Have you been to Key West? If you haven’t, you really need to go! It’s like a little tropical getaway without having to leave the country – just a quick flight or drive, and you’re in paradise.
Key West is the southernmost island in the Florida Keys archipelago and is, therefore, the southernmost point in the continental United States. Because of this island’s unique location, it’s a tropical spot that you can visit without needing a passport or without even getting on an airplane if you wish!
It’s possible to drive to Key West from the mainland United States – but it’s not really a quick trip since it’s far from the main land. For those less road-trip-inclined, fortunately, Key West also has its own airport.
Key West is at a latitude even with The Bahamas, and it’s only 70 miles north of Cuba. It’s not technically in the Caribbean but has a very Caribbean vibe. Visitors will find colorful buildings, beaches, palm trees, live music, seafood restaurants, a lively bar scene, and a laid-back atmosphere when they arrive, and all of the above are things that keep people coming back time and time again.
You’ll love visiting Key West! If you’re wondering where to stay when you go, we’ve put together this helpful list of the top accommodations options in the area for you to peruse. We think these are the best hotels in Key West, and we’re confident you’ll agree.
Key West hotels range from small, independent properties to vast resorts, so we’ve tried to include a little bit of everything on this list. As soon as you decide – book a room, start planning your trip, and have fun in Key West!
Resort Information
Best Hotels in Key West
1. Ocean Key Resort and Spa
Address: 0 Duval Street, Key West, Florida 33040
Ocean Key Resort and Spa is one of the most popular places to stay in Key West, and with good reason! This 100-room property genuinely captures the spirit and vibe of Key West in every aspect. It’s on the waterfront and offers incredible views of crystal-clear blue waters from almost everywhere.
The decor is chic and island-inspired. The pool is small but lovely and has a hot tub and cabanas. The service is attentive and friendly, and the rooms are comfortable, spacious, and worth the price.
Guests can dine in the onsite restaurant at Ocean Key Resort and Spa – Hot Tin Roof – for breakfast and dinner and will be quite pleased with their meals. They can dance to live music at night and enjoy cocktails and seafood at the more casual Sunset Pier bar.
Other Ocean Key Resort and Spa amenities include a mini-market, valet parking, Wi-Fi, pool towels, in-room coffee, and a lovely spa. Along with these factors, many people love this hotel because of its location – it offers easy access to many local attractions, bars, restaurants, and Key lime pie shops with its location on one end of famous Duval Street.
Things to Do Nearby:
Pros:
- Great location
- Luxurious accommodation with a wealth of amenities
- Excellent staff and service
Cons:
- Can be noisy
- Gets crowded during peak times
- Valet parking only, plus lots of traffic nearby
See Related: Best Resorts in Key West, Florida
2. The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
Address: 200 William Street, Key West, Florida 33040
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort is not far from Ocean Key Resort and Spa, which means that it’s also in a fantastic location. It’s only three blocks from Duval Street, but it’s tucked away at the end of a quiet street instead of in the middle of the action. It has 96 clean and spacious guest rooms and suites, each with a rain shower, a soaking tub, a minibar, and a balcony.
Amenities at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort are numerous – guests have access to bike rentals, a concierge, Wi-Fi, poolside yoga, high tea (swoon), three outdoor pools, and a fitness center.
The onsite restaurant, Starboard, offers excellent cocktails and seafood dishes, and there is, of course, a pool bar serving snacks and drinks. This hotel is smoke-free, which is a significant benefit for some. The Marker also partners with Fury Water Adventures to offer its guests easy access to snorkeling, sunset sails, cruises, parasailing, and more.
Things to Do Nearby:
Pros:
- Lovely location within walking distance of many things
- Three pools
- Beautifully landscaped grounds
Cons:
- Thin walls. This hotel is in a quiet area, but sound travels within the hotel
- Expensive daily resort fee
- Locals who come to eat or drink can use the pools, which sometimes makes the pools crowded for hotel guests
See Related: Best Beach Resorts In Florida
3. Casa Marina Key West
Address: 1500 Reynolds St, Key West, Florida 33040
Casa Marina Key West is undergoing a massive renovation in anticipation of a grand re-opening in September 2023, so if you want to go there this winter, you should make reservations before they’re sold out! This property is located on the largest private beach in Key West and has everything.
