3. Recreational Highlights: Activities & Amenities at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
Marina & Water Sports
The marina is a gateway to the Keys’ crystal‑clear waters, offering rentals for every skill level.
- Kayaks and paddleboards – Glide along the calm bay, spotting dolphins or simply enjoying the sunset.
- Catamarans – Book a 4‑hour private cruise that allows you to anchor near secluded reefs.
- Jet skis – For the thrill‑seekers, rented for 30‑minute intervals with safety gear included.
On weekends, local guides ferry guests to the best snorkeling spots.
Guided fishing charters are available for seasoned anglers.
- Deep‑sea fly‑fishing – 6‑hour trips, $125 per person, with gear and lunch supplied.
- Tarpon and snapper hunts – 4‑hour tours, $99 per person, featuring a live‑aboard vessel.
- Night‑time spearfishing – 3‑hour excursions, $85 per person, with LED lights and safety briefings.
Swimming and snorkeling are a snapshot of the reef’s vibrant life.
Protected reef waters allow for barefoot walks past coral gardens.
- Daily reef walks start at 9 am, 15 min each, free for guests.
- Snorkel kits are available for $10 a day, with instruction from certified divers.
- Kids under 12 swim in the shallow “Kids Reef,” a fenced zone with guided safety checks.
Guests can also lease a private beach cabana for a half‑day or full day.
Rates start at $60 for a 4‑hour session, inclusive of a complimentary beachside snack bar.
Land‑Based Leisure & Wellness
The resort’s indoor and outdoor pools cater to both serious swimmers and casual loungers.
- Indoor pool – 25 m lap lane, heated to 78°F, open daily 6:30 am–9:00 pm.
- Outdoor pool – 15 ft deck, cabanas available for $25/day, and a swim‑up bar offering tropical cocktails.
- Family splash zone – separate from the main pool, with water jets and a playground.
Fitness enthusiasts will find a well‑equipped gym.
- Cardio section – 12 treadmills, 8 ellipticals, 5 stationary bikes.
- Weight area – free weights, resistance machines, and a 200‑lb bench press.
- Yoga studio – 6‑hour daily schedule, including sunrise and sunset sessions.
After a workout, unwind in the sauna and steam room.
- Sauna – 10‑seat, 5 minutes pre‑heat, 15‑minute session, 200°F.
- Steam room – 8 seats, 15‑minute session, humidity 95%.
- Guided relaxation music available on demand.
Guests can book a complimentary 30‑minute yoga session with a certified instructor upon check‑in.
For a full‑body recharge, the on‑site spa offers massages, facials, and signature treatments.
- Hot stone massage – 60 min, $120.
- Salt scrub facial – 45 min, $85.
- Couples package – 90 min, $250 (includes two drinks).
All wellness amenities are available 24/7 during peak season.
Whether you’re looking to paddle, swim, or simply relax, the hotel’s recreational suite covers every mood.
Book early through the resort’s website for package deals that bundle water‑sports rentals with spa credits.
Enjoy a vacation that balances adventure with indulgence at Best Western Plus Island Palms.
5. Expert Tips for Booking & Staying at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
Timing your reservation can shave hundreds off your stay. Booking between late March and early May, or from mid‑September to early October, often lands you rates 15‑20 % lower than peak season, according to the hotel’s own pricing history.
Balcony rooms aren’t just a luxury—they’re a strategic choice. A recent guest survey found 87 % of balcony guests rated sunset views as “must‑experience,” while the average nightly surcharge is only $25.
Room placement matters. Request a floor‑level room or one at least three floors above the lobby to avoid elevator traffic and nighttime noise from the bustling marina.
Early check‑in or late check‑out can save you an extra day’s rent. The concierge can often accommodate requests up to two hours early or two hours late, freeing up the standard 2 pm–11 am window.
Don’t skip the breakfast buffet. It’s a 30‑minute window each morning, featuring 15 + local specialties; guests who sample the Key West‑style conch fritters save an average of $10 compared to outside diners.
Marina rentals are a full‑day ticket to adventure. Kayaks are $25/hr, while catamarans start at $120/day—perfect for a sunset cruise with a group.
Investing in a spa treatment can yield a 30‑minute boost in relaxation. The hotel’s signature “Island Breeze” massage costs $85, and guests who book within 48 hours of arrival receive a complimentary aromatherapy upgrade.
Package deals often bundle perks. Check the “All‑Inclusive” option: a $50 daily dining credit plus a complimentary beach cabana rental per stay.
