Set back from the road beyond lush and dense tropical vegetation, the Westin Key Largo sets the vacation mindset. If you appreciate natural surroundings and beauty this is the place for you. The hotel itself is set amid natural hardwood hammock; there is even a tree going through the hotel. Getting to the beach entails following a winding path through the trees. The hotel is set right on the water allowing for unobstructed views of the water and the sunset. The pool is behind it on the other side of the parking lot. We weren't traveling with our children, but there were many families there and the pool looked terrific (but you did have to cross the picturesque parking lot to get to it.) The hotel was painted a color that allows it to blend in with the natural environment.
Since we became Starwood Preferred guests (no special requirements) we were upgraded to a bay view room on the third floor. The room was a nice size and what a view!!! The only complaint would be that there was a musty smell in the room and the lobby. The front desk did mention that the hotel would soon be undergoing renovations. There was a small "Tiki bar" right by the small beach area. You could also rent jet skis from a concession at the beach. It was definitely quiet and peaceful there on the day we stayed, at least after 3 pm. Check it out for yourself at http://www.keylargoresort.com/.