“Updated for a new generation, remains an Excellent Resort”

I haven’t been here for about 10 years and that’s too bad because I had a really restful and enjoyable weekend here. Now the hotel doesn’t use condos around the island but is limited to 15 cottages on the hotel property. You really do feel like you’re a guest at the Vanderbilt mansion when you come… more

I haven’t been here for about 10 years and that’s too bad because I had a really restful and enjoyable weekend here. Now the hotel doesn’t use condos around the island but is limited to 15 cottages on the hotel property. You really do feel like you’re a guest at the Vanderbilt mansion when you come here and the bungalows feel like the Beverly Hills Hotel. They put nice fruit and water in your room and you get beautiful turn-down treats at night. I had a cottage with a garden and jacuzzi out back. The bathroom was quite nice and everything was decorated tastefully. They’ve done some redecorating and have managed to keep the authentic spirit of the place with a bit of pizzazz for the next generation. You can see this all over the property, especially at the spa which has been completely redone and the mansion as well which has its dark places and its brighter settings. It’s all very convenient here because you can walk 2 minutes to the beach, spa or the food outlets at the mansion, which is the focal point of the hotel. You get a golf cart and you can ride anywhere on the island within 5 minutes. There are pools at the hotel as well as in the spa. The white-sanded beach is inviting and was not crowded even on Sunday when people showed up. In the summertime, the best thing to do is to come in the last 2 hours of the day when everyone has left. All the food here was quite good; dinners at the mansion at Garwood and the Porto Cervo Italian restaurant at the marina were excellent. Breakfast at the Beach Club was less impressive but still fine. Food prices are subsidized here and it is a privilege to get such fine food at a good price (which at least gives you added benefit from the daily membership fee you pay here while being a hotel guest). There is a good food market where you can get newspapers, ready-made bakery and take-away food (the bakery is home-made and fantastic) and groceries. It’s a lot easier to be here than on the mainland where you have to find everything you want. During a summer weekend, not many people are here and you feel like you have the island pretty much to yourself. There weren’t much more than a dozen people eating dinner at Garwood on Friday night and the room is beautiful with a live pianist on the weekends. There is a convenient ferry from the mainland which takes 10 minutes and runs about every 15 minutes. You can arrive with the Bentleys. The birds are still at the aviary; the observatory appears to have closed for covid and not yet reopened (and I wonder when they ever get a clear night where you can see anything). The gym is excellent and has everything you could want (OK, they could use a bicep and tricep extension machine) and the spa is very plush and well equipped with expert therapists. I found service to be friendly and down to earth. People here may be wealthy but they seem to be nice. There are a lot of guests and residents here from around the world and you will often hear a language other than English being spoken. Families with children have been moving in and the day school is doubling in size to include a high school and a spanking new gymnasium. I saw several families at the hotel. The pool starts at 4 ½ feet and it’s not kid-friendly, so bring floaties if you have kids. That was a big problem for us 10 years ago when our kids couldn’t yet swim, and it’s one reason we moved on to other resorts with the kids and had this place go out of mind. They know about this issue for over a decade but obviously don't care to change it. My understanding is that it costs about $350,000 to become a member here if you buy a property, and then about $50,000 a year to maintain your membership. If you make $2 million a year and live in New York, that’s a good deal because you could just take one year’s money you’d pay annually for income tax (about $300,000) and trade it for a rather nice lifestyle. Most people here don’t live here most of the year. The best deal of all is just pay $150 a day toward the membership and stay in the hotel for the 10-20 days a year you might want to be there. Room rates are not that high, especially during the summer. They even charge your golf cart at night which they don’t do if you live there. But beware, the hotel is small with only 15 places to stay and it books out a long time in advance, especially during the winter season. When you leave the property, it’s not a bad idea to let them book a taxi for you. When I left the property, I booked an Uber. One cancelled, the next one was confusing where to meet but meanwhile I got to the airport but was sweaty in the summer heat and racked up about it. Once you are in the car, it’s just a 15 minute ride to the airport if there is no traffic. Problem is, the MacArthur Causeway has become heavily trafficked in both directions over the past decade or so, and that’s the downside of leaving this lovely island. Wherever you go once you leave, you’re bound to be stuck in traffic with only road in and out. It’s not something I’d relish if I thought about living here but as long as you are happy to come to the hotel and stay on the island without going around the city, it’s a great way to chill out.

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“Bless your heart!”

This is by far the best hotel I’ve ever stay in! Employee Stephanie was one of the kindness humans I’ve ever met. Rooms are clean and all the employees were pleasant and have great customer service. Thank you Fisher Inn will be visiting every chance we get! Applause on customer service and great se… more

This is by far the best hotel I’ve ever stay in! Employee Stephanie was one of the kindness humans I’ve ever met. Rooms are clean and all the employees were pleasant and have great customer service. Thank you Fisher Inn will be visiting every chance we get! Applause on customer service and great service!

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“An oasis in the heat of Miami”

Fantastic resort with outstanding service away from it all but still only 30 minutes from Miami Beach or Downtown Miami. It’s true that you will have to take the ferry to and fro but the service is quick and efficient. The resort itself is quiet and peaceful and as a client you are being pampered f… more

Fantastic resort with outstanding service away from it all but still only 30 minutes from Miami Beach or Downtown Miami. It’s true that you will have to take the ferry to and fro but the service is quick and efficient. The resort itself is quiet and peaceful and as a client you are being pampered from the first minute you arrive. There are several restaurants which you may choose from, casual or fancy. We were staying in a cottage with two bedrooms, a sitting room, a kitchen and a patio with jacuzzi and enjoyed the calm and seclusion. Every party has its own golf cart which allows you to get around the island easily. The resort has its prize but if you are looking for a relaxing stay it’s the place to be!

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“best hotel in the area”

you will feel relax and in paradise kids friendly and also nice view romantic and I enjoy the spa never crowded food is good and drinks I know you will be happy with this stay nice cute market on the island and gym