No matter if you’re a young college student and ready to hit the beach with all your friends, or if you’re getting the whole family together for an annual vacation, deciding where to go is always the first task. Tropical islands in the Caribbean can be fun, warm, and exciting – but if you’re not keen on all that travel and expense, you can explore the warm tropical weather on an island that feels close to home in Key West, Florida.
Key West is an island in the Straits of Florida. It has a warm climate all year round not unlike Caribbean weather, and has become a popular destination for travelers looking to spend their time relaxing on the beach or having a good time. Like all destination spots, Key West has many hotels and resorts with a range of features to best fit your traveling needs.
Are you looking for something small and intimate with luxury, all-inclusive service? Or are you more interested in a place where you can socialize and have fun? Maybe you’re trying to find a secluded adult-only resort for your honeymoon or romantic escape? Don’t worry about having to dig them up through the internet, though- this list has already done that for you.
Let’s have a look at the best resorts in Key West:
1. Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa
Source: hyattHyatt Centric boasts of giving the guests a real taste of island-style living, located right in the sand and overlooking the clear blue waters of the ocean. Guests can stay in one of 120 luxurious, spacious rooms and be surrounded by the Old Town architecture, along with views of the gulf just outside their window.
Dining at the Hyatt Centric means dining on fresh food and local ingredients. This is a smaller resort, so there are only 2 dining venues: an American seafood grill and a full-service bar with a casual menu. As promised in the name, the Hyatt Centric has an onsite spa as well as access to golf and snorkeling. The location in Old Town also allows guests to explore the historic architecture of the surrounding neighborhood.
Website: https://keywest.centric.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
2. The Reach Key West Resort
This resort is settled on Key West’s only private beach, to allow you just the seclusion and privacy you need for the ultimate vacation of relaxation. The Reach offers a plethora of guest rooms and suites, with views of the ocean, the courtyard, or the sprawling entirety of Key West. It is only a short walk away from the famous Duval Street, so you can get the best of both the exciting city and the private beach.
The Reach has one onsite restaurant called Four Marlins Oceanfront Dining, with delicious seafood dishes and views of the ocean from both inside the restaurant and on the patio. Guests are also welcome to visit the nearby Sun-Sun Beach Bar and Grill at the sister resort of Casa Marina. The Reach has a spa, as well as golf. You can also take a charter out onto the water for an ocean excursion.
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/eywqqqq-the-reach-key-west/
3. Ocean Key Resort and Spa
Source: oceankeyThis resort is uniquely situated on Zero Duval Street and it overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the iconic Sunset Pier. Ocean Key Resort is located adjacent to the historic Old Town district and has many guest rooms and suites with beautiful island aesthetics and ambiance to make your island-away-from-home authentic and luxurious.
Each guest room and suite comes with a private balcony, and beautiful views of Key West or the Gulf. Take your dinner inside at the Hot Tin Roof restaurant, or get a poolside drink at LIQUID. Or, if you’re looking for a unique dining experience get breakfast or dinner on Sunset Pier, built out over clear blue waters. Ocean Keys offers spa service at their SpaTerre, with therapies that will be sure to put your mind at ease.
Website: http://www.oceankey.com/
4. Southernmost Beach Resort
For those of your looking for a quiet, serene location, Southernmost Beach Resort stretches over 6 acres of a quiet part of the island. It’s a short walk away from the Old Town district – close enough for guests to go for a visit, but far enough away to keep the feeling of privacy. Take your pick of rooms with ocean and garden views, with suites big enough to fit the whole family.
Southernmost Beach Resort has four different dining venues to choose from, with different cuisine dishes and atmospheres. You can rub elbows with the locals, or pick a sports bar and have a night out. This resort is close to all kinds of local Key West activities for guests to explore, but if you’d rather stay at the resort you can take your pick of yoga, wine-tasting classes, and live music.
Website: https://www.southernmostbeachresort.com/
5. Santa Maria Suites
Another Key West resort that boasts both privacy and convenience, located just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist destinations that you can get the serene, private island feeling without being too far away from all the action. Each room is a private, two-bedroom suite, so you can get the most out of your vacation without worrying about space.
