The 12 best hotels in Key West

Situated on a 27-acre private island just offshore, Sunset Key Cottages are Key West’s ultimate barefoot luxury escape. Accessible only by a quick 10-minute ferry ride, the island is home to a private beach, lagoon-style swimming pool, spa and tennis courts. With only 40 cottages, ranging from one- to four-bedrooms, no detail or luxury is overlooked with big wraparound porches and balconies, polished limestone floors, substantial wooden bed frames and full kitchens. It’s also home to Latitudes, an idyllic fine-dining restaurant with unbeatable sunset views that locals book for special occasions.

The mood? Barefoot luxury.
Location perks? A private island resort that’s still only a quick ferry ride to the liveliest part of Key West? Yes, please. 
Budget range? Top tier.

Conceived by oil tycoon Henry Flagler (who also built the Overseas Railroad, which originally connected Key West to mainland Florida), Casa Marina opened its doors on New Year’s Eve 1920. Spanning 6.5 oceanfront acres, this grand dame Mediterranean Revival resort is on the National Register of Historic Places and recently completed a $79 million renovation, including refreshed guestrooms, common areas and a new lobby bar lounge. The historic opulence still shines with a grand poolscape featuring two pools in perfect symmetry and a private beach for one of the most idyllic oceanfront retreats in the Keys.

The mood? Mediterranean revival historic opulence.

Location perks? On the island’s southern edge, it’s home to the nicest (and one of the only) private resort beaches, situated at the edge of a lovely formal poolscape.

Budget range? Mid- to higher range.

This spectacular hotel will have you never wanting to leave. From the huge outdoor pool with magnificent views of the Key West sunset to the restaurant right on the beach, this is the perfect spot to relax, unwind and get comfy. Oh, and enjoy a few cocktails (or three) by the sea. Each room has an en suite, bathrooms, and a flat-screen TV, and there’s the Key West Golf Club just five miles down the street, as well as snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving. 

Mood? Tropical paradise.
Location perks? Hmmm... the beach is on your doorstep.
Budget range? On the pricey side.

Situated in a prime location on Key West’s historic seaport, The Marker is one of the island’s newest resorts, boasting spacious modern guestrooms awash in bright blues and crisp whites with oversized bathrooms, many of which include rainfall showers and soaking tubs. Most rooms are equipped with balconies and if you can swing one overlooking the harbor with views of ship masts swaying in the breeze, it will make your stay all the dreamier. Key West’s vernacular architecture is on full display here with tin roofs and white porticos surrounding two secluded courtyard swimming pools. The onsite Starboard restaurant is located at the pool bar, perfect for a casual meal of fish tacos paired with a key lime colada.

The mood? Classic Key West with a touch of modern luxury.

Location perks? Directly on the historic seaport filled with salty bars, seafood restaurants and gorgeous views.
 
Budget range? On the higher end.

Located along the idyllic Florida Bay, the Parrot Key Hotel has so much to offer guests visiting Key West. There are plenty of activities to join in with (think kayaking or spa day – your pick), as well as a casual cafe and a poolside bar. All accommodation here features a 55" flat-screen TV, kitchenettes, and private terraces complete with stunning ocean views. From lush landscaping to four palm-tree-lined pools to choose from, this is laid-back luxury at its best. 

Mood? Minimalist vibe.
Location perks? A recurring theme here... but beachfront access, of course.
Budget range? Very well priced.

Oceans Edge Resort & Marina is located on Stock Island, which is just minutes from downtown Key West. The resort offers a 165-slip full-service marina where you can charter boats for fishing excursions or a romantic evening alone with your partner. Guests can take advantage of the complimentary bikes, paddle boards, yoga classes and kayaks, along with "dive-in" movie nights where family-friendly films are shown near one of the six on-site pools. When it’s time to get away from the resort consider a planned adventure to Dry Tortugas by seaplane, which the resort concierge team can set up for you.

Mood? Dreamy vacay.
Location perks? They mean it when they say 'oceans edge'...
Budget range? A great range of options.

For those headed to Key West for the city-beach-nightlife trifecta, Eden House is ideal. This affordable art deco guest house has been taking care of revelers since the 1920s, providing Mediterranean specialties at in-house restaurant Azur and crazy good cocktails that are best sampled during the complimentary cocktail hour. Rooms start from as little as $205 per night and, if you book directly through the hotel, you could benefit from one of Eden House's regular deals.

Mood? 70s kitsch. 
Location perks? In the heart of downtown. 
Budget range? An absolute steal.

The Marquesa is located in the heart of Old Town and just one block from Duval Street. The hotel has three sparkling pools and a quiet garden that offers refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. A 19th-century conch-house-turned-hotel, The Marquesa features rooms and suites, all of which are furnished with relaxing, nautical colors, and modern amenities like a coffee maker and refrigerators. The hotel is also home to one of the best restaurants in the area, Cafe Marquesa, which serves new American fare.

Mood? Coastal charm.
Location perks? Duval Street is two minutes away on foot.
Budget range? Decently priced.

The vibrant Ocean Key Resort and Spa is located on Duval Street and is perfect for those looking for a hotel slap bang in the middle of the action. The resort overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and every room has a panoramic view of the water. Don't pass up the hotel's 'Sunny Side Up' promotion, where breakfast is served daily on your private balcony. The resort also offers Florida residents discounted rates for those planning a staycation in their own backyard.

Mood? Eclectic aesthetic.
Location perks? All the ocean views you could dream of.
Budget range? Spennnny.

The Mermaid and the Alligator is an adults-only escape for guests aged 21 and up. The bed and breakfast is a ten-minute walk from Duval Street, where you’ll find some of the best shops and restaurants on the island. Each of the nine guest rooms has a distinct theme, ranging from tropical gardens to a treetop escape. Each morning a hot, fresh breakfast is served alongside juice, homemade muffins, and coffee from local brewers.

Mood? A little slice of Bali.
Location perks? 11 minutes walk from South Beach. Dreamy.
Budget range? A truly great deal.

Have a holiday full of sun-soaked sea vistas at this beachside hotel, which is made up of a collection of self-catered villas, each with its own fully-equipped kitchen and seating area. Enhance your stay with the onsite barbecue facilities or by hopping on one of the bicycles available for hire. There’s also fishing, scuba diving and parasailing available nearby. When you’re tired of doing it all yourself, head to the Abbey Road Snack Shack for sundowners or soak in the infinity pool. 

Mood? A beachside retreat.
Location perks? Right on the seafront and just 3.5 miles away from the Southernmost Point.
Budget range? Caters to various budgets. 

Established in 1894, this Victorian home serves as a tropical haven in the form of an intimate yet luxurious bed and breakfast. Southernmost Point Guest House & Garden Bar is the perfect amount of kitsch and quirky without going overboard, and has to be one of the best hotels in Key West on Duval Street. It's a great money-saving option with its complimentary breakfast, evening happy hour at the outdoor bar, free parking and no-extra-fee spa access. Rooms provide the highest level of comfort and some even come with a porch swing with views of the Atlantic Ocean ahead. And did we mention there's a pool-size Jacuzzi? 

Mood? Tropical time warp. 
Location perks? On the quiet end of Duval Street but still within walking distance of many activities and attractions. 
Budget range? Mid-range, but comes with breakfast and a number of perks.