
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Best for travelers who want a full-service luxury resort experience with private beach access, multiple dining venues, spa services and extensive on-site activities.
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Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a five-star, full-service beachfront resort in Islamorada for travelers who want a luxury Keys resort with multiple pools, on-site golf, a full spa and family activities. Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina is a casual, two-star waterfront marina hotel in Key Largo aimed at travelers who prioritize easy boating access and value.
Updated · about 20–22 miles (roughly 30–35 km) apart

Best for travelers who want a full-service luxury resort experience with private beach access, multiple dining venues, spa services and extensive on-site activities.

Best for travelers wanting direct marina access, straightforward rooms and lower-star, value-minded accommodations focused on boating and water activities.
When Cheeca Lodge & Spa wins: choose Cheeca if you want a full resort program — private white-sand beach, multiple oceanfront pools (including an adults-only pool), a large spa, varied restaurants and family-friendly programming — and are booking for a leisure stay that prioritizes resort amenities.
When Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina wins: choose Marina Del Mar if you need a Key Largo base with a marina on site, prefer a simpler, lower-star property with direct boating access and meeting space, or are traveling on a tighter budget while still wanting on-site water activities.
Bottom line: both properties serve boating-minded Keys travelers, but Cheeca is the broader luxury resort option with more on-site amenities and services; Marina Del Mar keeps a casual marina-first focus and better value for guests who prioritize slips and straightforward rooms.
| Category | Cheeca Lodge & Spa | Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Five-star resort focused on luxury, family activities and resort amenities. | Two-star waterfront hotel with a casual, marina-oriented feel. |
| Location | Islamorada on the Atlantic side, mile marker 82; private white-sand beach and a 525-foot fishing pier. | Key Largo waterfront, marina on site and within easy reach of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. |
| Size (rooms) | Over 240 rooms and suites across a 27-acre property (sources list 243–254 rooms). | 76 guestrooms (listing states 76 guestrooms). |
| Ages / audience | All ages — family-friendly with Camp Cheeca and kids' programming; adults-only pool areas available. | All ages — not adults-only (children 20 and younger stay free with parent/guardian). |
| Pools & beach | Three outdoor pools on property (two oceanfront family pools + dedicated adults-only relaxation pool) plus private white-sand beach. | One outdoor pool and marina frontage; waterfront setting but not described as a private white-sand beach. |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site restaurants and bars (Atlantic's Edge, Nikai Sushi Bar, Mia Cucina, Tiki Bar, 25 South, Pierre's, Beach Café). | Two restaurants (including Bogies Cafe) and a bar/lounge on site. |
| Spa & wellness | Full-service Spa at Cheeca Lodge (5,700 sq ft, six treatment rooms, fitness center, spa pool). | Not published |
| Known for | Private beach, longest Keys fishing pier (525 ft), Jack Nicklaus executive 9-hole golf course, family and event offerings. | Marina on site, casual boating focus, proximity to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. |
| Meeting & event space | Over 15,000 sq ft of event space with multiple ballrooms and seaside venues. | Conference space ~2,400 sq ft with 3 meeting rooms. |
| Parking & access | Valet and self-parking on site, EV charging and on-site boat/trailer parking (reservations required). | Free self parking and off-street parking on site. |
Cheeca sits on Islamorada’s Atlantic side at mile marker 82 with its own private beach and long fishing pier.
Cheeca is a true beachfront resort setting best for guests who want ocean-facing resort amenities and island-style leisure.
Marina Del Mar sits on the Key Largo waterfront with an on-site marina and direct water access.
Marina Del Mar is practical for travelers prioritizing marina access and proximity to Key Largo dive/snorkel spots.
Cheeca offers a wide range of rooms, suites, bungalows and villas across many room types and sizes.
Cheeca gives more room types and larger suites for families and groups.
Marina Del Mar has a focused set of standard rooms and several marina-view options.
Marina Del Mar offers straightforward guest rooms, including marina-view options and accessible configurations.
Cheeca provides multiple on-site dining concepts from casual to upscale.
Cheeca suits guests who want a range of evenings and dining styles without leaving the resort.
Marina Del Mar has a smaller, practical F&B offering on site.
Marina Del Mar keeps dining simple — fine for short stays or for guests who plan to dine off-property or on their boat.
Cheeca’s signature water assets are its private beach, multiple pools and a long fishing pier.
Choose Cheeca if you want beach-and-pool versatility plus fishing and guided-water activities.
Marina Del Mar’s defining asset is the on-site marina and straightforward pool offering.
Marina Del Mar is best when marina access and simple pool facilities are the priority.
Cheeca combines a full-service spa with broad recreational programming and nightly live music at some venues.
Cheeca suits guests who want an integrated wellness program and on-site evening entertainment.
Marina Del Mar lists fitness and water-recreation items but does not publish a full-service spa on its listing.
Marina Del Mar focuses on boating and basic fitness/recreation rather than a resort spa or extensive evening programming.

Cheeca — private white-sand beach, multiple pools, full spa, varied dining and family activities.

Marina Del Mar — on-site marina and straightforward facilities for boaters and divers.

Cheeca — Camp Cheeca, family pools, activities for kids and large multi-bedroom suites.

Marina Del Mar — lower-star property with value-oriented rooms and meeting space.
Marina Del Mar is oriented around its on-site marina and is the simpler choice for guests prioritizing slips and boat access.
Cheeca Lodge & Spa has a full-service Spa at Cheeca Lodge (5,700 sq ft, six treatment rooms). Marina Del Mar’s listing does not publish a full-service spa.
Neither property is adults-only. Cheeca has adults-only pool areas, but both welcome families.
Cheeca is better suited for multi-day family vacations because of its range of activities, kids' programs, multiple pools, varied dining and larger suite options.
Explore how Cheeca Lodge & Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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