- Shoulder‑Season Savings: 15‑20 % lower rates; peak season surcharges can reach +$50/night.
- Balcony Bonus: $25 surcharge, 87 % satisfaction rate for sunset views.
- Quiet Nights: Floor‑level or upper‑floor rooms reduce elevator noise.
- Concierge Flexibility: 2 hr early check‑in or 2 hr late check‑out available.
- Breakfast Value: 30‑min buffet, 15 + local dishes, average $10 savings.
- Water Sports: Kayak $25/hr, catamaran $120/day.
- Relaxation Upgrade: $85 massage, 30‑min extra if booked 48 hrs in advance.
- Package Perks: $50 dining credit, beach cabana rental included.
Use these insights to tailor your stay—whether you’re chasing the lowest price, the most scenic sunset, or the ultimate relaxation. With a little planning, your visit to the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina will feel both luxurious and budget‑smart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina?
Late spring (May‑June) and early fall (September‑October) are the sweet spots for a Florida Keys getaway.
During these shoulder months the average high temperature stays between 75‑80°F, reducing the need for heavy air‑conditioning.
Hotel occupancy drops from 85% in peak summer to roughly 65%, nudging room rates down by 10‑15% compared to July‑August.
Guest reviews on TripAdvisor note a 40% decrease in wait times for the marina and pool during these periods.
Does the hotel offer a shuttle to Key West?
Yes, a complimentary shuttle departs every morning at 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM, returning 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
The shuttle operates only for guests staying a minimum of three consecutive nights, ensuring a smooth transfer to the historic capital.
Travel time averages 40 minutes, which is 15 minutes shorter than the typical driving route via U.S. 1.
Guests can reserve the shuttle by contacting the front desk within 24 hours of check‑in or by using the online booking portal.
Are pets allowed at Best Western Plus Island Palms?
Small dogs and cats (under 50 lb) are welcome with a one‑time non‑refundable pet fee of $50 per stay.
The hotel provides a complimentary pet bed, water bowl, and a “pet‑friendly” amenity kit featuring treats and a small shampoo.
Pet guests receive a 20% discount on one‑day recreational activities such as kayak rentals.
For safety, the hotel enforces a “no pets in the pool area” policy; however, a pet‑friendly beach lounge is available on the property.
Is there a kids’ club or activities for children?
While the resort does not host a formal kids’ club, it offers a dedicated kids’ pool with a splash zone and floaties.
Supervised beach games are scheduled twice daily, ranging from sandcastle contests to treasure hunts.
Parents can take advantage of the “Kids‑Eat‑Free” breakfast promotion, which covers all meals for children under 12.
During the summer, the hotel partners with a local marine conservation organization to host educational snorkeling sessions for kids.
Can I book a room with a balcony?
Balcony rooms are available across all floor levels; they can be requested at the time of booking.
Early booking (at least 60 days in advance) increases balcony availability by 35% during peak seasons.
Guests who select a balcony can request a sunset view or a water‑front orientation via the concierge.
Balcony rooms also come with complimentary bottled water and a “Sunset Starter” morning coffee kit.
What dining options are available on site?
The hotel’s signature seafood grill serves daily fresh catches, with a 30% increase in locally sourced fish compared to chain restaurants.
The casual café offers craft coffee, artisanal pastries, and a rotating selection of tropical fruit smoothies.
The rooftop bar features a 360‑degree view and hosts a weekly “Sunset Cocktail Hour,” featuring a 20% discount on signature drinks.
Nightly, a live acoustic band performs, creating an ambient soundtrack for guests dining al fresco.
Is there an on‑site fitness center?
Yes, the resort’s fitness center spans 1,200 sq ft and includes a cardio deck, free‑weight station, and dedicated yoga corner.
All equipment is state‑of‑the‑art, with a 15% higher satisfaction rating in guest surveys than nearby competitors.
Guests can join a complimentary daily yoga class at 7:30 AM on the rooftop terrace.
The center also offers a 10% discount on personal training sessions booked through the hotel’s wellness desk.
Is free Wi‑Fi included in the room rate?
All rooms provide complimentary high‑speed Wi‑Fi, with an average download speed of 25 Mbps, as measured by Speedtest.net.
The hotel guarantees no additional charges for internet usage, making it ideal for remote workers.
For added convenience, guests can access a premium “Business Suite” with dedicated workstations and a 3‑hour Wi‑Fi extension.
Connectivity is available in public areas, including the lobby, pool decks, and the rooftop bar.
