The Galleon Resort Key West

We have made the Galleon our January destination for 4 out of the past 5 years. The 2-bedroom accomodations are so comfortable. While I can agree that there may be too much room in the master suite, at the expense of space in the second bedroom, if you use these rooms properly, you are spending most of your time in the living room and on the balcony.

The pool is always very clean, and the furnishings are kept nice and tidy. The tiki bar is great, with very pleasant live music on at least a few afternoons each week. Little known fact is that your room key gives you access to the rooftop viewing deck, which is great to watch the sailboats come in and out of the marina, and of course, to observe Key West's famous sunset.

We have visited with friends at other locations on the island (timeshares, B&B's, and hotels), and we still find that we'd always choose the Galleon over those other spots.

My husband and I travel 3-4 times a year, usually twice to Key West. We waited two years to get into The Galleon (timeshare) and were so excited to arrive last week. Upon check-in, we were told by the front desk person that we had a "beautiful one-bedroom unit with a magnificent view." We went to our room, and he was right...it was magnificent. After unpacking, loading up the refrigerator, and sitting on the deck with a glass of wine, the phone rang. It was the manager stating that they "gave us the wrong room and we had 15 minutes to move." My husband (works in the timeshare industry) was mortified and asked what our options were. The manager said "you have no options." Moments later, SECURITY showed up at the door with the keys to a different unit and told us we had 15 minutes to move. Needless to say, our "new unit" was an extremely unpleasant "hotel room" with only a window to the outside hallway! We called the desk and asked if we could upgrade - pay extra. We were told "no." We ended up going to The Pier House and paid for an additional week there, which was wonderful. Unfortunately, we were so upset about The Galleon, that we ended our vacation early and went home. To date, (one week later!!!) the manager STILL HAS NOT RETURNED OUR CALL!

Stayed at the Galleon In Nov of last year. Loved the resort. As I read previous reviews, I must point out that you need to know where you are going or you will have unrealistic expectations of any area. In other words, DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

A previous review mentioned disappontment with the Galleon Beach. Key West is NOT a beach destination. Few hotels have any beach at all. You're sitting on a reef! Be happy you have any beach at all!

That being said, as far as a Key West vac. is concerned, we loved it! Two couples in a two bedroom condo. Close to the action, but far enough away for some tranquility. Don't expect the pampering of a hotel...but I loved the Galleon. Hope to return someday.

Just came back from Galleon Resort in Key West. The overall location of the resort was perfect. It sits on the corner of Front Street, so it was basically quiet for most of the day and night, but within 2 blocks of Duval street. So you have best of both worlds. The pool was nice and the pool attendent was very friendly and helpful.

If you are lounging arund the pool area and want a quick bite to eat. I would recommend "Best Damn Food to Go". It sits right at the marina very near the resort. If you feel lazy and don't want to leave your lounge chair, give them a call and they will deliver right to your chair !!!

Ok .. Now for the things I think they can improve ..... They say they have a private beach. Their "beach" is basically a small section that goes out to the Gulf. The section is so small, you basically can fit only about 6 or so chairs. I personally would not consider this a beach at all.

The resort's has very limited parking. Since this was a family vacation, we rented a mini van and drove from Miami. The parking is so cramped, that it required one of my family members to go outside and help me guide the van into a parking spot. Parking is very limited. If the resort is booked and you find a space, I recommend to *NOT* leave your spot.

We celebrated our 20th Anniversary at The Galleon, our first trip to Key West. The island is full of Bed & Breakfasts but we aren't the 'see other people first thing in the morning ' kind. I thought that left little option till I stumbled upon The Galleon website. We got the cheapest studio for a week in May and were very pleased. Yes, the tropical decor was a little cheesy but you are renting someone else's property, decorated at their taste, some folks are into bamboo, what can you do? Our studio was in the outer limits, overlooking the shops and resteraunt across the street. (Note- the shop directly across the street is owned by the attorney and a diver for Mel Fisher, they were extremely nice and told us the real story of Mel's trials & tribulations. The anchor in The Galleon landscaping fronting the deck came from one of Fishers wrecks) )

We were thrilled with the location, Mallory Square is practically at your door. The Galleon has activities daily. At 40, Bingo doesn't hold much appeal but after watching about 5 min of Pool Bingo, we jumped right in, it was a blast, same with the lunchtime BBQ's and picnics. The Tiki Bar drinks and food are reasonably priced and so convenient when you are just not in the mood to dress up and go out. The sunset view from the Tiki deck is unrivaled in that it's the same view as Mallory Square without the crowds. Our studio was clean, neat and well stocked with sundries, coffee, dishsoap, towels, etc. Another poster was correct in reporting there is no Timeshare Nazi pressuring you to buy or even look around. I can't imagine there is even a need to advertise much, this place is the most comfortable on Key West, with the best location. The owners of the condos could not be nicer, there was no distinction at this resort between owners and guests other than the owners knew the staff by name. We couldn't get the same studio for the entire week and so had to switch to a different one 4 days into the trip. The staff could not have been more helpful, stored our bags behind the desk and asked if we had any food that needed refridgerated so that we didn't have to throw it out. Then they gave us drink, resteraunt and tour coupons for many places on the island to occupy us till our new room was ready. Within 2 hours, they paged my husband and since we weren't ready to return, they took all our bags to the new room for us! Of course, they didn't unpack or even open things, this isn't concierge, but nice just the same. Key West is famous for the laid back atmosphere, if you are expecting to be pampered I guess you could try one of the boutique B&Bs, if you just want to relax and have fun, go to The Galleon.

