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We booked Faro Blanco to celebrate our wedding anniversary and birthday.
Hilton by Curio Faro Blanco is now part of a complex including The Marriott next door. Once you got used to driving to the right entrance for each part (there's three entrances) it was easy to find. We did not go to the Marriott area.
I booked via the Hilton App. I booked our room INCLUDING a $35 resort fee with breakfast. I chose a pool facing view and the app showed pictures of the pool overlooking the lighthouse and marina. It looked stunning and I naturally assumed we would have that view or similar. Unfortunately, the room we were allocated was in a different inland building beside another pool enclosed by surrounding rooms. Most of the "view" was of a bush and the rest was the very bottom corner of the pool. That was the first disappointment. I don't believe any rooms overlook the Marina and pool in the photos.
As I had booked bed and breakfast, I asked what happened with that at check in, I was told to "order breakfast at the counter" (which was a kind of cold bar next to check in) the menu showed just three "breakfast" items. I asked what was included in our breakfast package and was told we hadn't booked breakfast. The check in agent couldn't find "anything on the system" (actually, later I saw a code that was obviously to advise the agent we had breakfast included- he was looking at the wrong part of the screen- that's a training issue!) I had no option but to show my booking confirmation to prove I had booked the breakfast package. I was told "just order what you want at the restaurant and I will fix it" When we checked out, we were told that "breakfast" was a $15 credit for up to two people in the room. Everything else was extra. That was not what we were told at check in. You just can't have breakfast here for $15- its not possible.
Our room was very new. It had two comfortable double beds, the air con cooled the room down slightly but wasn't "cold" and definitely not the temperature we had in other Florida hotels. The bathroom was fine, plenty of towels but no hangers in the wardrobe. Our autistic son wanted to watch his TV shows, but the brand new TV didn't work. It would stream Netflix or Youtube but had no volume. We asked at the desk if it could be fixed and they sent someone twice. The maintenance man hadn't a clue what to do. He tutted and said it was " a new system" and it couldn't be fixed. I don't think he had the skills to be able to do anything. My husband thought it was a problem with the "box" and asked again if someone could have a look at it. Once again the maintenance man came and left after literally 10 seconds muttering something we couldn't understand. Now we don't go on holiday to watch TV but it was important to our son and is a basic "need" in hotels, especially when there's a hurricane expected- we had to use our phone to keep an eye on the weather. Some of the sockets wouldn't take our US adapter plugs either- weird. Also, there was so little space beside one of the beds there was no beside table with a socket for a mobile phone. On our last day, we realised there were more sockets on the bench hidden IN the bench- we had completely missed those. These little annoying things took away from the enjoyment of what was actually a really lovely room.
The food was OK. Breakfast on all 3 days was different- maybe different chefs, but not consistent, although I particularly enjoyed the tropical breakfast smoothie- it was delicious. On day 3, we were told at breakfast that "we have run out of milk!" All we could do was laugh! What hotel runs out of milk?! Other than that, everything made to order and well cooked. The young breakfast waiter (not the weekend one) was friendly and really did a great job.
On the Saturday night, we decided to go to the main pool (the one with the lighthouse view) and there were 6 people (possibly locals) who had their own cool box with their own drinks, their own music (played loudly) and they took over the pool area. They were adults, probably in their 40's and their behaviour was appalling. I've never been in any hotel anywhere which would have allowed this. We left quite quickly- it was really intimidating as they were watching our Autistic son and laughing at him. We didn't use the main pool after that, we used the one near our bedroom- but there was no towel service there, or bar service. We would have loved lunch or a drink by the pool.
We did have dinner in the restaurant one evening and it was very nice. The service was good too.
Reading this, you may think we hated it. We didn't. We actually enjoyed our stay but the problems irked me. There was no need for them. I did make the management aware and I do think that despite the problems, the hotel overall was very good. The rooms, and facilities were lovely. Everything was spotlessly clean but their computer system is terrible and the communication was the biggest problem. All of these things could have been avoided. If they just took a little care and time to fix these things, they have the potential to make Faro Blanco a really fabulous resort.
Then, on check out, we were told that the $35 resort fee which was included according to the Hilton app was NOT included. I did call Hilton and spoke to the management and they absolutely DID sort this out and the outcome was satisfactory as was the breakfast problem.
To be honest, I wouldn't have booked the hotel in the first place had I known about the view- We were in the Florida Keys- water is everywhere, the pictures showed something else and I feel this was misrepresented. Little things like no hangers, no TV and the billing problems were a pain in the neck and are basics that should have been correct. Overall though, if you don't care about the view and want a clean, comfortable place to stay in the middle keys, then I would recommend Faro Blanco. Maybe the Marriott property next door gets the best views.
There was also no acknowledgment of our Hilton Honors status. I was given a bit of an unprofessional "lecture" by a member of staff who told me Faro Blanco "was privately owned and not a REAL Hilton. Apparently, their new "system" was implemented in July and it was glitchy and staff didn't like it at all. She went on to say that "these problems happen to many guests every single day". If that's the case, why have they not taken steps to sort this out? The checkout agent tried to show me their "policy" but I booked on the Hilton app, their own "policy" wasn't on the app, so how was I supposed to know the little details if its not there or communicated in advance? No point in showing me after I've booked under different conditions.
Clearly more staff training needs to take place so they know what to advise clients, but also the product needs to match what clients are actually booking. If I book a "Hilton" hotel on the Hilton app, I expect the details to match. I expect the staff to know when I check in exactly what I booked and what was included. I shouldn't have to spend my time stressing about hotels policy vs what's on the app and to "prove" what I have booked and how much I paid. I have NEVER had this problem at any other Hilton hotel anywhere.
