As of June 2011

It was an easy 1.5 hours drive from Key West to Key Largo. The Hampton Inn Key Largo is located right next to the Overseas Highway, near MM (Mile Marker) 102. We expected just another Hampton Inn, which this hotel really looked like from the outside: the building and the parking area next to it.

We were greeted very friendly at the front desk and check-in went smooth and easy. Our first room was number 116 on the ground floor, which was the reason why we really did not like it so much. But we were able to switch to room number 220 on the first floor.

Finally: This room was so amazing. I had never expected such a room at a Hampton Inn and I hope my pictures give you an idea of what I mean.

Very important: We had a balcony with a table and two chairs! And this meant, we were finally able to not only open a window but to step outside and take a breath – although the view said *Parking Lot*. But anyway, we did not really mind this so much.

The room was really nice and I wished we had had such a room in Key West as well … but well. We had it now: It was large with two beds, designed in kind of *Island Style* with lots of bamboo, wood, nice artwork and a real holiday feeling The work area was comfortable and high-speed internet was really *high speed*. We had a microwave, a fridge, a separate sink, a wardrobe, an iron and iron board, coffee maker, tea and coffee, but again no water kettle.

The bed was ultra comfortable. The only thing I could have wished for would have been a pillow with feathers instead of some microfibers. The bathroom was very spacious with a really very spacious shower. Unfortunately there was still lack of storage room for our bath utensils. A/C again was efficient, but too noisy. Fortunately the fan worked very well, even on *Low* during the night.

Housekeeping was efficient, but not concerning cleaning the mirrors and windows. We found out that the rooms had been renovated not so long ago … and there were still spots of paint on the towel- and toilet paper holders.

I liked the breakfast area. It was clean and a bit larger than at the Hampton Inn Tamarac but with almost the same items on offer, which I liked as well. Room temperature was a bit more convenient.

The hotels grounds were quite vast. There was a nice pool area (heated), a barbeque and bar area and a nice little beach with loungers and chairs. I really loved this beach. The water was so nice and refreshing. And in the evenings we could swim and watch the beautiful sunsets. Yes, it was quite spectacular!

If you don’t mind travelling back and forth to Key West every day for sightseeing and such I would highly recommend this place. We did several tours from here: e.g. we went to the Everglades, to Key Biscayne etc. and this was still convenient. Located next to the hotel is the Marine Mammal Conservancy (link: http://marinemammalconservancy.org/ ) and -almost in walking distance- the John Pennekamp State Park. There are some restaurants on the island as well as a Publix and different other shops.

Compared to Key West Key Largo is quiet. I had the feeling that this is the island *where the locals are*. Time does not run that fast here. And the hotel is the ideal spot to unwind, spend some time at the wonderful little beach, rest and read a book or two.

Yes, I do recommend this place and hope to return again …. to the *Ocean Beachfront Resort Hampton Inn at Manatee Bay*.

As of June 2011

“Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, where watching the town´s legendary sunsets is a nightly event, Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa is a sanctuary in the heart of Key West´s Old Town. Offering casual elegance and gracious hospitality, the resort is just one block from renowned Duval Street, two blocks from Mallory Square, and adjacent to the Historic Seaport Boardwalk – this premier location places guests at the center of it all. Discover the charm and relaxing pace of the southernmost city in the United States at its most exclusive resort, Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa – the perfect place to escape from the stress of everyday life.” [Hyatt Hotels and Resorts]

I could not have written this better.

My Key West site inspection took me to this beautiful hotel right on the beach. This Hyatt hotel is kind of small and boutique-like. No gate. No doorman. A small but beautiful lobby with just one person working at the counter at the time of my arrival. But exactly all this gave me the feeling of arriving at a very special place. “A Hyatt”. Open. Light. Breezes. Breathing. Easy does it.

118 rooms of two categories cater to the needs of the guests. The entire hotel has recently been renovated. And the rooms really show this. They as well are light, open, and allow you to take a breath. To just relax and enjoy the day. The Evening. Key West.

I really liked the interior of the rooms: no-frills, spotless, airy, minimalistic but highly comfortable. And they all have a balcony and a view of the wonderful sea.

The hotel offers special rooms for functions, board meetings and –of course- beautiful weddings. There is a pool area with lots of loungers and chairs, a bar, a shop and a spa area. The beach is a bit small, but nevertheless nice. You can head out for a diving excursion, rent a jet ski, a bike, a scooter or just walk out of the door to get into the center of Old Town / Duval Street. Alternatively you just drive about four miles to get to the 18-hole championship Key West Golf Club.

