The Florida Keys, a stunning archipelago of over 1,700 islands stretching off the southern coast of Florida, are celebrated for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine ecosystems, and laid-back, fun-loving atmosphere. These islands are often categorized into five distinct regions: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, the Lower Keys, and, most famously, Key West. Key West, the southernmost inhabited island, holds the title of the southernmost point in the continental United States. Remarkably, Key West is geographically closer to Havana, Cuba, than to Miami, Florida, lending it a unique cultural flavor.
While mainland Floridians might not always identify with the traditional South, residents of the Florida Keys, and particularly Key West, often consider themselves distinct even from the rest of Florida. Spending time in Key West reveals a unique culture unlike anywhere else in the U.S.
Don’t underestimate Key West based on its compact four-mile size. This island is a dynamic destination overflowing with history, art, culinary delights, nightlife, diverse wildlife, thrilling water sports, and a distinctive cultural scene. Key West embraces the wonderfully unconventional. It’s a place where you can savor authentic key lime pie and conch fritters, where weather forecasts might include “falling iguanas” during cold snaps, and where six-toed cats, breathtaking sunsets, and pastel-colored mansions dating back over 150 years are just part of the everyday charm.
Choosing Where To Stay In Key West can feel overwhelming given the numerous options available. Fortunately, drawing on personal experiences and insights from Travel + Leisure editors, we’ve curated a list of exceptional accommodations across the island. Our selections include a diverse range of hotels to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences, based on firsthand visits, accolades from the recent World’s Best Awards, and editorial recommendations. Explore our top picks below to find your perfect Key West retreat.
Sunset Key Cottages
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Sunset Key Cottages
Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com
What We Love: The exclusive private island setting provides unparalleled privacy and tranquility, while still maintaining easy access to the vibrant Old Town.
Keep in Mind: The resort fee is notably high.
For those seeking an escape within an escape, Sunset Key Cottages offers an idyllic retreat. Just a brief 7-minute ferry ride from Old Town Key West, this private island paradise features 40 luxurious, beach-chic cottages. Ranging from one to four bedrooms, these cottages offer exceptional service and a serene, residential island ambiance. Recognized as a top choice by Travel + Leisure‘s World’s Best Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023, Sunset Key Cottages consistently delivers an outstanding experience.
While incredibly romantic, Sunset Key Cottages is also perfectly suited for families and even welcomes dogs. With cottages spanning 700 to 2,500 square feet, there’s ample space to relax and unwind. A wide array of activities caters to all interests, from sports courts and rejuvenating spa treatments to leisurely poolside lounging and parasailing adventures. Guests who fully utilize the complimentary amenities, such as daily spirit tastings, pier fishing, sports court access, poolside popsicles, and daily in-room breakfast delivery, will find excellent value despite the substantial daily resort fee.
The Details:
- Neighborhood: Sunset Key
- Distance From Airport: 4 miles
- Rates: Starting from $850
- Resort Fee: $250 per day
- Parking: Available; Self-parking $30 per day, Valet $40 per day
- Pet Policy: $100 per night for up to two dogs (30 lbs or less each)
The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West
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The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West
Also available to book at Expedia.com
What We Love: Offers stunning waterfront views, private outdoor showers in select rooms, and welcomes pets.
Keep in Mind: Located in the marina area, approximately five miles from the bustling Duval Street.
The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West, a recipient of the World’s Best Awards in 2021, stands out with its unique Stock Island Marina location. It’s particularly appealing for travelers arriving by boat or those seeking a more tranquil Key West experience away from the lively Duval Street scene. This 100-room boutique hotel presents a departure from typical Key West aesthetics, embracing a chic modern-industrial design. Expect to find dark woods, sophisticated grays, and striking iron accents throughout the property. Guests can choose from six room types, some offering breathtaking marina and pool views, others showcasing lush mangrove scenery. Select rooms also feature refreshing open-air showers and ADA accessibility. Standard in-room amenities include flatscreen TVs, coffeemakers, unstocked mini-fridges, and private balconies.
