shoes" to meet his friends and learn about the community that he loved so much. All of his friends and all of the people who knew him were so wonderful to me. I truly enjoyed all of the stories with the "one o'clock lunch bunch. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like a part of their community. I will never regret my decision to venture down that path alone.....it was a life experience and one not to be soon forgotten.

We were quite comfortable in the 2 bed apartment with heated pool, seaside rec area & plenty of fishing boat choices in immediate area as well as excellent seafood restaurants. Caught & fileted over 20lbs of mackeral & snapper. Five years now we've hit the Keys in the winter & the Blackfin is still our first choice.