
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Best for travelers who want a full-service Keys resort with multiple dining venues, a large spa, kids' programming and private beach access.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a five-star, family-friendly beachfront resort in Islamorada built around refined amenities (beach, multiple pools, spa and dining). Gilbert's Resort is a casual, waterfront Key Largo resort for travelers who want an informal Keys stay with basic on-site dining and watersports — read this if you’re choosing between a full-service luxury resort and a low-key waterfront option.
Updated · about 22 miles (35 km) apart

Best for travelers who want a full-service Keys resort with multiple dining venues, a large spa, kids' programming and private beach access.

Best for travelers who want a straightforward, casual waterfront stay in Key Largo with easy access to boating, on-site marina activities and a simple breakfast.
When Cheeca Lodge & Spa wins: choose Cheeca if you want resort-scale amenities — private white-sand beach, multiple pools (including adults-only options), a 5,700 sq ft full-service spa, a fishing pier and several restaurants — and you’re traveling with family or want more on-site programming.
When Gilbert's Resort wins: pick Gilbert’s if you want a lower-key, waterfront Key Largo base with marina access, casual on-site dining, boating and simpler room options at a smaller property.
Bottom line: Cheeca is a full-service luxury resort for guests who plan to use hotel amenities and activities; Gilbert’s is a compact, casual waterfront option for travelers prioritizing a straightforward Keys setting and water access.
| Category | Cheeca Lodge & Spa | Gilbert's Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Five-star, resort-style luxury with family and adult spaces | Casual, informal waterfront resort |
| Location | Islamorada — Atlantic-side private beach, mile marker 82 | Key Largo — waterfront on Overseas Highway (107900 Overseas Highway) |
| Size | Large resort (27 acres, 240+ rooms listed across sources) | Small property (35 rooms) |
| Ages / audience | All-ages resort with kids' club (Camp Cheeca) and family pools plus adults-only pool | All-ages (not adults-only); family-friendly policies and free breakfast |
| Pools | Three resort pools (two oceanfront family pools + dedicated adults-only relaxation pool) plus spa lap pool | One outdoor pool |
| Beach / waterfront | 1,200 feet of private white-sand beach and a 525-foot fishing pier | On private beach with marina on site |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues (Atlantic's Edge, Nikai Sushi Bar, Mia Cucina, Tiki Bar, 25 South, Pierre's, Beach Café) | On-site restaurant and at least one bar/beach bar (name not published) |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa at Cheeca Lodge — 5,700 sq ft, six treatment rooms, fitness center, adults-only lap pool | Not published |
| Watersports & marina | Extensive watersports program (kayaks, SUPs, snorkeling lagoon, fishing charters) and pier/fishing programs | Boat tours, marina on site, fishing and motor boating, snorkeling nearby; personal motorized watercraft available |
| Parking & access | Free self-parking and valet, EV charging, on-site boat/trailer parking (reservations required) | Free self-parking available |
Cheeca sits at mile marker 82 on the Atlantic side of Islamorada with a long private beach and a 525-foot fishing pier.
Cheeca is for travelers who want a classic Islamorada beachfront resort with beach and pier access.
Gilbert's is on the Key Largo stretch of the Overseas Highway with direct waterfront and a marina on site.
Gilbert’s is a simple waterfront base for Key Largo activities and boat access.
Cheeca offers a wide range of room types and suites across a large resort footprint.
Cheeca works well for families and groups who need space and multiple room configurations.
Gilbert’s is a small property with straightforward guestroom types focused on waterfront or standard stays.
Gilbert’s is suited to travelers who want a compact, no-frills room on or near the water.
Cheeca has multiple on-site restaurants and bars covering seafood, sushi, Italian and poolside/beach drinking spots.
Cheeca suits travelers who want varied on-property dining and evening options without leaving the resort.
Gilbert’s provides basic on-site dining and a bar for casual meals and drinks.
Gilbert’s is best if you want casual, convenient meals and plan to explore Key Largo for more dining variety.
Cheeca emphasizes beach and water-based amenities plus multiple pools for families and adults.
Cheeca’s pool and beach setup supports both family activity and quieter adult-only time.
Gilbert’s centers on straightforward waterfront access with a single outdoor pool and marina activities.
Gilbert’s offers a compact waterfront area and easy access to boating and snorkeling trips.
Cheeca provides a full spa, fitness and evening entertainment options on site.
Cheeca is the pick for travelers who want scheduled wellness services and nightly on-site entertainment.
Gilbert’s focuses on outdoor water activities and casual evening drinks rather than a dedicated full-service spa.
Gilbert’s suits guests focused on boating, fishing and low-key evenings by the water.

Cheeca — kids' club, family pools, many family-friendly dining options and a long private beach.

Gilbert's — small, casual waterfront resort with marina access and complimentary continental breakfast.

Cheeca — a full spa with treatment rooms, fitness center and adults-only spa pool.

Gilbert's — on-site marina, motor boating and fishing options aimed at water-focused guests.
Cheeca is set up for families — Camp Cheeca (seasonal), family pools, many family-friendly room types and activities.
The supplier listing for Gilbert’s does not publish a full-service spa; Cheeca explicitly lists a full spa facility.
Both offer easy water access, but Gilbert’s highlights an on-site marina and boat/motorized-watercraft options while Cheeca offers a broader resort program (kayaks, SUPs, snorkeling lagoon, fishing pier and charters).
Cheeca charges extra for breakfast (available on site); Gilbert’s lists a complimentary continental breakfast in its supplier listing.
Explore how Cheeca Lodge & Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·