Review: Courtyard by Marriott Key Largo
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Escape the cold and snow: My review of the Courtyard by Marriott Key Largo
During the holiday season, my family and I flew with our Air Miles from Montreal to Miami to escape the cold. One day we were driving through the Laurentian Park in my home region at -19C and the next day we were poolside in Key Largo at +27C. Thanks to our points!
The price for a standard room at this Courtyard by Marriott Key Largo hotel this late in the year is very high. Paying more than 500$USD for this room seems indecent but this is the usual price in the area, on this last weekend of the year.
We could also have chosen other Marriott hotels nearby, such as the Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort at 60,000 points/night (or around $700USD/night) or the Playa Largo Resort & Spa – Autograph Collection to 70,000 points/night (minimum $950USD/night plus $39USD resort fee).
But since we were only visiting, we preferred to take the least expensive in points and so paid for our room using 40,000 Marriott points (high season), points we earned in part with the Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express® Card.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
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on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The Courtyard by Marriott Key Largo hotel is conveniently located and has many amenities.
At the entrance, the reception was well decorated for the holidays.
Checking in
As a Platinum member, we got a welcome gift:
- 2 bags of Pretzels,
- 1 small bottle of water,
- 2 packages of Key Lime chocolates from a local chocolate factory
- and coupons for free breakfast the next day for the family.
We really appreciated the coupons because usually Platinum and + members only get a $10USD discount on food and drinks at Courtyard Bistros.
In addition, cookies are available for everyone at the reception.
We got an upgrade to the 3rd and top floor for a room with 2 queen beds, with a view of the marina.
The bathroom was standard but the bath looked a bit used.
We like the concept of 2 bathroom sinks in 2 separate rooms, but the light switch is on the outside. There is always a little comedian in the family who turns off the light when someone is inside with the door closed!
Around the hotel
The view of the marina was beautiful!
The Courtyard by Marriott Key Largo hotel has an agreement with the Holiday Inn next door as well as the Marina Del Mar Resort & Marina, so guests can take advantage of each other’s pools. You just have to show the bracelet given to you when you checked in to be entitled to it (although nobody asked us).
The pool at the Courtyard by Marriott Key Largo was nice and there was a hot tub as well, set further back.
However, the kids preferred the one at the Holiday Inn, because of the “cool” waterfall. There was another pool on the premises, right next to a Tiki bar.
Regarding the pool at Marina Del Mar, it was nothing special but it was the largest of the 3 pools available.
This Courtyard by Marriott Key Largo hotel also has a very small gym, with a view of the marina.
Bottom Line
Our room was dated (especially seeing the balcony and the bathroom), but it was very clean. The Courtyard by Marriott Key Largo hotel is very conveniently located in Key Largo and offers many amenities, which we really appreciated.
Customer service was excellent, there was no resort fee and parking was free.
A boardwalk around the marina allows us to eat at the excellent Skipper’s Dockside restaurant, have access to the other pools, see the different boats to book a deep sea escapade and walk around.Now, to our final destination: Key West!
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Go further with Marriott Bonvoy
To maximize your stays and points earning, check our complete Marriott Bonvoy program guide and our best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards ranking. For personal use, see the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. For business expenses, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card earns points on every business purchase. And if a points purchase promotion is running, take advantage via our Marriott Bonvoy points purchase guide.