Before the Casa Marina hotel was built, it was almost destroyed by the Key West Category four hurricane of 1919 where it sustained more than two million dollars of construction damage. Perhaps that early seasonal catestrophe set a precedent because the resort, although magnificent, never seems to quite live up to its own expectations or advertisements.
The Casa Marina Resort was completed in 1920 and managed by Louis Schutt who moved from the Long Key Fishing Camp for the job. Situated a half mile from the southern-most point in the United States, on 1500 Reynolds Street, in Key West, Florida, the cream-colored bastion of a Southern era offers a unique get away and a world of its own. Famed playwright, Tennessee Williams, used to live in a modest adjoining suburb a few blocks away. Yet, it is far from a paradise, and it never has been.
Initially the resort profited from the Florida Land Boom during the 1920s. It closed in 1932 during the Great Depression. Then it was open for only a few months each winter until it was rented to the US Navy during World War II. The resort was completely renovated in 1978 and again in 2007 totaling a cost of more than 42 million dollars. It is now part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection.
The Casa Marina Has a Rich History
It is also the oldest and the largest resort in the Keys, offering a seaside vista, a private beach of 1100 feet, the Sun Sun bar and restaurant and two ocean-front pools. Tropical landscaping, and impeccable lawns front guest rooms while palm trees soar overhead. Snorkeling, water sports, and booking accommodations to the Dry Tortugas are available. Its historic architecture hosts 1200 square feet of meeting rooms to accommodate businesses, and weddings are booked almost every weekend. There is a free and well-equipped workout facility across the street.
A Realistic View of The Casa Marina Resort
As exotic and compelling as the resort appears, there are drawbacks. The resort is a hike to downtown Duval Street; almost two miles. The rooms are standard Holiday Inn size and the suites are only 400 square feet. There is a fee for Wifi and for parking. The resort used to provide espresso machines, but as of June 2009 there were no coffee machines in the room at all. Instead, guests are forced to trek to a Starbucks in the lobby and pay four dollars for a cup of coffee. The pools are salt water, and uncovered, so the water is always tepid to warm. There is no hot tub, no shower caps in the bathroom, and the maid service is slack to mediocre; don’t count on clean glasses, towels, or sheets.
However, a brief stay at The Casa Marina, or The Marine House as it translates into English, is an island adventure and one with minimal risk and discomfort. Although it is not the luxury haven that its fees extract, it is still an historic and a compelling Key West experience and one of the best places to stay on the island.
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