My travel party and I stayed at The Galleon for one week in May 2004 as the guests of a timeshare owner. Based on comments from other acquaintances who've stayed at this property over the years, I was expecting it to be the "be all, end all" of vacation experiences and must regretfully report that we were disappointed.

The most impressive aspect of our 2BR condo was the amazing view. The corner unit afforded a great vista with the pool and lounge area on one side and the Gulf on the other, and we spent much time every morning and evening sitting on the balcony watching people at play and the many boats go in and out of the harbor.

The unit itself, although fairly well-appointed in a fitting "tropical, waterside" decor, was beginning to wear -- but what we mostly noticed was the apparent lack of thorough housekeeping...particularly in the bathrooms (a pet peeve), which had a definite air of "unclean" about them. Still, it was disconcerting, to say the least, when my friend filled the large garden tub only to have a multitude of small, black worms issued into the water when she turned on the jets (thank goodness she hadn't yet stepped into the tub!).

The difference in appointments and quality between the "master" bedroom and the 2nd bedroom was also rather disquieting. The master was almost ludicrously spacious, with its own balcony, lots of louvered windows, plenty of storage space for clothes, etc. and big (if unclean) bathroom -- on the whole, a very nice and comfortable room. The 2nd bedroom, by comparison, was like a walk-in closet, minimally furnished (because there wasn't room for much!) and, in general, dark and depressing.

I can't speak very highly of the service at The Galleon, either. On the few occassions during the week when I did speak with the Front Desk or other staff, the overall attitude on their behalf was one of being "put out" or inconvenienced. On two separate occassions, I witnessed different staff members become aggitated with guests at the Front Desk to the point of near yelling. Needless to say, it made me not feel terribly inclined to ask for their assistance even if I needed it.

The location of The Galleon is admittedly great -- at the end of a quiet street, yet only steps away from the excitement and 24/7 party atmosphere of Duval Street. And even if you don't care to venture "that far", there are plenty of opportunities for good eating, good drinking, and live entertainment pretty much at the back door of The Galleon along the boardwalk that hugs the adjacent docks.

Overall, I'd rate my stay at The Galleon as just "okay". It certainly wasn't the "knock your socks off" experience I'd been anticipating or told to expect, and I can't honestly say that I'd stay there again if I decide to vacation in Key West in the future.

We traded our time share two years ago and we were sooo happy that we did. We love Key West, and we love our two bedroom unit. We love waking up in the morning and having our coffee on the balcony over looking the Marina & all the beautiful yachts. We love making new friends, and exploring Key West. We're never bored. There is somthing to do there 24-7. The staff at the Galleon treat us like family. The facility is kept up very well. The pool is beautiful. The location is peaceful, but if it's excitment you want...you only have to walk a couple of blocks to Mallery square to catch a beautiful sunset or do a sunset cruise, or take the Key West (walking) ghost tour, or learn about Key West on the conch train narated tour. And don't forget while you're there to have breakfast at "Blue Heaven"And then back to the Galleon for a good night sleep! Don & Sharon

Great location! Next to the Hyatt, the Galleon is Last building on front street next to the Marina on the Gulf. The A&B Lobster house is across the street as well as The Commadore Resturaunt and Turtle Kralls. Many boat trips are there for fishing and diving and snorkling. The Boats to the Dry Tortugas leave from this dock also. And dont miss the Stargazing cruise aboard The Westurn Union Schooner, They use a lazer to point out the planets and stars An interesting trip for all ages. The galleon is also only two blocks down from Duval street, and 3 blocks from Mallory Square. They have studios and 1 br, and 2 br places. Dont get the studio, Only Good Veiws from the one and two bedroom places. The conch train is also 1 block away on front street, A good way to find out about the history and location of things in Key West. Go and have a ball!

Be careful booking this hotel. When we got there it was not confirmed but they honored the price. Only problem was we were placed in a room that wasn't even marked. We looked in the section that we were told and had to ask the housekeeper where it was and they escorted us to a room off of the parking lot. We were told it had a patio with a view of the marina. What it had was a chair outside the door where we could watch the dive shop in front of us. We were offered a room with a balcony but it would have doubled in price. So make sure your confirmed and check on the room.

We traded out time share and landed in this fabulous place! First of all, the room was well kept, nicely furnished and all new itmes in the kitchen. We had a beuatiful view as many of the rooms did of the marina. We had a deck that looked out on it. The resrt is located convenient to the restaurants, shopping and nightlife....just a couple of blks to Duvall. However, it is at the end of a street and very quiet. We were able to walk to many places. My family thought it was our best vacation yet and I agree. The pool was beautifully landscaped andd tropical. Not a good beach area...you need to go elsewhere for it. Music daily in outdoor lounge poolside. I would consider owning a unit. They didnt even bother us and ask us to tour!