To me the Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa is the perfect location to enjoy your stay on Key West. I highly recommend this hotel and hope to be able to return one day.

Please visit: http://keywest.hyatt.com

As of June 2011

After a long drive from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West we arrived at our next location: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, which is located on North Roosevelt Bouldevard, one of the main roads of Key West.

Approaching the hotel the building looked very nice and inviting.

The check-in went smooth and efficiently and we not only were presented with a cool welcome drink but also received a map of the island and many good suggestions for dinner or sightseeing. The entire staff was ultra friendly and helpful.

Our room – No. 206 – was … well, a bit on the super small side, although clean but very tiny with two beds, a side board with TV, a little table and a chair. There was no wardrobe but a tiny little open thing where we could hang / store a small part of our luggage. Not the least sufficient. The sink was placed on one side of the room, toilet and shower in a separate little adjoining space.

As we had to walk past other rooms to get to ours, other people had too, so we needed to close the blinds in order to prevent them from looking inside. And again, we could not open the windows. So this was doubly inconvenient.

The room itself, though quite small, was painted and decorated in warm and nice colors … quite tropical style: crème, blue, green hues.

We found a coffee maker, coffee and cups, but no tea, no water kettle and no refrigerator. Internet access was available but quite on the slow side. There was no safe in the room, but we could use the one at the front desk, which again was not big enough for laptop and camera equipment. A/C worked efficiently but was very noisy, so we either had to switch it off during the night or cope with the noise.

The USA Today and a local newspaper were available either in the breakfast area or in the lobby where you also have access to a microwave and where you can buy little things like dailies or postcards etc.

The hotel is built around a vast and very nice and clean pool area with lots of chairs. In the morning you can do some laps to get ready for breakfast or just get those nice pool towels and take a rest in one of the comfortable chairs. But as soon as they switch on the music it gets very noisy and uncomfortable. I asked a few times if it is possible to reduce the volume, which they did once, but the next day it was the same again. What a pity.

Breakfast was served outside in a nice setting on the verandah. The selection was good, almost identical to the one at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Tamarac. Every day we were greeted in an ultrafriendly way, which –too me- sometimes was a bit too much. But rather ultrafriendly than grumpy, isn’t it?

You really need a car to get from the hotel to the sights of Key West as this hotel is not in walking distance to the Old Town, but at least 2 miles away. There is no beach access in the vicinity. And the hotel is located right on the main road.

Scooters or bikes are for rent at the hotel, but this is not very reasonable. So I would rather consider paying for the parking of the car at e.g. Old Town than renting a scooter or a bike instead.

If you want to find a place just to rest after partying in Key West´s Old Town and do not mind a small room, then I would really recommend this hotel. Rooms are clean, staff is friendly and helpful and the pool area is nice. Sufficient parking without charge is available as well.

In case you need a bigger room, just check out the other four available room categories. But please keep in mind the location of your room. If it faces the pool area it could get quite noisy during the day and early evenings. Our room faced the parking lot in the backyard which was a bit more quiet, although most of the time we could listen to the conversations of our next neighbors through the walls.

Anyway, this place was nice. Of course there are much nicer hotels on Key West, but if you have to watch a certain budget, check out the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott on N. Roosevelt Blvd.

As of June 2011

Finding the Carrie B is not that easy, but in case you already know how to get to The Cheesecake Factory, Ft. Lauderdale, you are almost there. Try and find a parking spot and walk over to Las Olas Blvd. and S.E. 5^th Avenue. From the corner you might already be able to spot the Carrie B. If you did not purchase your tickets in advance you can buy them there. And don’t worry, if you only find a guy with a stand: This is the person to talk to and he either takes cash or you can pay with a credit card. And soon you will be boarding the Carrie B.

“When you´re aboard the Carrie B your comfort is always our first priority! Our shipshape tour boat, a charming replica of a nineteenth century paddle-wheeler, features a climate controlled lower deck, enclosed picture windows, as well as an open-air upper deck where you may stroll about with your favorite beverage or snack, We offer comfortable seating and clean restrooms.” (by Carrie B)

I was a bit concerned about getting sea sick, but no worries, the brochure explains: “For you *landlubbers* out there, we always cruise in smooth waters and are regularly inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard, so sit back, relax, and leave everything to our friendly crew as we show you Fort Lauderdale´s most beautiful asset – its breathtakingly gorgeous waterways!”

And you can really enjoy the cruise. And the comments of the captain. And the sights. All those beautiful mansions and homes. This is the cruise to really relax, unwind and enjoy the awesome scenery.

It took about 90 minutes. I could have done another 90 minutes straight after that.