The daily resort fee covers essential amenities like pool access, excellent concierge services, and a fitness room. Additionally, it includes valuable extras such as a reliable hourly shuttle to and from Old Town (approximately 20 minutes each way), a welcoming champagne toast, a daily drink voucher, EV charging stations, and Saturday group yoga sessions. Traveling with your canine companion? The pet-friendly policy is generous with no weight restrictions, and two dog parks are conveniently located nearby.
The Details:
- Neighborhood: Stock Island
- Distance From Airport: 3 miles from EYW
- Nearby Attractions: Stock Island Marina, Key West Golf Course, Robbie’s of Key West, Hogfish Bar & Grill
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible parking, braille signage, assisted listening devices, wheelchair-accessible pathways and rooms
- Rates: Starting from $152
- Resort Fee: $50 per day
- Parking: Available; Self-parking $27 per night
- Pet Policy: $75 per night for one dog, plus $25 for a second dog (maximum of 2 dogs)
Santa Maria Suites
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Santa Maria Suites Resort
Also available to book at Hotels.com
What We Love: Offers thoughtful complimentary amenities, enhancing the guest experience despite not having typical full-service hotel features.
Keep in Mind: The apartment-hotel style may not appeal to all travelers seeking a traditional hotel experience.
Santa Maria Suites is a boutique, all-suite property featuring spacious two-bedroom suites exceeding 900 square feet. These contemporary, apartment-style accommodations boast gourmet kitchens equipped with high-end appliances and elegant granite countertops, separate bedrooms for added privacy, and private patios or balconies with relaxing pool or garden views.
The lush tropical gardens provide a tranquil escape, ideal for unwinding after exploring Key West. The hotel excels in attention to detail, offering complimentary perks such as ABV-free frozen drinks, refreshing chilled towels, cold bottled water, and fresh fruit service by the two heated pools. Guests also enjoy a complimentary nightly happy hour, all-day access to muffins and ice cream, and beach facilities at Southernmost Beach. While not a conventional hotel with numerous public spaces, Santa Maria Suites features a Latin cuisine restaurant and a workout area with fitness equipment.
The Details:
- Neighborhood: Upper Duval
- Distance From Airport: 3.2 miles from EYW
- Nearby Attractions: Duval Street, Mallory Square, Southernmost Point, Hemingway House and Museum, Key West Lighthouse, Higgs Beach, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, South Beach
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible parking, pathways, and suites; ramps and pool entrance; visual and auditory alarms
- Rates: Starting from $315
- Resort Fee: $40 per day
- Parking: Available; Self-parking $20 per night
- Pet Policy: Pets not allowed
Gardens Hotel
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Gardens Hotel
What We Love: Eco-conscious hotel with numerous green initiatives and awards, plus no resort fee.
Keep in Mind: Colonial-style décor might feel dated to some; no on-site restaurant.
Gardens Hotel truly lives up to its name. Nestled in the heart of Old Town, this intimate, ultra-boutique hotel creates a tranquil sanctuary filled with lush gardens, birdsong, soothing water features, and an overall sense of peace. Committed to sustainability, Gardens Hotel implements eco-friendly practices, from recycling programs to solar water heating.
The atmosphere is convivial, with guests often socializing by the pool or enjoying conversations during the Sunday night jazz performances. Rooms are spacious but feature colonial-style furnishings and décor, which some may find less contemporary compared to nearby hotels. However, Gardens Hotel offers unique amenities like a self-serve wine gallery showcasing over 30 international wines. Despite offering two pools, complimentary Wi-Fi, a delicious hot breakfast, a prime location, and concierge services, Gardens Hotel impressively maintains a no-resort-fee policy.
The Details:
- Neighborhood: Old Town Historic District
- Distance From Airport: 3.8 miles from EYW
- Nearby Attractions: Duval Street, Mallory Square, Hemingway House and Museum, Key West Lighthouse, Key West Dog Beach, Green Parrot Bar
- Accessibility: One ADA-accessible room with ramp, wheelchair-accessible parking, pool lift, audio and visual alarms
- Rates: Starting from $384
- Resort Fee: None
- Parking: Available; $30 per night
- Pet Policy: $100 per night for one dog (up to 20 lbs)
Ocean Key Resort & Spa
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Ocean Key Resort & Spa
What We Love: The ultimate location for sunset views and being in the heart of Key West’s vibrant action.
