Banana Bay Resort & Marina is Marathon’s Hidden Gem

07 Mar 2023
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Banana Bay Resort & Marina is a destination like no other. Located in Marathon, this mature property offers the perfect escape for travelers looking for something different in the Florida Keys.
Along with spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities, visitors can enjoy outdoor recreational activities like boating or take a dive with some of the world’s most exotic fish in The Florida Keys. Or you can spend the afternoon lazying away in the large on-site swimming pool, or rejuvenate your body in the hot tub. Beyond the resort’s grounds lies all that Marathon has to offer – from unique restaurants to local attractions.
Let’s take a closer look at Banana Bay Resort & Marina in Marathon, Florida.
Reception and Check-In
Don’t let the classic motel feel of the resort’s front facia fool you. While this is an older resort, it has been mostly updated.
The reception area is clean with simple light colours and marine décor. Check-in is quick and simple. With your room key card, you will be given a parking tag to hang on your rearview mirror, as well as a resort map and information sheet outlining the amenities, breakfast time, and Wi-Fi access code. The front desk clerk will show you on the map the best route to your room, and where best to park your vehicle.
Guest Rooms
I was completely surprised when I walked into my Marina Gulf View Room. The rooms were spacious and updated with modern décor that was very reminiscent of the islands.
The washroom was roomy and had a large glass-enclosed stand-up shower stall with a waterfall showerhead and accessibility support bar.
The view from the balcony of my Marina Gulf View Room was quite nice, but not something I would pay extra for. The majority of the time I spend in a hotel room is when I am sleeping. That being said, the sunsets from the balcony were quite stunning.
Marina Gulf View Rooms
Experience gulf views in a stunning Marina Gulf View Room. Located within the exquisite Marina building, these spacious guestrooms are modernly furnished with chic décor and floor-to-ceiling windows allowing mesmerizing glimpses of marina skylines and seascapes. Signature amenities include: Blissful Bed, AVEDA bathroom products for a spa experience at home, a mini-fridge, ironing boards, FreeB™ Wi-Fi & a workstation desk for your laptop so you can stay connected on your vacation. Relax as you gaze out over sunsets from this little slice of paradise.
Note: Although there are two floors in the Marina building, there is no elevator, so the second floor is not fully accessible. However, there is an accessibility ramp leading up to the building, and the first floor is fully accessible.
Garden View Rooms
Not worried about having a view of the water? Check out the Garden View Rooms in the Marina building, with modern décor to impress and views of the resort. Cozy up in the Blissful Bed, get comfortable on the sofa, surf online through FreeB™ Wi-Fi. AVEDA bath amenities mean luxury all around while a Keurig coffee maker helps kickstart every morning right. And don’t forget those other details like an in-room safe to keep your valuables secure and a mini-fridge to keep your drinks cold.
City View Rooms
Get an amazing view of the city from one of the brand-new Chic City View King Balcony Rooms located in Island House. Step into stylishly furnished, chic décor with floor-to-ceiling windows and a furnished balcony. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or productivity during your stay, they’ve got you covered with Blissful Beds®, FreeB™ Wi Fi, AVEDA bath amenities and so much more including a mini-fridge and a Keurig coffee maker to keep you energized throughout your trip.
The Blissful Bed
Get ready for a “do not disturb” night of blissful rest at Banana Bay Resort & Marina. The cozy Blissful Bed is designed to provide the perfect balance – softness and support. You’ll experience a peaceful night’s sleep in this handcrafted oasis engineered with Pocketed Coil Technology. You’ll be thoroughly relaxed as you drift off into dreamland.
On The Water
Take in the majestic beauty of Marathon and submerge yourself into its dazzling turquoise depths. Get up close and personal with incredible creatures from across underwater ecosystems by indulging in snorkeling, scuba diving & even SNUBA activities – all while exploring a rainbow-coloured reef beneath crystal clear waters around this beautiful resort region. There is also jet-skiing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding available. Or head out on a Sunset Cruise to take in the beautiful sunset from the water.
Food & Drink
While there is no full restaurant at Banana Bay Resort & Marina, there are a couple of options for food and drink. However, there are lots of dining options in the area.
Breakfast
Start your morning off right with a complimentary B Nourished® continental breakfast consisting of fruit, bagel, jams, and a muffin. Available at the Front Desk between 8am and 10am for two guests per room.
The Pointe Bar
Kick back and relax with a beer, wine, or daiquiri at this on-site bar. Enjoy stunning sunsets from the waterfront seating or one of their hammocks – perfect for those looking to take advantage of the warm Florida Keys weather. Or, head to the outdoor garden and challenge your friends to a game of cornhole. Open Daily from 5pm to 10pm.
Pool & Hot Tub
The property has an enclosed area with a very large swimming pool. The pool has separate areas for relaxing and lap swimming, with lots of comfy lounge chairs surrounding the pool. The pool is open daily from dawn to dusk.
There is also a hot tub and a poolside tiki bar for refreshments. The Tiki Bar is open Thursday through Sunday from 12pm to 4pm.
Marina
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life at Banana Bay Resort’s private marina in Marathon. Offering unbeatable amenities, services and an idyllic location, you can set sail on a day-trip exploring incredible sights around the Florida Keys. With 34 boat slips able to accommodate vessels up to 56 feet long, you can tie-up with ease.
Long-term slip guests can take advantage of amenities such as boat ramps, free parking spaces for trailers, water pump outs, electric cable, Wi-Fi, showers, laundry facilities, and pool and hot tub.
Fuel Station
Gas and Diesel is located 1.5 miles southwest of Banana Bay Resort & Marina
Boat Services
West Marine
Marathon Diesel
TowBoatUS Marathon
Dock Master
VHF Channel 16-Call Banana Bay Marina
Location & Information
Banana Bay Resort & Marina is located at 4590 Overseas Hwy in Marathon, Florida. Complimentary parking is available on-site for resort guests.
Proximity to Airport
Banana Bay is located 45 miles from the Key West International Airport and 112 miles from the Miami International Airport.
Check-In and Check-out
Check-In is 4:00pm
Check-out is 11:00am
Resort Fee
A daily resort fee (per room/per night) includes a continental breakfast for two adults, in-room and public area premium FreeB™ Wi-Fi, 2 bottles of water in-room per stay, in-room Keurig coffee makers, swimming pool access, pool towels for resort area use, tennis courts with tennis balls and racquets, games throughout the resort, 2-hour bicycle rental, unlimited local and toll-free calls, beach chairs for use at Marathon beaches, grill, and picnic area, and self-parking for vehicles. Refer to the resort website for the current fee.
Marathon’s Hidden Gem
If you’re looking for a place to use as a home base in Marathon that won’t break the bank but will still offer everything you need for a great trip, look no further than Banana Bay Resort & Marina. The rooms are comfortable and clean, the staff is friendly and helpful, and there’s plenty to do both on and off the resort property.
Whether it’s looking for shells on nearby beaches, taking in one of Florida’s famed sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, or hitting up some local pubs and breweries, Banana Bay Resort & Marina is an ideal spot to experience real seaside tranquillity. This hidden gem will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated from your unforgettable Florida Keys getaway.
Cheers,
Big Daddy
If you are a PR agency or brand and would like me to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send me an email.
Craig Silva
Craig is a husband, a father, team leader, travel and food writer, senior youth group coordinator, designer, brander, community builder, volunteer, and social media strategist. Craig likes to travel, go camping, go on road trips, watch movies, build stuff, operate the grill, and sing with his band. Craig is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada. In June 2017, PR firm Cision identified Craig as one of Canada’s top 10 most popular male bloggers in the parents and family space.
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