Carrie B. Cruise, Ft. Lauderdale: Highly recommended!

For further details: http://www.carriebcruises.com/

As of June 2011

Once you are in Florida and near the Everglades taking an airboat ride is a must. Sawgrass Recreation Park had been recommended.

Their brochure gives *General Information: Feel the excitement and learn the history of Florida´s most remarkable treasure, the Everglades. Our family owned and operated business offers unparalleled customer service. Our uncovered airboats ensure you a complete panoramic view. Renew your spirit as you slide across miles of river at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Get up close and personal with native wildlife, many of whom are endangered in this fragile environment. This once in a lifetime adventure will create lasting memories as you discover the secrets of this untamed wilderness the Seminole Indians called home.*

So far this was exactly what the show was about. The airboat had a capacity for about 30 to 40 passengers. Everybody was provided with earplugs and after a short briefing off we went. Smooth and slow. Then we picked up speed and slid across the water and in and across the grass. We glimpsed a multitude of herons and some alligators. It was just beautiful. What an amazing nature! Our tour guide was great and able to point out the animals and talk about the wildlife.

“Let your spirit soar as you view nature at its finest.” That is what I did.

After a 30-minute ride we returned and went off to the exhibit area. The brochure highly recommends this. It speaks of *friendly turtles* and *playful critters* and invites guests to also visit the SwampYard Exhibit.

But the entire exhibit shook me to the core as most of the animals were in cages much too small for their size. Those *playful critters* seemed to be too apathetically to even look at their visitors. Some cages were dirty and smelled. This was so sad and I doubt that keeping animals like that is according to the respective law.

My recommendation:

Airboat ride: YES
Animal Exhibit: Definitely NO and NEVER again.

As of June 2011

If you really want to spend a very special day in Ft. Lauderdale take your time and head out to Butterfly World, the magic place of those wonderful and extraordinary creatures.

The Story of Butterfly World

“It could be said that Butterfly World is the result of one man´s hobby gone wild. In fact, that is exactly the way Ronald Boender, founder and managing partner, describes it daily as he presides over the ten acres of aviaries and botanical gardens, the butterfly farm and research facility that make up the attraction.

Born of Dutch immigrants, he grew up in Illinois and has always had a fascination with butterflies, beginning with the cabbage whites, black swallowtails and silk moths he found while growing up on his father´s farm.

Boender moved to Florida in 1968, and after completing a successful career as an electrical engineer, decided to actively pursue his interest in butterflies. He began by raising local butterflies and butterfly food plants in small numbers at his home, carefully observing and recording data on the many behaviors of each species.

Finding that there was a real need for farmed butterflies for sale to universities and zoos, Boender established MetaScience Co. in 1984. Having only a laboratory and a single aviary, the staff at MetaScience produced up to 1000 pupa per week, and established methods of butterfly rearing that are still in use at Butterfly World.

[…] Boender´s dream was finally realized on March 28, 1988, when Butterfly World opened its doors for the first time. In the years that have followed, the park has expanded to include the country´s largest free-flight hummingbird aviary, a lorikeet encounter, and along with them, a skilled aviculture care and research staff to support these endeavors.” (By Butterfly World)

Once you enter the Butterfly World you will receive a flyer with useful information and details how to perfectly enjoy the grounds in front of you:

“Welcome to spectacular Butterfly World, where you can spend a day in paradise!

Paradise … there´s no better way to describe exotic Butterfly World, a tropical getaway where the scent of fragrant tropical flowers and the fluttering of live butterflies offer a feast for the senses. This unique attraction provides guests with an opportunity to walk among thousands of butterflies in their natural habitat, witness their life cycle firsthand and bask in the beauty of lush gardens.

Six giant screened aviaries serve as a sanctuary for thousands of butterflies from five continents. Each contains waterfalls, ponds brimming with colorful fish, a flowering basket walk, cases of pupae with newly emerging butterflies and delicate orchids. To make your visit more enjoyable, you will find tour guides in the gardens to help you with information and any questions that you might have.

Inside the Paradise Adventure Aviary, butterflies from all around the world fly, feed and bask in the sun. But the adventure really begins in the Laboratory, where butterfly eggs and larva can be observed in different stages of growth.

The Jewels of the Sky Hummingbird Aviary is the home to hummingbirds from Peru, Surinam and the United States. Access to hummingbird Aviary means crossing the Tinalandia Suspension Bridge, a replica of a bridge spanning the Toachi River in Western Ecuador. This cable-strung bridge is about 100 feet long and undulates as guests cross it.

