We only had one night in Islamorada and many resorts were booked and I was a bit nervous about the Kon Tiki given the mixed reviews, but was pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness of the room and the lovely grounds.

We had a double motel room, which was small but spotless. We saw one of the bedroom/kitchen units and it looked nice as well.

The grounds were very well maintained and the pool was great. My kids enjoyed kayaking in the little lagoon. Although I wouldn't swim in it, there was a nice sandy sunning area, comfy hammocks and shuffleboard.

I would stay here again when I visit Islamorada.

We too stay at the Kon Tiki at least once a year, sometimes twice....in fact will be there again in a couple of weeks. It's the perfect stop on the drive down to Key West from Miami....we split our time between Islamorada and KW and find it a great place to unwind and relax before hitting KW. We've found our rooms always clean and comfortable - the screen porches are an added plus and great for morning coffee and night-caps. The pool is small but nice and rarely crowded....a good place to lay around while planning where to eat lunch. We don't take a boat but many do and it looks to be an easy launch. The management has changed numerous times and depending on who is managing, I can understand that some people may be put off. For us, we expect nothing other than a place to pick up our key....the Trading Post is an easy walk to pick up necessities like ice or the newspaper. The kitchens are equipped fine - a coffee pot and a refridgerator - what else would you need with great food available at several local spots?

I don't agree with the bad reviews. We have stayed at the Kon Tiki Inn about twice a year
for over 6 years now. The rooms are some of the cleanest for a small resort.

If you want an authentic feel for a keys old style small resort then this is it.
Simple one room units to beautiful rooms with private bed rooms and a kitchen
are all availabe at a reasonable rate.

If you are used to a chain hotel, don't bother.

If you want a simple, clean, quiet place with a sunset that will take your breath away, hammocks to swing in all day, bars and resturants that you can walk to, then this is the place for you.

It is set up great for boaters with its own ramp, dock, and trailer storage all on site.

A small swimming pool and a slat water lagoon that needs help after the recent hurricanes are the only negative comments. A room away from the road is preferred.

The staff is always friendly and we often get into our room early.

Everyone we sent there has loved this little slice of heaven in the Keys.

I thought it was odd (until the recent review from the English writer) that the Kon Tiki, a fixture in Islamorada for over 30 years, had never been reviewed in Trip Advisor. Having given up on Cheeca forever, I checked out Kon Tiki's website...which looked so good, I booked a double for a bit over $200.00 a night.
The website designer should be given an award for his or her ability to make a scuzzy, shabby, down at the heels dump look so inviting.
Our stay lasted about eight minutes in which time I called the Islander Resort (using the filthy, falling apart phone in the room), and thankfully was able to book a room.
We gladly returned the key to the receptionist who sat in a tiny, run-down shack I guess you'd call the front office. She coolly informed us that we would be charged 2 bills and change for the one night---which I was almost happy to pay rather than suffer a single night there and went on to the Islander which was excellent.
I guess I should have known. When making the reservation by phone I asked if there was an ice machine near the room. The manager replied, "no, but we'll sell you a bag"
(at 200plus a night(!)
Yes, there is a thing called the "Keys feeling", and a lot of places in Islamorada have it. But grunginess is not what it means. On the depression index for hotels, this place rates a 10.