Every great hotel has a story—and Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort is no exception.
Located in beautiful Key Colony Beach in the Florida Keys, this oceanfront property has welcomed generations of guests seeking sunshine, relaxation, and coastal charm.
Here’s how it all began.
The Early Years of Ruttger’s Keys Motor Lodge (1955–1957)
The property that is now Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort was originally built in 1955 and completed in 1957 by Jack Ruttgers.
At the time, it was called Ruttger’s Keys Motor Lodge.
As travel to the Florida Keys grew in popularity, visitors came for:
- World-class fishing
- Warm ocean breezes
- Quiet island escapes
The lodge quickly became a beloved destination known for its welcoming atmosphere and repeat guests.
From Ocean Beach Club to a Keys Tradition
In 1981, the property was partially converted into a timeshare, with a portion of the hotel transformed into suites.
The hotel was later purchased by Victor Demaras, who renamed it Ocean Beach Club.
After his passing, Victors wife, Sue Demaras, continued managing and maintaining the property for many years before selling it in October 2011.
The Glunz Family Story Begins
The story of Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort is rooted in a legacy that began long before the Florida Keys became home.
In 1879, Louis Glunz I journeyed from Westphalia, Germany, bringing with him a spirit of hard work, perseverance, and entrepreneurship. Like many immigrants of his time, he sought opportunity and built a life grounded in dedication, family values, and a commitment to quality. In 1888 Louis set up Louis Glunz Company, a beer, wine and spirits shop that is still in operation today.
Those early principles became the foundation of the Glunz family legacy—one that would span generations and industries. Over the years, the family built a reputation for doing things with care, integrity, and pride. Whether in business or in life, their guiding philosophy remained simple:
If you’re going to do something, do it right—and do it first class.
That mindset would eventually carry into hospitality.
From Legacy to the Florida Keys
Nearly a century later, that legacy found its way to the ocean.
In 1988, Pat and Jack Glunz discovered Ocean Beach Club while traveling through the Florida Keys. It wasn’t a planned destination—it was a moment of chance that would turn into something much more meaningful.
They were instantly drawn to:
- The rare white sandy beach
- The sweeping oceanfront views
- The peaceful, tucked-away feel of Key Colony Beach
But more than that, they felt something familiar—a sense of warmth, simplicity, and peace.
A Family Tradition Is Born
As parents of seven children, Pat and Jack began bringing their family back year after year.
What started as vacations soon became traditions:
- Children playing on the beach from sunrise to sunset
- Friendships formed with other returning guests
- Generations gathering in the same place, year after year
The hotel became more than just a place to stay—it became part of their family story.
Those visits also created something lasting: a deep emotional connection to the property and the community around it.
Full Circle: From Guests to Owners
After years of returning as guests—and even attempting to purchase the property twice before —the opportunity finally came in October 2011.
The third time was the charm.
When the Glunz family acquired the hotel, it wasn’t just a business decision. It was a continuation of a legacy that began in 1888—one built on family values, long-term thinking, and a genuine passion for creating meaningful experiences.
They didn’t just see a hotel.
They saw a place where future families could create the same kinds of memories they had cherished for decades.
A Legacy That Lives On
Today, that same spirit is woven into every part of Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort.
From thoughtful renovations to guest experiences, the goal remains the same:
- Honor the past
- Invest in the future
- Create a place that feels like home
What began with a journey from Germany over a century ago, now continues on the shores of the Florida Keys—where new memories are made every day.
The Transformation: Full Renovation in 2012
After purchasing the property in 2011, the Glunz family began renovations in June 2012.
Originally planned as a phased project, the renovation quickly became a full property closure to allow for a complete transformation.
After 34 weeks, the hotel reopened as a fully modernized resort—while still maintaining its original Keys charm.
Sustainable Renovation with a Purpose
The renovation focused not only on comfort but also on sustainability and efficiency, including:
- Hurricane-rated doors and windows
- Energy-efficient electrical systems and LED lighting
- Fully insulated building for temperature control and privacy
- LEED-certified plumbing fixtures
- Recycled-content flooring materials
- Repurposed furniture and fixtures
The Glunz family also prioritized American-made products and supported local artists throughout the property.
Growth and Recognition in Key Colony Beach
Following the renovation, the hotel received the Key Colony Beach Beautification Award.
In 2014, the family expanded by purchasing Havana Jack’s Restaurant & Bar formally known as Cabana Breezes, adding a popular on-site dining option for guests as well as providing options for larger groups. In 2014 they also purchased the Eight (8) Villas next door at 301 E Ocean Drive, formally known as The Tortugas. This offered their guest 500 feet of white sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean.
After Hurricane Irma in 2017, additional upgrades included:
- Renovated suites and villas
- Updated pools and spa
- Enhanced lobby and fitness facilities
- Refreshed private beach
- Complete remodel of Havana Jack’s Restaurant & Bar
Continued Enhancements: 2026 Havana Suites Renovation
Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort continues to evolve.
As of June 2026, the resort completed a full renovation of the Havana Suites, further enhancing comfort, design, and the guest experience. This latest upgrade reflects the Glunz family’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a modern, high-quality oceanfront resort while preserving the charm that guests have loved for decades.
Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort Today
Today, Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort is one of the most welcoming oceanfront hotels in Key Colony Beach.
Guests continue to visit for:
- A rare sandy beach in the Florida Keys
- Relaxing resort amenities
- A quiet Middle Keys location
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Many guests return year after year—making it a true “home away from home.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort built?
The hotel construction began in 1955 and completed in 1957.
What was the hotel originally called?
It was first named Ruttger’s Keys Motor Lodge, later becoming Ocean Beach Club.
When did the Glunz family purchase the hotel?
October 2011.
When was the major renovation completed?
After closing in 2012, renovations were completed in approximately 34 weeks re-opened in March of 2013.
What was updated most recently?
The Havana Suites were fully renovated in June 2026, continuing the resort’s tradition of ongoing improvements.
Stay Where History Meets the Ocean
Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort is more than a hotel—it’s a piece of Key Colony Beach history.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another stay, you’re becoming part of a story that spans generations in the Florida Keys.