First, Westin Sunset Key Guest Cottages' three bedroom ocean front cottage is quite likely the best accommodation you can have in Key West unless you buy your own house. It is also one of the only accommodations in the Key West that is located right on the beach. But this is a cottage, not a villa and should be considered and reviewed as such.
We had a group of 10, including two toddlers, one 5-year and three seniors. Five of us stayed at the three bedroom ocean front cottage at Sunset Key Guest Cottages and the rest at West Resort & Marina. Both resorts are under the same management and under Westin flag, although operated by a local company.
We arrived to Westin Resort & Marina around 5 pm on 23rd of December and although this must be the one of the busiest times of the year, we were checked in quickly - however, we did not get the keys to Sunset Key Guest Cottages, only "temporary pass" - which created extra hassle. Once we arrived to a Sunset Key by quick 5 minute boat ride, we had to find the concierge to get real keys. Concierge's location was not marked in the map we were provided by Westin Marina & Resort. Keys provided by the concierge did not work first - we had to reprogram them to get working. I would have expected someone to greet us on arrival - since the cottages are expensive and this is supposed to be a luxury resort.
After the initial small hassle, we were finally able to get in and our luggage was brought quickly to the cottage. Our 3-bedroom Ocean Front Cottage quality was good quality, comfortable and clean - things that you expect from Westin. Three big bedrooms, nice well equipped kitchen, super-quiet A/C, very nice and huge outdoor patio - perfect place to spend a Christmas with family and just chill out. We felt that the cottage and location was very child- and senior-friendly, since we were travelling with one toddler, one 5-year old and one senior citizen. However, cottage's floor was somewhat dirty (not visible dirty, but socks and our toddler got dirty quickly) and floor would require washing.
First night we ordered food from a room service, which was very fast, good quality and pricey as everything is in this island. If you're looking for low price stay, this is not your place anyway. We also used room service for breakfast and dinner main times later, which was always delivered quickly and was good quality.
Our cottage was right next door to Latitudes-restaurant, right on the beach and very close to the boat that drives between mainland and Sunset Key every 30 minutes. Someone might be troubled by the noise generated by the boat, but we felt that it was nice to watch people come and go, while sitting in the very large patio of the cottage. Food at the Latitudes was good and service excellent.
Like mentioned, cottage was right on the beach and it was nice and easy to have a dip in the ocean. Sand was rougher than in some more exotic places and there were lot of small coral-type rocks in the beach. Maybe the beach's cleaning staff could have removed at least some of the rocks. However, beach was otherwise well maintained and clean. Beach chairs, umbrellas and towels were available on the beach and our cottage also had four chairs in our patio. Beach was not busy and there was always some space.
Pool area was very nice, equipped with a bar and with the depths of 0-4 feet. Since one end of really shallow, our toddler could enjoy the pool as well - and five year enjoy running to the water - just like in the beach. Water was warm and clean and pool was not busy - which was great considering that we were staying during Christmas holidays. There was also a hot tub, but the water seemed a bit unclean.
Service at Sunset Key in general was good and prompt and you were quite much left alone unless we needed something. In some resorts, there's always somebody trying to help you which is sometimes annoying.
Would we come again or recommend to our friends? If you're travelling with family and want to relax, swim in the ocean/pool and take it easy and quiet - yes, this is your place - if you can afford it since cottages are very expensive. If you are looking for more action and more services, then you should stay in the mainland. We might consider renting a vacation rental next time close to the public beaches, but not really sure that would work as well as the Sunset Key did.
Room Tip: Three bedroom ocean front cottage is better than four room cottage. read more