Enter a world of fantasy in the Secret Garden, a maze-like structure housing one of the largest collections of flowering passion vines in the world as well as the Wings of the World Aviary. The nearby Garden Gazebo offers the relaxing sounds of classical music and water as it cascades over a bridal fountain.

Explore your way through the Live Bug Zoo and chat away with the Macaws at Macaw Landing. Meet the friendly clowns of the bird world in the Lorikeet Encounter, visit the Butterfly Gardening Plant Shop, enjoy a snack at the Butterfly Café and browse through the Caterpillar Canopy Gift Shop.” (By Butterfly World)

It is so easy to spend hours and hours at Butterfly World as you gaze at those little creatures fluttering before you. Like diamonds in the sky. And those tiny hummingbirds. All the other colorful birds. This is just so amazing. Photographs can not the least reveal what you are about to encounter. Be prepared for the multitude of wonders that Mother Nature is about to present to you.

*… What a wonderful world this can be …*

Please visit: http://www.butterflyworld.com

As of June 2011

We chose this hotel as home base for our excursions in the Ft. Lauderdale area and we did well with this decision. Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale West-Sawgrass / Tamarac is part of the Hilton Hotels Corporation. Although this hotel is a bit far out of the city center of Ft. Lauderdale and you will need a car to get around it is very easy to either use Commercial Boulevard to head East, the Turnpike to go North or South or the Sawgrass Expressway to reach Miami or the Keys. So far connecting with the main Highways or Interstates is very convenient. Walmart, Publix and some restaurants are in the vicinity.

Sufficient parking is available right at the hotel and free of charge.

When we checked in later in the afternoon we were greeted very politely and friendly, everything went efficiently and easy. The lobby was nicely lit and we could get a little glimps of the breakfast area next to the lobby, which look pretty with its high ceiling and modern style decoration. A small but well-stocked shop was located next to the front desk, where you can purchase all those little dailies like magazines, books, sweets, soft drinks etc.

Our home for the next few nights: Room 422 – on the fourth floor. The room was quite spacious, looked nice and had two double beds, which turned out to be super comfortable. Unfortunately we could not open the windows, which was going to be kind of a problem for us in almost each hotel we would be staying along the road. Everyone told us it had to do with the humidity, mold and such and also that people left the windows open and the A/C on. Well, we would have loved to be able to open the window and get some fresh air, especially during the night. I think hotels should inform on their website if the windows can be opened or not.

Anyway, the room was nice, lighting was sufficient, the work space ok. Free high-speed internet access was available and we really could do well with it. We found a coffee machine, tee, coffee and paper cups, unfortunately no water kettle. In case the USA Today was not delivered to the room, a copy was available at the front desk. A/C was quite efficient, but much too noisy to leave it on during the night. So: either noise or sweat. Unfortunately.

When the A/C broke down on our last evening and it was not possible to repair it we were offered to move to another room while just leaving our luggage in our room. This was a very nice offer.

A refrigerator was not available in the room, neither was a safe. Alternatively we could use the safe at the front desk, which we did, but there was not enough space to either store the laptop or the camera equipment. We were offered to leave laptop and camera with the employees in their office.

Housekeeping did a good job, everything was nice and clean (towels, mats and such).

The room itself – although nice and clean – was not really *sound-proof*. So we could hear our neighbors coming back to their rooms and talk and laugh and party.

But still we felt comfortable and safe in this place.

In the morning we enjoyed our breakfast downstairs. The selection of breakfast items was good: Cereals, different bread, butter, jam, juices, fresh fruits (apples, bananas etc.), fruit salad, yoghurt. Sometimes there were scrambled eggs, hash browns, mash potatoes etc. We could bake our own waffles and also had the choice of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. I was really surprised about this good selection and the friendly service.

Unfortunately sometimes the display was not really clean: water, coffee or remains of spilled juices were not wiped away. The floor right in front of the display was sometimes quite sticky.

But anyway we really enjoyed our breakfast.

Most of the time I wished I could stay a bit longer in this area, but it was too cold. When I asked the employees about this I was informed that this would be the regulation and could not be changed. Talking to the manager one day I mentioned this so I hope further clients will really enjoy sitting there a bit longer.

I checked on the pool and fitness area and found both clean and inviting.

I can highly recommend this place in case you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Miami or Fort Lauderdale. It is a really nice hotel with absolutely friendly staff. I am looking forward to returning to the Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale West-Sawgrass / Tamarac – and not only for the cookies, tea and coffee, which were offered in the evening at the front desk …

Their slogan:”we love having you here” – and this really shows! Thank you very much!

Please read my comments on this great venue and have a look at my photos.