
Amara Cay Resort
Best for families and water-activity stays: oceanfront rooms, private sunning beach, zero-entry pool and included paddleboards/kayaks.
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 elevated sunning beach, on-site water activities and family-friendly rooms. Holiday Inn Key Largo is a 3-star, branded Key Largo hotel with marina access, meeting space and straightforward value amenities — read this if you’re choosing between an Islamorada waterfront resort and a central Key Largo brand option.
Updated · about 20 miles (32 km) apart

Best for families and water-activity stays: oceanfront rooms, private sunning beach, zero-entry pool and included paddleboards/kayaks.

Best for meetings and familiar-brand value: plenty of meeting space, conference support and a recognized hotel brand in central Key Largo.
When Amara Cay Resort wins: choose Amara Cay if you want an oceanfront stay in Islamorada focused on beach access, on-site snorkeling/diving, family-friendly amenities and an island-resort vibe with local dining and wellness options.
When Holiday Inn Key Largo wins: pick Holiday Inn Key Largo if you need a reliable, value-minded property with lots of meeting space, marina access and the convenience of a well-known brand in central Key Largo.
Bottom line: Amara Cay is the better pick for a seaside, activity-focused Florida Keys getaway and family stays; Holiday Inn Key Largo is better for conference groups, travelers seeking a branded value option in Key Largo, or those prioritizing marina-side access and central Key Largo location.
| Category | Amara Cay Resort | Holiday Inn Key Largo |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Resort, oceanfront, family-friendly | Branded midscale hotel, business & leisure mix |
| Location | Islamorada (Mile Marker 80) on the Atlantic/ocean side | Key Largo, central business/dining district |
| Size | 110 rooms across 4 floors | 132 rooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages welcome; primary guest must be 21+ to check in | All ages welcome; primary guest min age per supplier listing is 21 |
| Pools & beach | Zero-entry oceanfront pool plus a private elevated sunning beach and stairway for snorkeling access | Outdoor pool and hot tub; property described as a beach hotel with marina on site (swimming nearby) |
| Restaurants & bars | ReelCatch (breakfast, dinner), Tiki Bar (lunch/dinner), Coastal Cup & Lounge | 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and poolside bar; buffet breakfast available (surcharge) |
| Wellness & spa | Spa services via Ooh la la at The Collection (massages, yoga, beach massages) — on-site wellness experiences offered | Health or beauty spa nearby (supplier listing) and 24-hour fitness facilities on site |
| Meetings & events | Several indoor/outdoor event venues and up to ~16,886 sq ft meeting space across multiple rooms; many outdoor wedding/event venues | About 6,000 sq ft of conference space and 3 meeting rooms; banquet/ballroom options |
| Water access & activities | On-site snorkeling and scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, boat excursions via local providers; Rum Runner water taxi to sister properties | Scuba diving and snorkeling on site; dock and boat tours on site, marina access |
| Parking & transit | Self-parking included via resort fee; complimentary shuttle and Rum Runner water taxi to sister properties | Free self parking on site; no accessible shuttle listed |
Amara Cay sits at Mile Marker 80 on the Atlantic side of Islamorada with oceanfront rooms and reef views toward Alligator Reef Lighthouse.
Choose Amara Cay if you want an oceanfront Islamorada base for water activities and scenic reef views.
Holiday Inn Key Largo sits in Key Largo’s business/dining district with marina and easy access to local attractions.
Choose Holiday Inn Key Largo if you want a central Key Largo hotel with marina access and proximity to town services.
Amara Cay offers 18 room types including oceanfront rooms, lanai options and multi-bed suites sized up to 625 sq ft.
Amara Cay is stronger for ocean views, suite options and family layouts.
Holiday Inn Key Largo has a midscale room mix typical of the brand, including marina-view and accessible room types.
Holiday Inn gives predictable, accessible rooms with marina-view options and brand-standard amenities.
Amara Cay's dining centers on ReelCatch seafood and a poolside Tiki Bar, plus Coastal Cup & Lounge in the lobby.
Amara Cay emphasizes local seafood, evening live music and poolside cocktails in an oceanfront setting.
Holiday Inn Key Largo offers two restaurants and bars, plus buffet breakfast for a fee and room service during limited hours.
Holiday Inn is a convenient, family-friendly branded option with standard on-site dining and breakfast-for-fee choices.
Amara Cay’s signature features are its zero-entry oceanfront pool and private elevated Lighthouse Beach with reef views.
Amara Cay focuses on oceanfront pool/beach access and hands-on water activities.
Holiday Inn Key Largo provides a traditional hotel pool experience plus marina access and water-based excursions on site.
Holiday Inn is a solid choice if you want hotel-style pool amenities paired with marina access.
Amara Cay offers on-site wellness services via Ooh la la at The Collection, beach massages and family-focused activities.
Good for guests who want spa treatments combined with music and family-friendly beach activities.
Holiday Inn Key Largo includes a 24-hour fitness center and mentions a health or beauty spa nearby.
Holiday Inn fits travelers who prioritize fitness, accessibility, and meeting-support amenities.

Oceanfront rooms, zero-entry pool, private sunning beach and family-friendly dining (kids-eat-free nights).

More traditional conference support with about 6,000 sq ft of meeting space and three meeting rooms.

Included paddleboards/kayaks, snorkeling/stair access to the reef and a Rum Runner water taxi to sister properties.

IHG brand recognition, larger room count and straightforward amenities for travelers seeking a known hotel chain.
Holiday Inn Key Largo is located in Key Largo and is closer to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park than Amara Cay in Islamorada.
Amara Cay has a stairway from its sunning beach for snorkeling access and on-site scuba/snorkel offerings; Holiday Inn lists scuba diving and snorkeling on site as well but Amara Cay emphasizes direct oceanfront reef access.
No — Amara Cay charges a resort fee (which includes some amenities) and breakfast is an optional paid extra; Holiday Inn offers buffet breakfast for an additional fee per the supplier listing.
Amara Cay is dog-friendly (up to two dogs per room for a fee). Holiday Inn Key Largo’s supplier listing notes a pet fee (USD 75 per pet, per night) — confirm current pet policy directly with each property before booking.
Explore how Amara Cay Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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