You’ll find tons of amenities on this property, including two heated, year-round swimming pools with rentable cabanas, poolside food and drink service, fire pits, live music, seaside spa services, and even private dining on the beach if you’d like. There are onsite scooter, bicycle, and equipment rentals, a 24-hour fitness center, a concierge, and a mini-market.
You can eat and drink at the beachside restaurant, rooftop, or lobby bars, and rent kayaks, paddle boards, and jet skis at Barefoot Bill’s Beach Rentals right on site. Extras like sunrise yoga and sand sculpture workshops are bonuses, too.
The 311 guest rooms are being renovated, so we’ll see what they’re like when they’re complete, but pet owners will be happy to learn that small pets are welcome, and families will love the large rooms and multi-bedroom suites. Moreover, if you book a stay here, you’ll be staying at an attraction in its own right! This property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, first opening in the 1920s.
Things to Do Nearby:
- Take a walk on Higgs Pier
- Visit Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach
- See the animals being rehabilitated at the Key West Wildlife Center
- Get your photo taken at the Southernmost Point of the Continental United States
- Enjoy the butterflies at The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
- Take a Sunset Sail on a catamaran
Pros:
- Recently renovated
- Large private beach
- Pet-friendly (additional fee)
Cons:
- On the larger side of Key West hotels
- Pricey resort fee
See Related: Best Resorts In Florida
4. Sunset Key Cottages
Address: 245 Front St, Key West, Florida 33040
Sunset Key Cottages is a unique property in many ways. First of all, although it has a Key West address, it’s not actually on the island of Key West.
Rather, it’s on Sunset Key, which is a free, seven-minute boat ride from Key West proper. This is a benefit for some but is likely an annoyance for others. The shuttle is free and runs 24 hours a day, but taking the boat back and forth can be a hassle for people who wish to be in the center of the action.
However, if you want to be a bit away from the hustle and bustle of Duval Street and the party atmosphere of Key West, then this hotel may be perfect for you. There are 40 rooms here, and they are elegant yet homey and comfortable, and there are many onsite amenities.
There’s a private beach, a beautiful zero-entry pool, palm trees, a fitness center, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a spa. The onsite fine dining restaurant offers excellent food and great views. Water sports rentals are also available for an additional fee.
The cottages here vary in size, and the largest have four bedrooms and private plunge pools. They feature lovely island-style decor, full kitchens, living rooms, wraparound terraces, and at least one bathroom per bedroom. Breakfast baskets arrive daily and are included with your stay. There’s free ice cream in the afternoons, too!
Things to Do Nearby:
- Take a boat back to the Key West “mainland” to shop, drink, and eat
- Explore Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – including its beautiful beach
- See a concert at The Key West Amphitheater
- Take a Jet Ski Island Tour
Pros:
- Private and secluded from the rest of Key West
- Multi-bedroom suites with kitchens
- Great beach with calm waters
Cons:
- A short boat ride is required to access it – but at least it’s free
- Some cottages could use some renovations
See Related: Stunning Cabins In Florida That Feel Like Another Planet
5. The Perry Hotel And Marina
Address: 7001 Shrimp Rd, Naval Air Station Key West, Florida 33040
Like Sunset Key Cottages, The Perry Hotel and Marina is not on the island of Key West itself, even though it has a Key West address. It’s actually on Stock Island, which is separate from Key West proper, although you’d never really know without looking at a map since the two islands are connected by a bridge. This Key West hotel is a bit different as it’s surrounded by a marina instead of being directly oceanfront. Still, boaters love that about it, and thanks to the plethora of excursions available from this area, it’s something that you might love too.
Although this hotel is about five miles from the most happening part of Key West, you’ll find that you don’t need to leave much anyway, thanks to the lovely rooms, pool, restaurants, and amenities here. This is a newer property; its style and decor are clean and modern.
Like most Key West resorts, there’s a fine dining restaurant and a more casual bar and grill right on site (plus a coffee shop in this case!), and there’s live music playing and cocktails flowing every night. There’s a fitness center, a spa, a concierge service, fire pits, a waterfront pool, bike and scooter rentals, and two dog parks at this non-smoking property.
