A Prime Destination with a Common Challenge

Located at 0 Duval Street in the heart of Key West, Ocean Key Resort is known for its luxury suites, sweeping water views, and prime sunset-watching location. With 100 rooms—80% of them suites—it attracts mostly couples and high-end travelers seeking space, comfort, and convenience. But like many resorts in weather-sensitive regions, Ocean Key faced a familiar challenge: unpredictable weather, particularly during hurricane season, often added hesitation to the booking process.

A Low-Lift Solution to a High-Stakes Problem

Looking for ways to offer guests more peace of mind, Ocean Key turned to Sensible Weather after hearing positive feedback from Pelican Grand Beach Resort, a fellow Noble House resort that had already seen success with Weather Guarantees. That endorsement made a difference. “We were lucky that Pelican Grand was already partnered with Sensible Weather,” said Johan Amneus, General Manager at Ocean Key Resort. “When [their team] said, ‘We hardly do anything or hear anything at the front desk,’ I thought—OK, sure, let’s give it a go.”

The integration was fast, intuitive, and required no change to hotel operations. “Surprisingly easy,” Johan noted. “It’s a no-brainer.”

How It Works

The concept is straightforward. Guests are offered the option to add a Weather Guarantee to their reservation during the online booking process (the price is typically 10% of the total reservation cost.) Each day of their stay, if the weather meets a custom predefined threshold—like light rain or high temperatures—they are automatically reimbursed by Sensible Weather. There are no claims, no cancellations, and no burden on the front desk. Sensible manages the entire process, with zero cost or lift for the resort.

Real Results in Just Months

Ocean Key implemented Weather Guarantees in mid-2024 and quickly saw strong performance with no disruption to staff or operations. “That was one of my biggest concerns—what happens when it drizzles and guests think they should get a refund?” Johan said. “But there’s been none of that. The system and support is working perfectly.”

In just 7 months, Ocean Key Resort has seen:

• 700+ days protected by Weather Guarantees
  
• $22,000+ in Weather Guarantees sold
  
• No additional staff workload or guest complaints
  
• Customer satisfaction consistently at 5 out of 5
  

Driving Confidence, Loyalty, and Revenue

While the additional revenue is a bonus, Johan emphasizes the broader impact: “If it helps secure a booking or assure a guest, that’s a huge win,” he said. “Our business is hospitality—making guests feel comfortable. So why not provide guests all the options and tools to accomplish trust and assurance to win their loyalty.”

The Weather Guarantee helps guests feel confident booking even during less predictable seasons and enhances their overall experience. For Ocean Key, it delivers value with zero operational complexity, passive revenue, and happier, more loyal guests.

Advice to Other Resorts

Johan’s tongue-in-cheek advice to others: “Don’t do it—let me be the only one!” But more seriously, he underscored the strategic advantage. “If it’s something we offer that nobody else does, that’s a huge value. Guests want choices. The more options you give them, the more empowered they feel—and that creates loyalty.”