Blessed with bright white-sand beaches, gently waving palm trees, and a delightful climate, Key West is a lovely place to vacation. Located right at the end of the Florida Keys, the southernmost city in the States is well suited for a restful and relaxing getaway. It does, however, have some interesting historical sights, as well as some excellent bars and restaurants.
The city also has a wealth of outstanding hotels and resorts; many of them boast beautiful beachside locations with gorgeous views over the sparkling turquoise waters. Whether you’re after a luxury suite, cosy cottage, or a room with a balcony overlooking the sea, these Key West hotels will guarantee you an unforgettable holiday.
1. Sunset Key Cottages
Source: booking.comSet on its own private island just off Key West, the five-star Sunset Key Cottages promises guests a peaceful and relaxing stay in paradise. While the island with its white sand beach and palm trees looks phenomenal, the luxury cottages are just as divine.
Besides the excellent facilities – such as a swimming pool, on-site restaurant, and tennis courts – there’s also a fantastic fitness centre and spa for guests to make use of.
Location: A 24-hour ferry means that the centre of town is only ever a five-minute journey away – if you can ever tear yourself away from this dreamy resort, that is.
2. Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Source: booking.comA historic 1920s resort, Casa Marina Key West boasts not only a spectacular seaside setting but also the largest private beach in the city. There is a very secluded and serene air about the five-star hotel, making it the perfect place to kick back and relax in luxury.
In addition to its classically decorated rooms equipped with all the latest amenities, Casa Marina has two oceanfront pools, magnificent on-site restaurants, and a fantastic spa.
Location: Casa Marina Key West is around a ten-minute drive from the centre of town, Key West Golf Club, and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
3. Hyatt Residence Club Key West, Windward Pointe
Source: booking.comIf you want to find yourself relaxing on the beach as soon after you arrive as possible, then Windward Pointe is the place for you. Despite its proximity to the airport, the hotel is very quiet, and its beach and palm trees look idyllic.
The four-star Hyatt Residence Club Key West’s rooms are very luxurious, and many offer views out over the sea. In addition to this, guests can organise to go fishing, scuba diving, or parasailing.
Location: Just a kilometre from the airport, Windward Pointe is a ten-minute drive from the historic district and Southernmost Point.
4. Parrot Key Hotel & Villas
Source: booking.comSet amid lush and lovingly-landscaped gardens, Parrot Key Hotel and its luxury villas guarantee guests a peaceful and pleasant stay. Tucked away among its quiet grounds are four swimming pools, with kayaking, snorkelling, and other water sports all on offer.
Recently renovated, its spacious rooms and suites are all stylishly decorated, and each of them sports a balcony or terrace.
Location: Located in New Town, Parrot Key Hotel is just across the road from a plaza where you can find restaurants and shops. A complimentary shuttle can whisk you to the historic district in ten minutes.
5. Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina
Source: booking.comBoasting one of the best locations in town, Margaritaville Key West Resort lies on the waterfront in the historic district with a marina in front of it.
The four-star hotel certainly has a lot going for it, with three dining options, a fitness centre, and business centre available. In addition, guests can make use of its palm tree-lined pool and enjoy modern and comfy rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations.
Location: Situated right next to Key West Aquarium and Mallory Square, Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina is just a stone’s throw away from many of the city’s main attractions.
6. Southernmost House Hotel
Source: booking.comLocated in a gorgeous old historic house, this fabulous four-star hotel looks a treat, and its interior is just as delightfully decorated. Both its public spaces and rooms are cosy and comfortable, which makes for a welcoming atmosphere.
The adults-only hotel has a beautiful sun terrace and pool for visitors to enjoy which looks right out onto the beach.
Location: Just 100 metres from Southernmost Point, the hotel is ideally located for visiting Key West’s main sights. Duval Street is just a short walk away.
7. Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel
Source: booking.comNot content with just having a private beach, the Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel also boasts a beautiful outdoor pool looking out over the Gulf of Mexico. The luxurious resort has fantastic facilities, and rooms are equipped with all the latest amenities.
Besides its restaurant and poolside bar, there’s also a fitness centre and spa.