What guests like best about this hotel is the accessibility of the marina. Perry Marina offers jet ski rentals, sailing lessons, snorkeling excursions, trips to sandbars, boat charters, and more. If you’re more interested in spending your time out on the water than inside Key West’s bars, this might be the best choice for you.
Things to Do Nearby:
- Stroll through the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
- Learn about Civil War-era forts at the Fort East Martello Museum
- Visit The Mangrove nature preserve
- Try local foods on the Southernmost Food and Cultural Walking Tour
Pros:
- Easy access to boats because it’s in a marina
- Newer, cleaner property
- Away from the busy city center
Cons:
- Far from downtown Key West (although there’s a free shuttle!)
- Waterfront, but not oceanfront
- No beach
See Related: Best Bars in Orlando, Florida
6. The Marquesa Hotel
Address: 600 Fleming St, Key West, Florida 33040
There’s an island called Marquesa not far from Key West, but don’t worry, The Marquesa Hotel is right on the main island and is right in the middle of downtown. This collection of four buildings is a historic property developed from buildings first constructed in 1884.
It’s only two blocks from Duval Street, but it’s surrounded by trees and tropical gardens. It’s not beachfront or waterfront at all, but you’ll love swimming in the beautiful pools here.
Cafe Marquesa offers fresh seafood, and there’s free morning coffee and tea by the pool. The rooms are bright and airy with sitting areas, mini-fridges, porches or patios, and flat-screen televisions. There’s free parking on site, plus you’ll get a free glass of wine when you check in, which is a lovely touch to put you in vacation mode.
Many find this hotel to be romantic – it helps that no children under the age of 14 are allowed. There’s no spa, but the concierge can help you find an appointment locally for whatever services you desire. Most people love the opportunity to step right out the door of the hotel to step into Key West Old Town, and you’ll feel a bit like a local when you stay at The Marquesa Hotel.
Things to Do Nearby:
- Take a walk in Truman Waterfront Park
- Learn about marine ecology at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
- Climb to the top of the Key West Lighthouse
- Pet the cats and learn about a famous author at The Hemingway Home and Museum, or go on a Hemingway Food and Walking Tour
- Paddle a kayak through the mangroves on a Kayak Eco Tour
Pros:
- Great location
- Historic hotel
- Excellent restaurant
Cons:
- Can be noisy
- Not near the ocean
FAQ
What are the top activities in this part of the Florida Keys?
There’s so much to do in Key West, and it’s a vacation destination that truly caters to multiple tastes. Most people tend to think of this island as a place for non-stop parties and bar hopping, and it is, but it’s so much more than that, too. If you’re not into partying, you won’t be required to join in.
All types of travelers love Key West for different reasons. It’s historical, and there are numerous historical sites and museums on the island to visit. Even though this island is densely populated, there’s also a focus on protecting the native flora and fauna here, so nature lovers will find attractions and parks that are perfect for them too.
Vacationers who enjoy fine dining and upscale shopping will enjoy exploring Key West’s restaurants and shops. Families with children will discover that there are plenty of beaches and water sports to keep everyone busy and happy for the entire trip. Key West is a fantastic place for vacationing! We are so lucky to have this gem in the United States.
How far from the hotels is the Key West International Airport?
Although some people fly into mainland United States airports and then take the Overseas Highway for hours to visit Key West, it’s highly advised that you fly directly into Key West International Airport if you want to vacation on this island. The Overseas Highway is beautiful, but it is not really a highway at all – and slow-going tourists cause immense traffic that will drive you crazy all the way down.
Key West International Airport is right on the island, and it’s less than 15 minutes from there to your hotel room. Easy!
When is the best time of year to visit Key West?
Any time of year is a great time of year to visit the Florida Keys and Key West in particular! As you might imagine, it’s most busy when the northern states are cold and miserable, but some people visit this island for the action, and you’re sure to find it here then. Summer is hot but less busy and more inexpensive. The shoulder seasons, spring and fall, offer a bit of both and might be the best choice for most.
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