Bayside Inn in Key Largo; Classic old Florida with naturally wonderful setting
Bayside Inn in Key Largo is a beautifully situated spot in this naturally focused Key. Photo Rori Paul
Our third stay in the Florida Keys was at its Northern edge. That first Key that gets the paradise ball rolling, where nature remains the main attraction and life shifts gears from its hectic pace of normalcy into Keys Time. Bayside Inn would be our host, welcoming us into this warm embrace of nice people and beautifully natural setting, where sunsets are the main show each day and the waters of the Gulf sooth you into submission.
Our hosts at Bayside – another dog-friendly spot – gave us one of their two suites for our stay (please note our stays were as media and as their guests) with the incredible views of the Gulf waters and that special way the waters of the Keys have of making you relax and ease into this paradise-setting. There is a “main” building that appears a typical hotel building (we did not see any of these rooms other than through the lighted windows of one – which appeared nice), so ours would be an experience confined to the suites.
The main hotel building sits a little away from the water, but in this lovely tropical setting. Photo Rori Paul
Situated in a two story building, the first floor is for the communal enjoyment of all with a ping pong table (outdoors – only in the Keys) and bathrooms for guests enjoying the pool or waterfront. The second floor (likely an ode to the watery scene and the Keys being known to occasionally bring the waters ashore) is home to the two suites. Assuming they are alike, ours was the second (a family of three had happily settled into number one) with a feeling of the Keys I’d remembered so fondly from my one previous visit.
Immerce yourself in this lovely setting. Enjoy the beach, the waterfront, the pool, the volleyball area, and enjoy the sunsets... Photo Rori Paul
A small kitchen area, dining area and living room are highlighted by the sun beaming through the sliding doors, overlooking the waters below. A pull-down Murphy type bed joins the TV and entertainment units expanding the sleeping arrangements, with a single bedroom down the hall. The bathroom is off the hallway and easily accessible to all.
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I felt here as I’d felt when I rented a one-bedroom home on my previous visit; this was a homy place where you feel like you’re a local and could easily settle into a long stay. We were not up for a cooking stay, so we chose to bring in some local Chinese (nope, not a great place, but ok) and sat for our evening meal on the balcony overlooking the Gulf. Next door, Snook’s restaurant and bar filled the air with live music (it ended at a respectable time) including the second song: Key Largo.
Follow the path from the parking lot and main buildings to the beachfront and suites. Photo Rori Paul
Imagine it: sitting on a balcony overlooking the Gulf, having dinner, enjoying your last night of vacation with those you love and hearing the song about the place that always brings a smile to your lips… this was one special night.
The bedroom was large and comfortable. The bed, rich and homy with a warm embrace. Can I say we were surprised? Yea, I can. You don’t really expect such a feeling of luxury in a setting mainly used by the outdoor types, but this bed was so-darn-great.
With live music playing outside we were nervous about it seeping in. It did not. In the closing moments of the sunset, after we’d returned to our room, we turned off the TV, opened the blinds and talked as we watched darkness seep in. We could barely hear the music. While they turned it off at a decent time it was never once an issue.
Morning came too early, so too the end of our trip, but what a wonderful place to cap off the week. Showers were had and enjoyed, we did not partake of breakfast this day, but it would have been wonderful on the balcony, and soon we were slipping from our homy suite back into reality.
The pool area for all guests overlooks the waters of the Gulf. Photo Rori Paul
Bayside Inn is home. The Northern or more commonly known, “upper Keys” are a great place for those who love the outdoors and natural beauty. Making the Bayside your home-base for a visit an ideal way to enjoy them to their fullest. I cannot speak to the “regular” rooms, but if available, I’d say, try for one of the suites anyway. The view is spectacular and wonderful, and who wouldn’t love going to sleep and waking everyday of their visit to the Gulf waters?
With so many activities around, it seemed the other guests were finding the location and set up of the Bayside Inn perfect for what they needed. If we had been on a scuba diving trip I’m confident this would have been a perfect location: Diver’s Direct is across the road and John Pennekamp Underwater Park is just down the road.
Bayside Inn is pet friendly, but like all such hotels, check their policies up front and be honest. You do not want to lie about your pet (age, size, breed) only to find out too late you’re out of luck if they do not fit the policy.
Jake loved his stay, ending his first vacation in his 12 years in great comfort.
Bayside Inn is Gulf side, in a lovely setting, perfect for those loving sunsets, and perfect for those who love the Upper Keys for their outdoor life and old Florida flavor.
Our suite on the second floor of the building by the Gulf offered a comfortable
and wonderfully homy, Florida Keys flavor. Enjoy the
sitting area for TV, the eating area for homemade or brought in meals.
The entry area brings you into the heart of the place.
It reminded me so much of my last stay in the Keys…
A small kitchen area has all you need to cook & prepare homemade meals.
Sit together here, or…
Step through the sliding glass doors…
And enjoy dinner together on your private balcony.
And enjoy this view with dinner.
Next door is Snook’s, a bar & restaurant, so you may also
enjoy music as we did. Welcome to Key Largo!
Back inside enjoy TV or some rest here in the living room,
great for the kids.
Or enjoy the restful, comfortable bedroom.
There are many ways to enjoy your stay with Bayside Inn, Key Largo.
Lay under the palms on your hammock, sit in a lounge chair and tan or take a dip in the pool.
And don’t miss the greatest show of all…
Sunset.
Bayside Inn, Key Largo offers up a comfortable stay
in one of Florida’s most beautiful settings, Key Largo.
Make it a base of operations for your stay, or
sit back, relax, and let the world pass by…