Santa Maria Suites only has one on-site restaurant, but its dishes are a mix of sushi, teriyaki, and more. You can also venture to the nearby surrounding area to take a taste of the local cuisine. You can stay at the resort and take advantage of the pools and beach access, or you can walk into the nearby Old Town district for local attractions and activities.
Website: http://www.santamariasuites.com/
6. Parrot Key Hotel and Resort
Source: parrotkeyresortParrot Key Hotel and Resort boasts the biggest guest rooms and suites available on the island, located on the Gulf of Mexico and just minutes away from the Old Town district. Take your pick of 148 guest rooms and suites with sprawling ocean views, or bring the whole family and rent out a three-bedroom villa.
Get on-site breakfast and lunch at the Parrot Key Hotel’s Cafe Blue, located poolside for the ultimate relaxing atmosphere for your dining experience – and for dinner, visit one of the local Key West restaurants nearby. Guests can stay at the resort for beach access and the pool, or explore the ocean with kayaking, paddle-boarding, and snorkeling.
Website: https://www.parrotkeyresort.com/
7. Sunset Key Cottages
Source: sunsetkeycottagesFor those looking for a home-away-from-home vacation experience, the Sunset Key Cottages is just for you. Sunset Key Cottages is located on a secluded island just off of Key West accessible by a 7-minute boat ride. Discerning guests will be able to stay in one of the idyllic cottages with one, two, or three bedrooms.
Sunset Key Cottages offers breakfast service each morning brought directly to your porch. For lunch and dinner, you can check out the Latitude’s Restaurant, with fresh island cuisine made from local ingredients. Indulge in a spa treatment at the Spa at Sunset Key, with customizable spa treatments available. You can also take part in resort activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, and deep-sea fishing charters.
Website: https://www.opalcollection.com/sunset-key-cottages/
8. Margaritaville Resort and Marina
Source: margaritavillekeywestresortMargaritaville Resort is located on the waterfront, and just a few steps away from the historic Old Town district, and a block away from the famous Duval street. Guests are invited to stay in the middle of all the surrounding excitement. This resort has 178 spacious guest rooms and suites, with stunning views of the marina.
Take your pick of three dining venues with delicious island and Key West flavors. You can take your breakfast, lunch, and dinner either inside the restaurant or on the pier overlooking the shimmering waters of the marina. Margaritaville Resort shares a spa with Sunset Key Cottages, so you’ll be able to travel to Sunset Key for a fabulous relaxation experience on an island. Or, stay at the resort and participate in watersports located right in the marina.
Website: https://www.margaritavillekeywestresort.com/
9. Pier House Resort and Spa
Source: pierhousePier House Resort and Spa is located on the beautiful, pristine private beach where Duval Street ends and the blue waters begin. This is a secluded, private oasis just on the edge of the historic Old Town, steps away from being in the center of activity while still giving you the seclusion you crave. Guests are given the choice of 119 waterfront rooms or 23 spacious suites – it all depends on your vacation needs.
Pier House Resort and Spa offers three on-site dining venues and bars for guests to choose from, with delicious drinks and locally grown and sourced ingredients with everything from seafood to steaks. Relax your vacation away with a spa treatment, or visit the fitness center so you can keep your exercise routine going even while away from home. You’re also minutes away from exciting Key West activities all through the Old Town district.
Website: https://www.pierhouse.com/
10. The Marker Waterfront Resort
Source: themarkerkeywestThe Marker is a newer, more luxurious resort, joining the line of resorts settled on the Old Town district on the Key West coast. This is a smaller, more intimate resort with only 96 guestrooms and suites for guests to choose from. Despite its size, the Marker boasts the resort as a tropical oasis, surrounded by gardens with private balconies for each guest that overlook the ocean or the marina.
