Ed & Ellen's Lodgings

"Stayed 2 nights. If you're on budget this is perfect. Price was right for the Florida keys. Our unit had twin beds, fridge, microwave and table with stools. The place is kind of dated - think 1970s Motel 6 - but clean. And no bugs. A couple of things aren't perfect, like the loose shower handle."

"For the price, it's not even that good. (And I say that as someone who loves a cheap roadside motel, funky little mom-and-pop places, and tent camping in the Everglades. I enjoyed a night a the Clown Motel and spent a night in a tent during a snowstorm if you need more context.) -- It's dirty, but if that was the only problem, it's not *that* dirty. Though, it did make me want to wash my hands more often than when hiking, so there's that. -- It was poorly laid out -- two "beds" and a "day bed" all shoved in one tiny space, which is great if you're just crashing there for the night and you have a bunch of friends with you. It's cramped if you're there more than a few hours or have gear. -- It has no pool. Listen, if you stay at a place in the Keys that doesn't have a pool, just know you're scraping the bottom of the lodging barrel. There are pool about every 30 feet down there. -- It's noisy. It's right by US 1 (the main Overseas Highway leading in and out of the Keys) and there's not a lot of vegetation to block the road view or sound. -- It's dark. The overhand on the front keeps light out of the rooms, which is great if you're sleeping off a hangover, but it feels like a basement during the day. (Also, if you leave the door open to let in a little natural light and fresh air -- even if you've turned the A/C off -- the owner will come in and slam the door shut like he's your dad.) -- It's either warm and muggy (and moldy-smelling) or cold. (Kind of like a prison.) There's not really anything in between. And the sheets aren't warm enough and the comforters are gross. -- It's not close to anything. I mean, if you're really feeling adventurous enough to try to run across all 700 lanes (4-6?) of US 1, there's a strip-mall, and if you wear enough sunblock and carry a gallon of water, you could make it to a restaurant maybe, but it doesn't feel worth it. And, when I'm on vacation, I either want enough of a kitchen to never have to leave except for adventure or walk to restaurants and bars and music because I can be annoyed by traffic and parking at home. Personal preference, I know, but if you're like that, too, consider yourself warned. -- It's really cramped and if you have a rainy day or a member of your party feels ills, there's no escaping the cellblock feeling of the tiny, dark room."

"I loved staying here. Has a kitchenette that allows for budget travelers to eat efficiently while on the island. The AC was wonderful and the owners are very kind. Ed is very funny and got us cracking up a few times. The only downside I could see was that the water pressure was less than perfect. Loved it and will be visiting again!"

"First the bad stuff. This place only has six rooms and when we walked in the office the owner smelled of alcohol which is not a big deal to me, so what he drinks. He was not slurring or belligerent he was friendly and talkative. Now the good stuff. The grounds were clean the rooms were clean although dated and the carpet was a bit beat up there were no bed bugs, I checked. It was just a place for us to sleep and that's all we wanted. The rooms are efficiencies with a stove microwave and a fridge and freezer."

"Ellen was the sweetest and even let us check in at 9:40am because we arrived earlier than anticipated. She cleaned the room herself and made sure we had everything we needed. She gave us a quick orientation to Key Largo and pointed us in the right direction for eats and attractions as well. I would give the room / bathroom 3 stars just because it's dated a bit and could use updating, and the water pressure could have been better. 5 stars for the whole experience though and definitely couldn't beat the price and hospitality!"