Keep in Mind: No direct beach access.
This 2022 World’s Best Award-winning resort boasts an enviable waterfront location at the northern end of Duval Street. Ocean Key Resort & Spa provides guests with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and effortless access to Key West’s lively atmosphere. Featuring 100 rooms starting at 300 square feet, the resort showcases vibrant contemporary décor, tiled floors, elegant teak wood accents, private balconies, minibars, and refined stone bathrooms.
Suite upgrades offer significantly more space, but in-room amenities remain largely consistent. Whether admiring the sunset from your room, the pool area, or the iconic Sunset Pier, you’ll experience some of the most spectacular views on the island. However, these stunning waterfront vistas are accompanied by a seawall rather than a beach. Guests can soak up the sun at the pool and enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment at the poolside bar, rooftop restaurant, and Sunset Pier.
The Details:
- Neighborhood: Old Town Historic District
- Distance From Airport: 4 miles from EYW
- Nearby Attractions: Key West Aquarium, Hemingway House and Museum, Duval Street, Mallory Square
- Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms, pool lift, meeting spaces, public spaces, pathways, and elevators; braille signage in elevators, audio and visual alarms, TTY
- Rates: Starting from $210
- Resort Fee: $56 per day (plus tax)
- Parking: Available; Valet parking $45 per night
- Pet Policy: Pets not allowed
The Marquesa
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The Marquesa
What We Love: Historic property with exceptional service, a central location, and diverse room and suite options.
Keep in Mind: Limited on-property amenities.
The Marquesa, a historic landmark dating back to 1884 in Old Town Key West, offers a unique lodging experience. This 44-room hotel comprises a newly constructed building and two historic neighboring structures: a Carpenter Gothic-style cottage from 1878 and a grand mansion-turned-guesthouse.
Rooms vary significantly in style, size, and design across these buildings, ranging from open-plan suites to rooms with striking slanted ceilings and cozy alcoves. All rooms and suites have been thoughtfully renovated, featuring modern comforts such as plush beds and Nespresso machines. Some options include balconies, kitchenettes, and luxurious bathrooms with soaking tubs. Service is personalized and attentive. While the daily resort fee may seem high given the limited on-site amenities (three pools, Wi-Fi, daily continental breakfast, and 24-hour concierge), the overall experience is exceptional.
The Details:
- Neighborhood: Old Town Historic District
- Distance From Airport: 3.6 miles from EYW
- Nearby Attractions: Key West Lighthouse, Hemingway House and Museum, Duval Street, Mallory Square, Green Parrot Bar, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
- Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms, braille room numbers, TTY, accessible restaurant and parking, audio and visual alarms
- Rates: Starting from $292
- Resort Fee: $40 per day
- Parking: Available; Self-parking $25 (plus tax) per day
- Pet Policy: Pets not allowed
Oceans Edge Key West Resort & Marina
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Oceans Edge Resort & Marina Key West
Also available to book at Expedia.com
What We Love: Nautical-themed décor that complements its seaside location beautifully.
Keep in Mind: Further from Key West’s main attractions; requires shuttle or taxi to reach Duval Street.
Oceans Edge Key West Resort & Spa, a dockside retreat on Stock Island, provides a seamless experience for boaters with its full-service 165-slip marina. The 175 rooms embrace a subtle yet sophisticated nautical theme, featuring bright white paneling, natural wood and navy accents, and marina views. While many Key West resorts emphasize history and Duval Street, Oceans Edge encourages guests to explore the natural side of the Keys with activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, outdoor yoga, and bike rentals.
Boat charters are available directly from the hotel docks for private fishing trips and scenic cruises. A highlight is the complimentary one-hour eco-immersion experience, where guests learn about the local marine ecosystem from a marine scientist. The resort boasts six saltwater pools with poolside service, a dock-to-table restaurant, daily happy hours and live music, and a free hourly shuttle to Old Town. Recognized as a World’s Best Awards winner in 2022, Oceans Edge is a celebrated Key West destination.
