I mistakenly was expecting something very upscale based on the price and other reviews.

Whilst we were there we called my sister-in-law who lives in Miami complaining "it's just not chichi enough" to which she laughed and replied "there's nothing chichi about the Keys" and we found that to be true (with the exception of Duck Key and Louie's backyard).

To be fair, it looked like this place was something special a few years back but could definitely do with a face lift. Also there were lots of families and the kids and dads seemed to be having a whale of a time so maybe it's just a lifestyle thing...

The accommodation was very spacious but as the adage goes: it's quality not quantity... "quality" was definitely low on the priority list here.

The restaurant service and food was terrible. We had heard that Pierre's restaurant across the road was great but unfortunately it was shut for a wedding so we didn't get to sample this first hand.

The water activities were great though and the setting is lovely.

All in all it was OK and probably "good" for families but a bit of a let down in terms of accommodation and dining.

My family of 5 just returned, like others we were very concerned by the poor reviews, however had a wonderful stay at Cheeca Lodge. We have 3 children, all 5 and under. While making reservations, we originally went to book a 2 bdrm suite, but the hotel advised us that the 1 bdrm suite was big enough. We appreciated their honest guidance, which saved us a considerable amount of money. The renovated suite was beautiful, full kitchen allowed for many meals in with the young children, the screened in balcony allowed for safe play and relaxed meals and the furnishings and bathroom are very well done.
A couple food tips for families:
1) Winn Dixie - stop at the newer one as you cross the bridge into Islamor. , stock up on food
2) Trading Post - right across from Cheeca, has basics but very high in price (i.e Orange Juice, over $5) - great for salads, sandwiches, french bread, fried chicken etc.
3) Morada Bay - a dream come true for parents, you get to enjoy a nice meal while your kids play in the sand, amazing setting and good food
4) Great breakfast - Islamorada Restaurant and Bakery, a great group of women work here and the food is delicious, try the fried banana bread - also can pick up baked goods to take back to hotel.
5) Lunch - call and pick up sandwiches from any of the neighboring restaurants, the Islamorada Restaurant and Bakery has a good Fish Reuben
as for hotel tips,
1) Met many babysitters poolside, all were very experienced and had been with the hotel for years - expensive rates, (3 kids = $22, with a 3 hour min.) but worth it for a night out. The sitter we used came equipped with bread to take the kids to feed the fish
2) Cribs, high chairs can be delivered to your room
Overall the hotel met our needs, the staff were nice to the kids, the service is not 5 star - do not compare to a Four Seasons or Ritz, nothing similar (yet prices are also much lower), met expectations of nice resort.
Highly recommend for a family vacation! Also saw many couples enjoying Cheeca.

I have stayed at Cheeca twice. However, the last time they had no ice machines and when we ordered ice from the desk and room service it NEVER came. Pathetic.
The resort is quite beautiful and when I've been there jam-packed with kids.
Food quality at the restaurant was very good.
All in all the total experience is not worth the high price.

The Cheeca Lodge is quite expensive for lodging, meals and drinks. Although the grounds are nice but small, for the price, you expect a lot more. It seemed a bit dated. You are charged a resort fee whether you use the amenties(kayaks, etc) or not. I didn't think it was worth the price and wouldn't go back.