Location: A ten-minute drive from the historic district, this hotel lies near to the airport and Key West Golf Club.
8. The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton
Source: booking.comDespite being just a short walk from lively Duval Street, The Reach Key West feels a million miles away as it is located on its own picture-perfect private beach. While its white sands are ideal for relaxing on, guests can also enjoy other recreational activities, such as jet skiing, scuba diving, and windsurfing.
With a spa, two pools, and oceanfront restaurant on offer, staying at this five-star hotel is a delight, and many of its rooms and suites overlook the sea.
Location: Both Duval Street and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum are just a ten-minute walk away.
9. Oceans Edge Key West
Source: booking.comVery highly rated by guests, Oceans Edge Key West has not only six swimming pools but also a private marina that provides fantastic views out over the water. From here you can book excursions to go kayaking, jet-skiing, or scuba diving.
The white-washed buildings all look out over the marina, and many rooms come with their own balcony. In addition, the four-star hotel also has a great waterfront bar and restaurant.
Location: Surrounded by water, the appropriately named Oceans Edge Key West is around a 20-minute drive from the historic district.
10. Santa Maria Suites Resort
Source: booking.comAn excellent option for families or large groups, Santa Maria’s spacious and stylish suites all boast fully-equipped kitchens. Tucked away among its green gardens are two pools, as well as a spa and fitness centre.
Complimentary wine and snacks are served at a daily happy hour, while smoothies, fresh fruit, and ice cream are regularly handed out poolside.
Location: Perfectly situated, Santa Maria Suites Resort is just a short walk from the beach and Duval Street.
11. The Perry Hotel Key West
Source: booking.comIn addition to being surrounded by water, The Perry Hotel Key West overlooks a marina and has three dockside restaurants and two waterfront pools.
The luxurious accommodation is perfectly complemented by its friendly and welcoming staff, who are only too happy to book boat trips or organise excursions and water sports for guests.
Location: Set on Stock Island, The Perry Hotel is just a 15-minute free shuttle ride from the historic district and all Key West’s main sights.
12. The Gardens Hotel
Source: booking.comSet amid gorgeous grounds and gardens, this lovely four-star hotel is an oasis of peace and calm, which is all the more astounding considering its proximity to Duval Street.
The adults-only hotel has a very laidback air to it, and each of the rooms has its own private balcony or patio. Tastefully decorated, these come equipped with flat-screen TVs. A communal bar and pool can be found in the centre of the grounds.
Location: Just minutes from Duval Street, The Gardens Hotel is ideally located, and guests can rent bikes to explore further afield.
13. Pier House Resort & Spa
Source: booking.comWith a private beach, an award-winning spa, and a fantastic location overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Pier House Resort & Spa is a dream to visit. While it’s worth trying out the excellent wellness treatments, fun and more active activities such as jet skiing and parasailing are also available.
In addition to all the above, the four-star resort has three excellent on-site restaurants, while its rooms are spacious and stylish.
Location: Lying just off Mallory Square, Pier House Resort & Spa is within walking distance of many of Key West’s main attractions.
14. Hilton Garden Inn Key West
Source: booking.comHighly rated by guests, the Hilton Garden Inn is a fresh and airy place with a laidback and welcoming feel. Its facilities are fantastic and include a swimming pool and hot tub as well as a tiki bar and restaurant.
The four-star hotel’s rooms boast modern design features, and there’s a fitness centre and business centre on the grounds.
Location: The Hilton Garden Inn is a couple of minutes’ drive from the airport and Key West Golf Club, while Duval Street is around a ten-minute free shuttle ride away.
15. Hyatt Residence Club Key West, Beach House
Source: booking.comAnother resort with superb reviews, the Hyatt Residence Club West, Beach House boasts a private beach in addition to an outdoor pool and hot tub area.
Its rooms and suites are sumptuously decorated, and all come with flat-screen TVs; the latter also have kitchens and balconies. As well as basking in the beautiful views, visitors can arrange to go fishing, snorkelling, and windsurfing.
Location: The resort is a ten-minute drive from the historic district. For shorter journeys, guests can rent a bike from the front desk.