The Details:
- Neighborhood: Stock Island
- Distance From Airport: 3.5 miles from EYW
- Nearby Attractions: Stock Island Marina, Key West Golf Course, Robbie’s of Key West, Hogfish Bar & Grill
- Accessibility: ADA-accessible pathways, rooms, restaurants, and parking; visual and audio alarms, entrance lift, braille signage throughout, TTY
- Rates: Starting from $184
- Resort Fee: $50 per day
- Parking: Available; $27 (plus tax) per night
- Pet Policy: $70 per dog (up to 60 lbs, max 2 dogs)
H2O Suites
What We Love: All-suite boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and convenient beach access.
Keep in Mind: Adults-only property with a minimum age of 25.
H2O Suites, an adults-only, all-suite hotel, offers a tranquil escape just two blocks from the Southernmost Point and one block from Duval Street. With only 22 suites, the service is exceptionally personalized. Guests can expect private outdoor spaces, well-stocked in-room wet bars, and elegant Italian marble bathrooms.
Half of the suites feature private plunge pools, and all showcase a cosmopolitan-modern décor reminiscent of Miami. The stylish rooftop pool and bar offer stunning views and a popular happy hour. Guests appreciate the 24-hour front desk and concierge service, as well as a small on-site gym. The daily resort fee includes access to Southernmost Beach (with beach setup), a welcome drink, nightly turndown service with a treat, and bottled water. H2O Suites provides an intimate and sophisticated Key West experience for adults aged 25 and over.
The Details:
- Neighborhood: Historic Old Town
- Distance From Airport: 3.3 miles from EYW
- Nearby Attractions: Duval Street, Southernmost Point, Hemingway House and Museum, Mallory Square, Truman Little White House
- Accessibility: Two ADA-accessible rooms; pathways, public spaces, pool lift, audio and visual alarms, communication kits for hearing-impaired
- Rates: Starting from $348
- Resort Fee: $40 per night (plus tax)
- Parking: Available; $20 per night (one car limit per room)
- Pet Policy: Pets not allowed
The Capitana Key West
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The Capitana Key West
What We Love: One of the few Key West hotels with direct private beach access.
Keep in Mind: Beach is not suitable for swimming; located in New Town, not walkable to Old Town.
The Capitana Key West, a waterfront boutique hotel, uniquely offers direct private beach access, a rare amenity in Key West. While the beach has a coral floor unsuitable for swimming, it’s perfect for lounging on the sand or relaxing in hotel cabanas. For swimming, the hotel features a saltwater pool with ocean views and poolside tiki bar and restaurant service.
Rooms are spacious and contemporary, decorated in soft, neutral beach-inspired palettes, comfortable beds, and balconies with Gulf of Mexico views. Two-bedroom family suites accommodate up to seven guests, and cottage upgrades provide twice the space, including full kitchens and separate living areas. Though family-friendly, The Capitana is popular with couples. Located in New Town, it’s slightly removed from the Old Town crowds, ideal for a quieter stay but requiring transportation to reach popular attractions.
The Details:
- Neighborhood: New Town
- Distance From Airport: 2.8 miles from EYW
- Nearby Attractions: Smathers Beach, Key West Nature Preserve, Dredgers Key, Garrison Bight
- Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms, chair lifts, pool lift, public spaces, and parking; visual alarms and TTY available
- Rates: Starting from $293
- Resort Fee: $35 per day
- Parking: Available; Resort fee includes self-parking
- Pet Policy: $100 per dog per night (max two dogs, 30 lbs each)
Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages
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Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages
What We Love: Thoughtful complimentary amenities and no resort fee.
Keep in Mind: Historic garden property with limited accessibility features.
Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages offers an authentic Old Florida experience in Key West. This charming bed and breakfast features 30 rooms across 10 buildings on five properties, including historic cottages dating back to 1880. It provides an intimate and secluded atmosphere in the heart of Old Town.
