
Amara Cay Resort
Best for families and activity-focused stays — oceanfront rooms, multiple water activities, and a zero-entry pool.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Amara Cay Resort is a 4-star oceanfront Islamorada resort with a zero-entry pool, private sunning beach, on-site water sports, and family-friendly dining — good for families and active Keys travelers. Bayside Inn Key Largo is a casual 3-star bayside hotel in Key Largo with waterfront rooms, an outdoor pool, and simple on-site dining — best for budget-minded travelers who want a straightforward waterfront stay.
Updated · about 20 miles apart

Best for families and activity-focused stays — oceanfront rooms, multiple water activities, and a zero-entry pool.

Best for no-frills waterfront lodging in Key Largo — simple bayside rooms, private beach access, and an outdoor pool.
When Amara Cay Resort wins: choose Amara Cay if you want a larger, oceanfront resort with more on-site facilities (zero-entry pool, branded spa experiences, organized water activities, multiple restaurants and bars, and access to sister properties via shuttle/water taxi).
When Bayside Inn Key Largo wins: pick Bayside Inn if you want a recognizable, budget-friendly Key Largo waterfront hotel with basic waterfront rooms, an outdoor pool, and a single on-site restaurant — a simpler stay focused on snorkeling/diving access and easy access to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Bottom line: Amara Cay is the fuller resort experience in Islamorada with more facilities and dining; Bayside Inn Key Largo is a straightforward bayside option in Key Largo for travelers prioritizing a simpler waterfront stay.
| Category | Amara Cay Resort | Bayside Inn Key Largo |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Mid-size resort with resort-fee inclusions, active programming, and family-oriented amenities | Casual, simpler bayside hotel with essential waterfront facilities |
| Location | Oceanfront on the Atlantic side at Mile Marker 80, Islamorada | Bayside on Overseas Hwy in Key Largo (99490 Overseas Hwy) |
| Size (rooms) | 110 rooms | 56 rooms |
| Ages & policy | All ages welcome; primary guest must be 21+ to check in | All ages welcome; check-in minimum age not published |
| Pools & beach | Zero-entry oceanfront pool plus private elevated sunning beach (stairway for snorkeling access) | One outdoor pool and a private beach area / bayside access |
| Restaurants & bars | ReelCatch (breakfast & dinner), Tiki Bar (lunch & dinner) and Coastal Cup & Lounge | One on-site restaurant (serves meals) and coffee/tea in common areas |
| Spa & wellness | Access to Ooh la la at The Collection spa services and beach yoga/massages | Not published |
| Known for | Water-sports access, zero-entry pool, oceanfront wedding/event venues, shuttle and Rum Runner water taxi to sister properties | Close to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and a simpler waterfront base for snorkeling/diving |
| Parking & access | Parking included in resort-fee; complimentary shuttle between sister properties and Rum Runner water taxi | Free self parking onsite |
| Fitness | Fitness center (hours published: 6 am–10 pm) | 24-hour fitness facilities listed |
Amara Cay sits on Islamorada’s Atlantic side at Mile Marker 80 with oceanfront views and direct water access.
Choose Amara Cay for an oceanfront Islamorada base with on-site water access and links to sister resorts.
Bayside Inn Key Largo is a bayside, waterfront hotel located on Overseas Highway in Key Largo.
Choose Bayside Inn for a simple, convenient Key Largo waterfront location near major snorkeling and diving sites.
Amara Cay offers 110 rooms and suites including multiple oceanfront room types and lanai options.
Amara Cay provides a wider range of oceanfront and family-friendly room layouts.
Bayside Inn Key Largo offers 56 air-conditioned rooms in a straightforward hotel layout.
Bayside Inn gives simple, comfortable waterfront rooms with key conveniences and a few bayview suites.
Amara Cay has multiple on-site outlets for breakfast, lunch/dinner, and poolside cocktails.
Amara Cay has more on-site dining choices and scheduled happy hours and live-music nights.
Bayside Inn has a single on-site restaurant and basic food/beverage amenities.
Bayside Inn covers the essentials with one on-site restaurant and casual dining.
Amara Cay centers much of its guest experience around a zero-entry pool and its private sunning beach.
Amara Cay emphasizes its ocean-edge pool and easy water access for snorkeling and lounging.
Bayside Inn includes an outdoor pool and bayside beach access for guests.
Bayside Inn provides a simple pool plus bayside beach access suited to casual waterfront stays.
Amara Cay supports wellness with a partnered spa, fitness center, and beach yoga/massages.
Amara Cay mixes spa offerings, a staffed fitness center, and scheduled live-music nights.
Bayside Inn lists fitness facilities and basic guest services; detailed spa hours or on-site spa name are not published.
Bayside Inn covers fitness basics and provides a calm waterfront setting with nearby Key Largo dining and entertainment.

Amara Cay — oceanfront rooms, zero-entry pool, kids-friendly dining, and lots of on-site water activities.

Bayside Inn Key Largo — a recognizable Key Largo name with bayside rooms and proximity to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

Amara Cay — multiple venues (ReelCatch, Tiki Bar, Coastal Cup & Lounge) and scheduled live music.

Bayside Inn Key Largo — a casual, straightforward bayside hotel with free parking and an outdoor pool.
Amara Cay is pitched to families with its zero-entry pool, family-friendly room layouts, kids-eat-free nights at ReelCatch, and on-site activities. Bayside Inn welcomes families too but is simpler in scope.
No — neither property operates as all-inclusive. Amara Cay charges a resort fee that includes some amenities (Wi‑Fi, beach/pool access, water-sport rentals and shuttle/water taxi access to sister properties); breakfast and restaurant meals are charged separately. Bayside Inn offers on-site dining but meals are not included in standard room rates.
Both properties are good bases for snorkeling/diving. Amara Cay offers direct stairway access for snorkeling and a wider set of on-site water activities; Bayside Inn is close to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and lists snorkeling and scuba diving among its amenities.
Amara Cay is dog-friendly (up to two dogs per room for a fee). Bayside Inn lists a pet fee (USD 75 per pet, per night) for pets; service animals are exempt at both properties.
Explore how Amara Cay Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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