Key West, the southernmost point of the continental US, is a vibrant island in the Florida Keys, renowned for its stunning waters, diverse marine life, and laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Part of a chain of over 1,700 islands, Key West stands out as the most famous and furthest south, even closer to Cuba than Miami. This unique location and rich history make it a sought-after destination.
While mainland Floridians might not identify with the South, Key West residents often see themselves as distinct from the rest of Florida, fostering a unique island culture. Despite being only four miles long, Key West bursts with attractions: historical sites, art galleries, delicious cuisine, lively bars, abundant wildlife, thrilling water sports, and a distinctive culture. It’s a place of delightful quirks, where you can savor authentic key lime pie, experience unexpected weather phenomena, and encounter six-toed cats amidst breathtaking sunsets and historic pastel mansions.
Choosing the right accommodation in Key West can feel overwhelming given the numerous options available. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to stay in Key West, drawing on our expertise and recommendations from Travel + Leisure editors. Our selection includes a variety of hotels to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences, based on personal experiences, World’s Best Awards recognition, and editor favorites. Discover our top hotel picks to find your perfect Key West getaway.
Sunset Key Cottages
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Sunset Key Cottages offer unparalleled privacy and tranquility on a private island, yet remain conveniently close to the excitement of Old Town Key West. Accessible via a brief 7-minute boat ride, this exclusive resort features 40 luxurious beachfront cottages, ranging from one to four bedrooms, ensuring ample space and comfort. Recognized with World’s Best Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023, Sunset Key Cottages provides exceptional service and a serene residential island ambiance.
Ideal for both romantic escapes and family vacations, Sunset Key Cottages welcomes guests of all ages, including dogs. Cottages are generously sized, from 700 to 2,500 square feet, and a wide array of activities are available, from sports courts and spa treatments to swimming pools and parasailing. Guests can maximize value by taking advantage of complimentary offerings like daily spirits tastings, pier fishing, sports court access, poolside treats, and daily breakfast delivered to your cottage, all included in the resort fee.
The Details:
- Neighborhood: Sunset Key
- Distance From Airport: 4 miles
- Rates: From $850
- Resort Fee: $250 per day
- Parking: Yes; $30 per day self-parking, $40 per day valet
- Pet Policy: $100 per night for up to two dogs (30 pounds max each)
The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West
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The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West, a World’s Best Awards winner in 2021, is situated on Stock Island Marina, offering a unique and relaxed Key West experience away from the bustling Duval Street scene. This 100-room boutique hotel presents a modern-industrial aesthetic, a departure from typical Key West style, featuring dark wood, gray tones, and iron accents. Guests can choose from six room types, some with marina and pool views, mangrove views, open-air showers, and ADA accessibility features. Standard amenities include flatscreen TVs, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and private balconies.
The resort fee covers amenities like pool access, concierge service, fitness room use, as well as convenient extras like a punctual hourly shuttle to Old Town (approximately 20 minutes each way), welcome champagne, daily drink, EV charging, and Saturday yoga. Pet-friendly accommodations extend to dogs of all sizes, 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, accessible pathways, accessible rooms
- Rates: From $152
- Resort Fee: $50
- Parking: Yes; self-parking $27 per night
- Pet Policy: $75 per night for one dog, $25 for a second dog (max 2 dogs)
Santa Maria Suites Resort
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Santa Maria Suites Resort offers an apartment-hotel style experience with spacious two-bedroom suites exceeding 900 square feet. These contemporary suites feature gourmet kitchens with high-end appliances and granite countertops, separate bedrooms, and furnished patios or balconies with pool or garden views.
Set within tropical gardens, this boutique property provides a tranquil retreat. Thoughtful details enhance the guest experience, including complimentary frozen drinks, chilled towels, cold water, and fresh fruit service by the two heated pools. Guests also enjoy a nightly happy hour, all-day muffins and ice cream, and access to beach facilities at Southernmost Beach. While not a traditional full-service hotel, Santa Maria Suites features a Latin cuisine restaurant and a workout area.
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: From $315
- Resort Fee: $40 per day
- Parking: Yes; self-parking $20 per night
- Pet Policy: Not allowed
Gardens Hotel
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Gardens Hotel, true to its name, is a lush sanctuary in the heart of Old Town Key West. This intimate, eco-conscious hotel offers a tranquil environment with gardens, birds, and water features, despite its central location. Gardens Hotel emphasizes sustainability with practices like recycling and solar water heating.
The hotel fosters a social atmosphere, with guests often gathering at the pool or enjoying Sunday jazz performances. Rooms are spacious but feature colonial-style decor, which might feel dated to some. However, unique features like a self-serve wine gallery with over 30 selections and amenities including two pools, free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and concierge services, all without a resort fee, make Gardens Hotel a compelling choice.
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: From $384
- Resort Fee: None
- Parking: Yes; $30 per night
- Pet Policy: $100 per night for one dog (20 pounds max)
Ocean Key Resort & Spa
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Ocean Key Resort & Spa, a 2022 World’s Best Award winner, boasts a prime waterfront location at the top of Duval Street. This resort offers stunning Gulf of Mexico views and easy access to Key West’s main attractions. With 100 rooms starting at 300 square feet, Ocean Key features vibrant contemporary décor, tiled floors, teak accents, private balconies, minibars, and stone bathrooms.
Suite upgrades provide significantly larger spaces while maintaining similar amenities. Guests can enjoy sunset views from their rooms, the pool, or the famous Sunset Pier. While lacking direct beach access (seawall only), the resort offers a pool, poolside bar, rooftop restaurant, and Sunset Pier for dining, drinks, and entertainment.