It’s recommended to research room types thoroughly before booking, as each of the five properties has unique characteristics and room configurations regarding location, floor level, and amenities. Highlights include red brick pathways, painted wood decking, and beautiful tropical gardens. Simonton Court is an adults-only property and, due to its historic nature, has limited accessibility for guests with mobility needs. Amenities include four pools with poolside service, bike rentals, a Friday and Saturday happy hour with discounted drinks and free snacks, and a light continental breakfast – all without a resort fee.
The Details:
- Neighborhood: Historic Old Town
- Distance From Airport: 3.8 miles from EYW
- Nearby Attractions: Duval Street, Mallory Square, Hemingway House and Museum, Key West Lighthouse, Key West Dog Beach, Green Parrot Bar
- Accessibility: Very limited
- Rates: Starting from $309
- Parking: Available; Reserved self-parking $30 per day (very limited)
- Pet Policy: Pets not allowed
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa
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Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa
What We Love: Every room features a private balcony.
Keep in Mind: Waterfront location on a seawall, no beach access.
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa boasts a prime location in the Historic Seaport district, placing guests at the center of Key West’s attractions. This 120-room hotel delivers the familiar Hyatt Centric experience, blending brand consistency with local boutique hotel charm. Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, with the notable feature of a private balcony in every room, many offering ocean views.
The on-site restaurant and bar incorporate local flavors and ingredients into their menus. The ocean-view pool is heated during cooler months, and the hotel offers a pleasant spa with tropical-inspired treatments. The daily resort fee includes perks like two-hour bike rentals per guest, pool inflatables and treats, 24-hour gym access (including Peloton bikes), and off-site beach access. Parking is not included in the resort fee.
The Details:
- Neighborhood: Historic Seaport
- Distance From Airport: 4.1 miles from EYW
- Nearby Attractions: Duval Street, Mallory Square, Hemingway House and Museum, Key West Lighthouse, Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, Truman Little White House
- Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms, parking, pool, public areas, pathways, and fitness center; TTY
- Rates: Starting from $270
- Resort Fee: $55 per day (per room)
- Parking: Available; Self-parking $35, Premium self-parking $40 per night
- Pet Policy: $150 per stay (up to 6 nights), $300 per stay (7+ nights); max two dogs (one dog max 50 lbs, or two dogs combined max 75 lbs)
Southernmost Beach Resort Key West
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Southernmost Beach Resort Key West
What We Love: Unobstructed ocean views, three pools, and complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas at South Beach.
Keep in Mind: Wi-Fi can be unreliable; resident roosters may wake light sleepers early.
Southernmost Beach Resort Key West enjoys a prominent location at the end of Duval Street, a short walk from South Beach and the iconic Southernmost Point buoy. This family-friendly resort offers a quieter Key West experience while maintaining walkability to attractions. Originally built in 1948, the 261-room resort underwent a $15 million renovation in 2022, updating rooms, exteriors, the lobby, and one of its pools and pool bars.
Room sizes are on the smaller side, ranging from 220 to 470 square feet, with 11 room types available. Standard amenities include robes, coffeemakers, welcome waters, and mini-fridges. Upgraded rooms may include balconies, enhanced views, or oceanfront locations. Guests can enjoy three ocean-view pools, full-service dining, live music, adults-only pool areas, and a beach club at South Beach with complimentary beach setups. Note: resident roosters on the property are known for early morning crowing.
The Details:
- Neighborhood: Upper Duval
- Distance From Airport: 3.4 miles from EYW
- Nearby Attractions: Duval Street, Mallory Square, Southernmost Point, Hemingway House and Museum, Key West Lighthouse, Higgs Beach, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, South Beach, Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
- Accessibility: ADA-accessible public spaces, pathways, elevator, parking, and rooms; TTY available, visual alarms, pool lift, braille signage in accessible rooms
- Rates: Starting from $199
- Resort Fee: $56 per day (plus tax)
- Parking: Available; Self-parking $42 (plus tax) per night (one vehicle per room)
- Pet Policy: Pets not allowed
Alexander’s Guest House
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What We Love: Complimentary breakfast, excellent Old Town location, and a 24-hour pool with no resort fee.
Keep in Mind: Clothing-optional sundecks may not be suitable for all guests.