One more little thing. It was our 27th wedding anniversary and we renewed our vows whilst staying at Faro Blanco. It was also my birthday. There was no acknowledgement or congratulations at all- another little thing perhaps, but nevertheless, it would have been nice to have felt a bit special.
I am hoping that once these problems are sorted out and they've finished the renovations, fixed their TV's and the computer system and trained their staff, Faro Blanco will be an amazing place for a holiday.
Thank you to "Will" for sorting out our billing issue. We did enjoy our time with you, the setting was stunning and despite the teething issues, the room was excellent and the staff are friendly. We would come again and would recommend the hotel to friends and family.
Date of stay: September 2024
Room Tip:Be sure what "view" you are paying for. Keep screenshots of your booking showing what is included...
Trip type: Travelled with family
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Kiley Platt, Guest Services / Front Office at Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club Marathon, Curio By Hilton, responded to this review
Responded 30 Sept 2024
Thank you for sharing such detailed feedback about your stay at Faro Blanco. We sincerely appreciate your honest review and are grateful you chose to celebrate your wedding anniversary and birthday with us. We're glad to hear that despite the challenges, you enjoyed your time and found the rooms and setting lovely.
We are sorry for the multiple inconveniences you experienced, from the check-in process to the issues with the TV, air conditioning, and breakfast package. Your comments regarding the view misrepresentation and the confusion surrounding billing and Hilton Honors status are valid and noted. These are things we can and should improve. We're also saddened that your special occasion wasn't acknowledged. Your celebrations should have been recognized, and we will work on ensuring our team doesn’t miss these important details in the future.
As we continue with renovations and improvements, we will address these issues, particularly around staff training and communication, to ensure a more seamless and enjoyable guest experience.
Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to welcome you back for a better stay in the future.
Kind regards, Kiley Platt Front Office Manager
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We have just recently stayed at this hotel,it was excellent, the staff, the food and the location, however I have had $450 taken off my credit card bill for a 2 night stay which was prepaid. I have tried numerous ways to contact the hotel but no reply so I am hoping someone will reply on here .
Date of stay: September 2024
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiley Platt, Guest Services / Front Office at Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club Marathon, Curio By Hilton, responded to this reviewResponded 27 September 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback on your recent stay with us. I am delighted to hear that our team made you feel welcome and at home. I am very sorry to hear that you have had an issue getting your billing issue resolved, please reach out to me directly at kplatt@faroblancoresort.com and I will gladly resolve this issue for you.
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Cancellation fee is more than room rate. We are local and booked for family and friends coming. Rate $117, which seemed very low. Then unbeknown to me $180 resort fee per night. We had to cancel due to hurricane. Cancellation fee$150 a night. How do you say SCAM…
Try Isabella, nicer and no scams!
Room tip: Book somewhere else…
Date of stay: September 2024
Trip type: Travelled with friends
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Kiley Platt, Guest Services / Front Office at Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club Marathon, Curio By Hilton, responded to this reviewResponded 27 September 2024
I am so sorry to hear that this information was relayed to you incorrectly. While we do charge a nightly resort fee, it is $35 per night, and this should always be disclosed at the time of booking. We sincerely apologize if this was not the case. In states of emergency, we are always very understanding and willing to allow last minute cancellations. Please feel free to contact me directly so we can get this issue resolved for you in a timely manner. I can be reached at kplatt@faroblancoresort.com.
Kind regards,
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Absolutely stunning property. Would definitely recommend. We had a lovely time. Special thanks to the amazing staff. They took an extra step to celebrate my husbands milestone birthday.Big shout out to Marisol and Kiley and the friendly manager on duty. Think her name was Marie ( not sure …)
Room tip: The intercom phone could be better ! Had a tough time reaching out to the front desk.
The elevator wasn’t working !
Date of stay: September 2024
Trip type: Travelled solo
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Kiley Platt, Guest Services / Front Office at Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club Marathon, Curio By Hilton, responded to this reviewResponded 15 September 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted that you had a lovely time celebrating your husband's 70th birthday with us. It's heartwarming to hear that we were able to make your stay extra special. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back soon!
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Nice hotel…it’s still under renovation they’re still fixing it up… so hopefully it will be better soon, reception is way down which is not very practical and the water pressure in the bathroom was so weak…horrible for taking showers…gotta be fixed
Date of stay: August 2024
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Kiley Platt, Guest Services / Front Office at Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club Marathon, Curio By Hilton, responded to this reviewResponded 13 September 2024
Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate your patience as we continue with renovations and apologize for any inconvenience caused by the current state of the property, including the water pressure issue. We understand how frustrating that can be and are working to resolve it as quickly as possible.
We hope to provide a much-improved experience on your next visit.
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The location is beautiful in Marathon but the actual hotel not great! We had no water pressure and the water was cold in our shower. We called twice and even went to the front desk to have fixed (three different day.) No one ever responded on three different days of trying to get fixed.
Date of stay: August 2024
Trip type: Travelled with family
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiley Platt, Guest Services / Front Office at Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club Marathon, Curio By Hilton, responded to this reviewResponded 13 September 2024
Thank you for sharing your feedback. I sincerely apologize for the issues you experienced with the water pressure and temperature, as well as the lack of response from our team. This is not the level of service we aim to provide, and we regret that your concerns were not addressed despite multiple attempts.
We are taking immediate steps to ensure this does not happen again. Your feedback is valuable, and we will use it to improve our service.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC