Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton

We have stayed at this hotel for almost 20 years. Since taken over by Curio Hilton, the prices have gone up, up, up and the service has gone down, down, down. From making a reservation to getting basic amenities expected from such a resort, it has been an ordeal. Watch out for 20% gratuity automatically added to your dining bills, parking fees, exorbitant resort fee and taxes for mediocre service, long wait at unimaginative restaurants, unmaintained pool area, dirty pool and beach tables. It looks like the staff and hotel management do not seem to really care. Too bad, so many fond memories from the past. The location remains lovely but the hassle and the price do not make it worth it.

No doubt, the property is lovely. Things we found out that aren’t in the pictures or the descriptions: 1) The waterfront, while pretty, is very small, with chairs lined up literal inches from each other. Many people noted arriving early in the morning, throwing down towels to be used whenever they decided to return. Many, many chairs unoccupied, save for a towel. The ‘resort’ fee includes a kayak rental, but there isn’t any place to go beyond padding around the small roped off water area. Be mindful of the children playing / pushing/ falling on and around the 3 large floating rafts. 2) Our room had a bewildering lack of storage. With a 10 foot table spanning one wall that held the TV and lamp, a dresser would be expected underneath; however, the only one was a small 3 drawer module in the closet. Same issue with tables next to the beds. Each one has a large lamp ( appreciated), with room for little else, or any storage underneath. My books, journals, etc, etc, sat on the floor Balconies on the 2nd floor have limited views due to the large ( albeit lovely ) tree, and the waterfront is very loud, with music being pumped out and the large number of kids running around, so sitting out there isn’t relaxing. ( Why must kids *scream* so much? I’m talking ear-splitting shrieks.) I’m very glad they’re having fun; however, this and the music is part of the atmosphere. Slider doors are very solid and block out most of the waterfront noise. 3) Food options are extremely limited. There are 2. Aside from the bar ( small with casual menu) and restaurant ( very upscale), those are the choices. . Yes, the resort describes a “pool” bar as a place to eat, but it is the bar menu that you order from and it is trucked over. Given the limited dining options, and the lack of any other places close to the resort to eat, I hoped for at least one of those ‘grab and go’ markets one may see at other resorts. Coffee, breakfast sandwiches, maybe salads for lunch, snacks, etc. The only thing resembling such a thing is a little truck-like station in the lobby that sells coffee, and seems to have an assortment of some sad pastries and sandwiches. No service after 11AM. Long line. A 20% mandatory service charge is automatically added to everything. Your $5 coffee, your $5 diet Coke, and all your meals. It’s infuriating that this property has no policy against “chair reservation by towel.” I paid money to come to this “curio resort,’ and expected to be able to sit on the beach at a time of my choosing without be faced with numerous towels on empty loungers. Same with the pool. Past reviews in Trip Advisor include this going back 3 years, so clearly management has zero interest in changing this policy. For listing ‘computer stations’ as an amenity, both computers and printer were non-functional. I pointed this out to the front desk, got a lukewarm apology, but nothing was done during our stay. Valet parking is a *mandatory* $35 per day. I had done our trip research last fall and finally booked the room in late December; during this time gap, the property instituted this policy. To say I was unpleasantly surprised is an understatement. The mark of a 5 star resort is its attention to detail and care about its guests. Based on the chair policy, excessive fees, limited food choices, and missing computer amenity, this hotel fell short of that. I hate to give 2 stars, so I'm giving it 3.

Virginia is the best server Calusa! The food was great and don’t skip dessert. The key lime pie is amazing!!

Virginia is the best waitress! Created an amazing experience. 10/10

We have a condo in Key Largo & always dine at Calusa’s when we’re in town. The atmosphere, food & service has always been consistent. On our last visit, Justin gave us great service. We’ll definitely ask for him when we return.🌴