Bungalows Key Largo Reviews & Prices
By Caroline Alden | Updated 3 Days Ago
Tucked against the shoreline of Key Largo, where palms sway over turquoise waters and the scent of salt and citrus clings to the air, Bungalows Key Largo presents itself as a grown-up paradise designed to slow time. The adults only all-inclusive resort has become a buzzed about destination for East Coast city dwellers in need of ocean breezes and luxury without the long haul flight. With rates ranging from $399 to $1,099 per person per night depending on the season, expectations run high and traveler reviews are equally intense.
Whether praised for its restorative quiet or criticized for its pricing quirks, this 12-acre retreat has something to say to every couple who steps behind its gates. We’ve combed through firsthand guest accounts, press coverage, and booking insights to bring you the real story. What works, what falters, and what makes Bungalows Key Largo one of Florida’s most polarizing upscale escapes.
The First Impression
Arrival sets the tone. Guests are greeted with a chilled rum punch, strong, citrusy, and welcome after a drive from Miami’s often chaotic airport. A smooth check-in usually leads to a golf cart tour of the property, where clusters of 900-square-foot bungalows are tucked among dense tropical landscaping. Each comes equipped with cruiser bikes, Adirondack chairs, and a private deck with an open-air soaking tub and rain shower. It’s intimate and immersive, engineered to encourage guests to stay put, relax, and breathe differently.
But the tone isn’t always seamless. Some travelers report that the front desk staff struggle with consistency and warmth. Delays in check-in, minimal explanations about amenities, and a transactional attitude at the reception desk have become repeat complaints. For a property asking luxury-level prices, it’s a note that stands out and one the resort has yet to fully address.
Style, Privacy, and Comfort
The design blends casual elegance with South Florida comfort. Inside the bungalows, coastal decor meets plush bedding and thoughtful details. There are plenty of charging ports, blackout curtains for midday naps, and espresso machines for slow mornings on the deck. The Lather toiletries in the bathrooms are full-sized, a luxury touch that underscores the resort’s eco-chic aspirations. Beds, while widely praised for their comfort, occasionally draw critiques for firmness or mattress inconsistencies.
Couples love the sense of seclusion. With no children on site and each bungalow separated by thick foliage and winding paths, the overall experience feels worlds away from a typical hotel or resort. The Zen pool near the spa offers quietude for those avoiding the livelier main pool, where the tiki bar and live music bring the energy up just enough in the evenings.
Dining and Drinks
The food and drink program is a defining feature and a point of debate.
Guests have access to three restaurants: the upscale Bogie and Bacall’s, beachside Sea Señor, and the casual Fishtales. Fishtales earns consistent praise for its breakfast options, like yogurt parfaits with berries and granola, and its casual lunch fare. Sea Señor draws mixed reviews. It’s appreciated as a breezy lunch hangout, but many diners find the dinner experience lacking. Overcooked meats, uninspired dishes, and underwhelming service are commonly mentioned.
The standout is Bogie and Bacall’s, where reservations are complimentary only for guests staying four nights or more. Otherwise, a prix fixe dinner costs $300 per couple. The menu is anchored by indulgent steakhouse classics such as ribeye, chateaubriand for two, bacon-wrapped scallops, and white truffle mac and cheese. The vibe is candlelit sophistication, and service, particularly from seasoned waiters, is polished.
Drinks flow generously, with top-shelf liquor available throughout the property. You won’t find watered down cocktails here. Hemingway Bar, with its nod to Key West’s literary legacy, is a favorite for pre-dinner martinis or nightcaps by the fire pit.
Spa and Activities
Wellness is woven gently into the rhythm of the resort. The Zen Garden Spa offers outdoor treatment cabanas, a Himalayan salt room, and a steam room. Guests rave about the massages and the peaceful spa pool tucked away from the main action.
Daily sunrise yoga takes place by the water, setting a meditative tone before the day begins. The included activities are geared toward mellow exploration such as paddleboards, kayaks, tricycle water bikes, and beachside lounging. Off site excursions like tiki boat rides or sunset catamaran sails can be arranged through the concierge, who is often more helpful via text than phone.
That said, the beach itself surprises many first-time visitors. It’s not a sprawling expanse of soft sand and swimmable shoreline, but rather a modest section near the water sports area. Guests seeking long walks on the sand may feel underwhelmed.
Guest Experience: The Highs and Lows
Guests leave Bungalows Key Largo with strong impressions, shaped by moments of exceptional service and serene surroundings as well as lapses in consistency that stand out at its price point.
What Guests Love:
- The property’s pristine landscaping and tranquil atmosphere are mentioned again and again.
- Room cleanliness and daily housekeeping earn high marks, with some couples noting their bungalow was impeccable every day.
- The level of service from restaurant staff, bellmen, and spa therapists is often described as attentive, intuitive, and genuinely warm.
Where It Falls Short:
- The front desk team repeatedly misses the mark. Guests cite rudeness, dismissiveness, and a lack of proactive service when resolving issues.
- Maintenance delays, especially related to air conditioning units, have led to long waits and awkward exchanges during heatwaves.
- Complaints about pest control and lack of management response, including a widely shared bed bug incident, indicate deeper concerns around how the resort handles problems.
- Tipping culture is another sore point. Although the resort is all-inclusive, guests are encouraged to tip per interaction, which can run $100 or more per day. Some wish gratuities were baked into the nightly rate.
Who It’s Best For
Couples looking for a serene, tech-lite, all-inclusive experience without leaving the continental United States are Bungalows’ sweet spot. It’s a resort for people who want to disconnect, slow their schedule, and indulge in spa days and long dinners.
It’s particularly appealing to honeymooners, anniversary celebrants, and busy professionals escaping the city for a few days of stillness and service. Solo travelers or younger groups looking for nightlife and adventure might find the property too quiet or lacking variety.
Price Breakdown
Standard Rates: $399 to $1,099 per person per night depending on the season
Add Ons:
Bogie and Bacall’s reservation for stays shorter than four nights: $300 per couple
Early check-in or late checkout: Subject to availability, often carries a fee
Tiki cruises and off-site excursions: Additional charge
Cancellation Fee: $250 if canceled within 30 days of arrival, even in cases of medical emergencies as per guest reports
Value for money is a polarizing topic. Some believe the level of privacy, service, and calm justifies the high rates. Others argue that better experiences can be found in the Caribbean or Mexico for half the cost, especially when food quality and room service are inconsistent.
The Final Word
Bungalows Key Largo delivers a distinctly Floridian kind of luxury, lush, casual, indulgent, and tailored for quiet connection. It’s a resort that feels curated for adults who want to unwind without compromise. And yet, it stumbles occasionally under the weight of its own price point. When it’s good, it’s unforgettable. When it missteps, it leaves a mark.
If you go, go prepared. You’ll find stunning sunsets, long bike rides under palm canopies, world-class spa treatments, and the occasional bump in the service experience. For many, it’s worth the investment. For others, it’s a one-time splurge.
Either way, Bungalows Key Largo leaves an impression and that’s something most resorts only aspire to.