Alexander’s Guest House, a proudly gay-owned and operated 17-room guesthouse, is a Key West gem. Built in 1902, this Conch-style house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcasing beautiful architectural details. Natural wood ceilings, bright white trim, matte black shutters, and abundant natural light highlight the structure, while contemporary décor includes stark white furniture, animal print rugs, and black and white awnings.
Lush tropical gardens, a 24-hour pool and spa, included breakfast, and a convenient yet quiet Old Town location make Alexander’s a popular choice. The absence of a resort fee adds to its appeal. This adults-only hotel also features clothing-optional upper sundecks, which guests should be aware of when booking.
The Details:
- Neighborhood: Old Town Historic District
- Distance From Airport: 3.5 miles from EYW
- Nearby Attractions: Duval Street, Mallory Square, Historic Seaport, Key West Aquarium
- Accessibility: Parking spot, public spaces, guest room; visual and audio accessible features available for all rooms
- Rates: Starting from $295
- Parking: None
- Pet Policy: Pets not allowed
Know Before You Go to Key West
Be Mindful of Hurricane Season
Key West experiences hurricane season annually from June to November, posing a significant risk. As one of the top five most hurricane-vulnerable U.S. cities, Key West often bears the brunt of seasonal storms, experiencing heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding. While booking a stay during hurricane season can offer significantly lower room rates (almost half-price compared to peak season), it comes with inherent risks. Even without hurricanes, expect frequent, though brief, heavy downpours.
Car Not Always Necessary
In Key West, you’ll likely park your car at your hotel and leave it there for most of your stay. The island is compact; walking Duval Street end-to-end takes about 30 minutes. The free Duval Loop shuttle provides convenient transportation along Duval Street, making 16 stops in approximately 16 minutes. For destinations beyond Duval, rideshare services are readily available and affordable. A car is primarily needed for airport transfers.
Key West International Airport (EYW)
Key West is conveniently served by its own international airport, Key West International Airport (EYW), despite the island’s small size. Six airlines – United, Delta, American, JetBlue, Allegiant, and Silver – offer flights to and from Key West, with year-round and seasonal routes. However, flights to Key West can be expensive. Many travelers opt to fly into Miami International Airport (MIA), rent a car, and enjoy the scenic 160-mile drive to Key West. While this drive takes longer, it can be more cost-effective, balancing time and budget considerations.
Embrace the Conch Republic Spirit
You’ll notice Conch Republic flags throughout Key West and hear locals referred to as “Conchs.” This refers to a playful 1982 secession protest against the U.S. government over a major traffic jam on the only road connecting the Keys to the mainland. Key West jokingly declared independence, forming the Conch Republic. This humorous event led to the creation of Conch Republic flags, passports, and novelty currency, which remain a part of Key West’s quirky identity today.
LGBTQIA+ Friendly Destination
Key West is a renowned international LGBTQIA+ destination, hosting one of the largest Pride celebrations in the U.S. Even more famous is Fantasy Fest, an annual 10-day adults-only festival known for its creativity, costumes, and inclusive atmosphere. Beyond these events, Key West is consistently recognized as a welcoming and accepting destination, attracting over 250,000 LGBTQIA+ travelers annually.
How We Selected These Key West Hotels
Katherine Alex Beaven meticulously curated this list of top Key West hotels, drawing upon Travel + Leisure editor preferences and her extensive personal experience visiting and reviewing Key West accommodations. As a seasoned hotel reviewer with over 500 hotel reviews globally, her expertise ensures high-quality recommendations. The selected hotels excelled in key areas including location, service, amenities, value, and overall guest experience. Hotels recognized in T+L’s World’s Best Awards were given priority during the evaluation process (see the 2023 winners).
These hotel recommendations align with core T+L Hotel Values, ensuring quality and reliability for travelers.
Edited by Sophie Mendel
Sophie Mendel
Sophie Mendel is an editor at Travel + Leisure, overseeing product reviews and recommendations for travel essentials, including hotels. With extensive travel experience across 53 countries and fluency in English and Spanish, she brings a global perspective to her editorial role. Sophie has over six years of experience as a writer, editor, and copywriter in the travel industry.
