Azul del Mar Key Largo

I can only agree with the comments posted, the place has a lovely relaxed feel to it, I stayed 3 days and did nothing other than sit and watch the world go by, all the water sports are there if you want them.

Dominic is a great host, he's put a lot of thought into his hotel and what he offers. The place is more european than american, furnishings are refreshing for Florida being minimalist but not lacking in character nor facility. Sitting watching the sunset with a glass of chilled whatever...will last long in the memory. Go there if you want something a bit different, a bit special.

The grounds of Azul were a great set-up for the rest of this property. We were there August 2004. We were early and were allowed to get into our suite early. Loved the shower after a drive from Miami. The bed was dreamy and the night was quiet. Beautiful sunset and lovely view. They were getting Direct TV....we did not have it, but it should be up and running. Nice place, don't bring the kids, though.

my wife and i had such a good time we bought a house on key largo.Azul del Mar is great,great sunsets from the dock with your favorite cocktail !!!

We go to Florida in early July.

We love Azul del Mar!!!!

My friend and I have been to America many times but never to Florida. We heard South Beach and Key West were really fun, so that's where we went. I read something in Ellle Decor ( I think ) about Azul Del Mar in Key Largo and nice new hotels in Florida, so we took a chance. It was very chic. Big rooms, big bathroom, big kitchen, big beds..big everything! Satelite TV, and right on the beach. We take sailboats out and go to a reallly nice snorkeling area the owners recommend (the owners are really nice people too). We also really liked the waverunners up the road at the State Park (John Pendelton park?). Great cool night life right down the road where they made the gangster movie "Key Largo" with Humphrey Bogart (We did not have a car). We had a lot of fun on our trip and Azul Del Mar was big part of it. Only problem for us: no restaraunt. So we go out instead!!

We highly recommend!!

--Igrid .

We spent 2 nights in the Celeste Suite at Azul and thoroughly enjoyed our time there.

The hotel is a former drug lord's mansion that has been totally renovated into several suites. Dominique (the owner and manager) is onsight and is very friendly and will go out of his way to make sure that you have everything you need.

The view of the Gulf and sunsets are incredible from the backyard and private dock. There are really comfortable lounge chairs that are wonderful for sitting in while sipping wine and watching the sunset.

Key Largo is a bit old and somewhat run-down compared to some of the other Keys, but the Azul is not. They have put out a lot of money and energy into remaking the hotel and it shows in the quality of the suites.

You can see photos that we took while there at:

http://community.webshots.com/album/169276708kIYXtc

(copy and paste to your browser address)

If you are looking for parties and night-life, then Key Largo is not for you. It is very relaxed. But if you want great diving and snorkeling, there's no need to drive the extra 100 miles to Key West. Key Largo has some of the best snorkeling and diving just a few miles off the coast. Dominique will even give you a discount off your stay at Azul if you schedule a trip with one of the dive shops that he refers guests to. Also John Pennekamp state park is only 5 minutes away.

We will definately stay here the next time we head down to the Keys.

May 23, 2004

We discovered Azul Del Mar by word of mouth from friends, and then saw an article in Conde Naste. We originallly booked a night, but after arriving and decompressing in our suite, we walked out thru the garden and sat at the waters edge with Azul's gracious and gregarious host, Dominic, and sipped Margaritas at Sunset, breathing a sigh of relief. Needless to say we extended our stay several more nights before heading down to the very Touristic Key West. Walking distance down the road is a great Seafood restaraunt full of local flavor and fresh caught specials. Also, a wonderful Cuban spot for Breakfast or Cafe Cubanos', also walking distance. Azul is one of those places you want to return to. Newly remodelled and fit with Kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms done in a cross between Deco and modern chic, I would go back in a heart beat and explore the area (especially the waterways and activities) and avoid many of the more trendy and predictable areas further down the keys. Friendly, easy, and private.

When you find a place like Azul, you feel you want to keep it to yourself. With only five bedrooms, you ask the question, will there be one for us the next time we visit? But this secret deserves to be shared. Travelling towards Key West on the US.1 and feeling tired and dare I say a little grumpy, having just arrived from the UK, we hit upon Azul del Mar by chance. Our spirits lifted when we saw this fantastic little hideaway. The rooms are surpisingly spacious, with exceptional style. There's everything you need to make yourself at home, including a well stocked pristine small kitchenette with diswasher and gas barbeques outside the units. The beds are truly to dream on and the views to die for. The owner is attententive to every detail. He's a great character with a wealth of sailing knowledge. What he doesn't know about sailing is worth knowing. Azul has small sailing boats and kayaks for hire, but not being a boat person, I just chilled out and enjoyed the place, including the tremendous sunsets. Believe me you should not miss this hotel if you visit the Keys. It's just amazing. By the way, we never did get to Key West. Azul was just too good to leave. Thanks Dominic and co. We had a memorable stay.

Wonderful place. We stayed there for a weekend during the spring of 2004. The Italian designed boutique hotel is absolutely beautiful outside and inside. Rooms are large. We had a suite facing the ocean with wrap-around bay windows. The room had all the conveniences such as fridge, stove, sofa, entertainment center, and dining area. Beds are large and comfortable. Floor is polished marble. Did I mention the wonderful design? Much more than what I had expected. Dominic, the owner/manager, mentioned that he will continue to add finishing touches to hotel rooms until it really feels like home-outside-of-home. If he makes it any better, I will be tempted to never come back to New York. :-) Looking forward to visiting again soon.

Dan H.

Our stay at Azul del Mar was incredible and we highly recommend it. Unique, wonderfully decorated, and extremely comfortable, Azul caters to the laid-back lifestyle of the Florida Keys. What makes it different from the other hotels/resorts is its attention to making your experience memorable. The suites each have their own flavor - we stayed in the Celeste suite and were amazed by its bay views and luxury amenities. When researching a place to stay, we wanted to stay away from the crowds associated with the hotel chains, avoid the dingy accommodations of some roadside "inns," and have a more intimate setting than the sprawling resorts. Azul provided us with all that we were looking for and more. We were so impressed, that we are considering having our wedding on its beautiful grounds. Take a look at Azul del Mar - you won't be let down!

We recently stayed at Azul del Mar and our experience there was nothing short of perfect. Having visited the Keys for years, it is the only place of its kind and truly worth the visit. The combination of beautifully decorated suites, amazing bay views, secluded tropical landscape, and gracious hosts made our stay at Azul del Mar one to always remember. Other features of the hotel include a private beach and dock, Tiki huts with comfortable seating, excellent gas grills for grilling fresh fish, and amazing property lighting that makes the place light up at night. The owner/host made every attempt to make our visit special, and we will be returning for another visit. If you are seeking a quiet, romantic, and friendly Keys getaway, this is the place to stay. Taking a look for yourself is the only way to capture what I've attempted to convey... thanks Azul!!