Guests are invited to dine at the onsite restaurant, Cero Bodega, with delicious Mexican cuisine that has a mix of California. Guests can also enjoy poolside drinks and specialty cocktails. Amenities onsite include the pool and fitness center, but if you’re looking for adventure you can explore the historic Old Town just steps away from the front doors.
Website: https://www.themarkerkeywest.com/
11. Casa Marina
Source: casamarinaresortLuxuriate on 1,100 feet of private beach reserved just for you at the Casa Marina, sat on the southern edge of the island. Casa Marina is located on the largest private beach on Key West, so you can make sure you’re getting the exclusive seclusion you crave. Stay in one of 311 contemporary rooms, perfect for both couples looking for a romantic hideout as well as getting the whole family together.
Dine at the on-site dining venue with flavors ranging from local seafood to locally farmed produce, or travel to Spencers of the Sea at the sister resort of The Reach. While you’re here, you’ll want to take advantage of Casa Marina being on the largest private beach in Key West and explore the ocean with snorkeling, diving to taking a boat out to deep sea fish.
Website: http://www.casamarinaresort.com/
12. Ibis Bay Beach Resort
Source: ibisbayresortIbis Bay is dedicated to keeping history alive, with the preservation of the original 1956 resort, but updated with 21st-century amenities. Ibis Bay is perfect for every type of person looking for their perfect vacation- couples, business groups, or families getting together. This resort boasts colorful island decor in all of their rooms, which range from standard suites to beachfront or hammock garden rooms.
The Stoned Carb is the onsite restaurant here, and it serves local seafood, going so far as to even have its own two private boats that go out and catch the meals every day. Guests are offered free booking of exciting activities all around Key West, such as water sports, fishing charters, spas, and historical tours. Or, if you want to stay in and relax, Ibis Bay has both pools and access to 600 feet of private beach.
Website: http://www.ibisbayresort.com/
13. Galleon Resort and Marina
Source: galleonresortThis resort is settled in the very heart of the Old Town district, surrounded by the glimmering waters of the nearby marina and overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Accommodations for guests range from a single suite for a couples’ getaway, to two bed-room penthouses for those looking to bring the whole family. And as always, this resort also offers rooms and penthouses with stunning views of the marina.
Get breakfast and lunch at the Sunset Tiki Bar and Grille, on-site at the Galleon Resort. This casual dining venue also has live music every evening for their very own sunset celebration, as well as delicious island drinks and cocktails. Galleon Resort offers guests access to the pools and private beach, where you can lounge in the sun all day, or hit the water with snorkeling and diving.
Website: http://www.galleonresort.com/
14. La Concha Hotel and Spa
Source: laconchakeywestLocated on Duval Street, the La Concha Hotel and Spa is where luxurious vacation meets history. The famous Duval Street, the historic Old Town district, and all the excitement and fun are right outside your doorstep here. Stay in any one of the luxurious suites, where famous authors have journeyed and stayed, such as Ernest Hemingway while he wrote: “To Have and Have Not”.
The 430 Duval Restaurant is the perfect place to get a taste of all of the island flavors that Key West has to offer, as well as delicious seafood and international cuisine. You can also get daily in-room dining between 7 AM and 11 PM. In addition to being right on Duval Street, La Concha also offers top-tier spa service right at the hotel, so you’ll be able to explore Key West feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Website: http://www.laconchakeywest.com/
15. DoubleTree Resort Grand Key
Source: hiltonGrand Key is perfectly situated just a mile from the international airport and located close to the Old Town district of Key West, with shuttle services to and from both. The hotel itself is surrounded by manicured gardens, to give guests a real tropical vacation feel. All guest rooms and suites at the Grand Key are newly renovated and offer gorgeous views of the gardens, or the entirety of Key West sprawling out in front of you.
In-room dining is offered every day from 6 AM to 11 PM, but if you’re looking to explore a bit, try the onsite restaurant of Palm Haven, which boasts fresh seafood and indoor and outdoor dining. Lounge by the pool, or get out and about with a bike rental provided by the resort. While you’re out, you can visit all the historic spots around Key West. Or, you can hit the beach and go on any number of nearby water excursions.