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: From $210
- Resort Fee: $56 per day (plus tax)
- Parking: Yes; valet parking $45 per night
- Pet Policy: Not allowed
The Marquesa Hotel
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The Marquesa Hotel, a historic landmark in Old Town dating back to 1884, offers a blend of history and modern luxury. This hotel comprises three buildings, including a newly built house, an 1878 Gothic cottage, and a mansion guesthouse, totaling 44 rooms.
Rooms vary widely in style and size, from open-plan suites to rooms with slanted ceilings and alcoves, all meticulously renovated with contemporary comforts like large beds and Nespresso machines. Select rooms include balconies, kitchenettes, and soaking tubs. The Marquesa is known for its personalized service, although on-site amenities are limited to three pools, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and concierge service, considering the resort fee.
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: From $292
- Resort Fee: $40 per day
- Parking: Yes; self-parking $25 (plus tax) per day
- Pet Policy: Not allowed
Oceans Edge Key West Resort & Marina
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Oceans Edge Key West Resort & Marina, located on Stock Island, is a dockside resort with a nautical theme. Its full-service 165-slip marina makes it ideal for boaters. The 175 rooms feature a subtle nautical design with white paneling, natural wood, and navy accents, all overlooking the marina.
This resort emphasizes Key West’s natural beauty, offering activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, yoga, and bike rentals. Boat charters for fishing and scenic cruises are available directly from the docks. A highlight is the free eco-immersion experience led by a marine scientist. Amenities include six saltwater pools, a dock-to-dinner restaurant, happy hours, live music, and a free shuttle to Old Town. Oceans Edge was recognized as a World’s Best Awards winner in 2022.
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: From $184
- Resort Fee: $50 per day
- Parking: Yes; $27 (plus tax) per night
- Pet Policy: $70 per dog (up to 60 pounds, max 2)
H20 Suites – Adults Only
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H20 Suites, an adults-only (25+ minimum age) all-suite hotel, provides a tranquil escape near Old Town. Located two blocks from the Southernmost Point and one block from Duval Street, this intimate 22-suite property offers personalized service, private outdoor spaces, in-room wet bars, and Italian marble bathrooms.
Half of the suites include private pools. All feature a cosmopolitan-modern décor. The rooftop pool and bar offer views and happy hour specials. Amenities covered by the resort fee include Southernmost Beach access (with setup), welcome drink, nightly treat, turndown service, and bottled water. A small gym and 24-hour concierge are also available.
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: From $348
- Resort Fee: $40 per night (plus tax)
- Parking: $20 per night (one car limit per room)
- Pet Policy: Not allowed
The Capitana Key West
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The Capitana Key West, a waterfront boutique hotel, stands out with direct private beach access, a rarity in Key West. While the beach is not ideal for swimming due to a coral floor, it’s perfect for lounging in cabanas. A saltwater pool with ocean views and poolside tiki bar service offers swimming options.
Rooms are spacious and contemporary with beachy color palettes, comfortable beds, and Gulf of Mexico view balconies. Two-bedroom family suites and cottages with full kitchens and living rooms are available. Located in New Town, The Capitana is ideal for those seeking a quieter stay, slightly removed from Old Town’s bustle.
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: From $293
- Resort Fee: $35 per day
- Parking: Yes; resort fee includes self-parking
- Pet Policy: $100 per dog per night (max two, 30 pounds each)
Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages – Adults Only
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Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages, an adults-only property, offers an Old Florida bed and breakfast experience in the heart of Old Town. This charming inn comprises 30 rooms across 10 buildings, including historic 1880s cottages, providing intimacy and seclusion.
Room types vary significantly by location and amenities across the five distinct properties. Features include red brick pathways, painted wood decking, and lush tropical gardens. Simonton Court is not ideal for guests needing full accessibility. Amenities include four pools with poolside service, bike rentals, and a weekend happy hour with discounted drinks and snacks. A light continental breakfast is included, and there is no 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: From $309
- Resort Fee: None
- Parking: Yes; reserved self-parking $30 per day (very limited)
- Pet Policy: Not allowed
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa
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Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa offers a central location in the Historic Seaport district. This 120-room hotel combines brand familiarity with local boutique hotel charm. Every room features a balcony, though ocean views vary.
The hotel restaurant and bar incorporate local flavors. Amenities include an ocean-view pool (heated seasonally), a spa, and a resort fee covering bike rentals, pool inflatables, 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: From $270
- Resort Fee: $55 per day (per room)
- Parking: Yes; $35 self-parking and $40 premium self-parking per night
- Pet Policy: $150 per stay (up to 6 nights), $300 per stay (7+ nights); max two dogs, weight limits apply
Southernmost Beach Resort Key West
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Southernmost Beach Resort Key West, located at the end of Duval Street, is a family-friendly option within walking distance of South Beach and the Southernmost Point. This 261-room resort, updated in 2022, offers a quieter Key West experience with walkable convenience.
Rooms are on the smaller side, ranging from 220 to 470 square feet, with standard amenities like robes, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Upgrades include balconies and oceanfront locations. Guests can enjoy three pools with ocean views, a beach club with food and drinks, and complimentary beach setups at South Beach. Resident roosters may be an early morning wake-up call.
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, visual alarms, pool lift, braille signage in accessible rooms
- Rates: From $199
- Resort Fee: $56 per day (plus tax)
- Parking: Yes; self-parking for one vehicle per room at $42 (plus tax) per night
- Pet Policy: Not allowed
Alexander’s Guesthouse – Gay Owned & Operated, Adults Only
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Alexander’s Guesthouse, a gay-owned and operated adults-only guesthouse, offers a historic and stylish stay in Old Town. This 17-room guesthouse, built in 1902 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features conch-style architecture with contemporary décor.
Amenities include lush tropical grounds, a 24-hour pool and spa, complimentary breakfast, and a central Old Town location, all without a resort fee. Clothing-optional sundecks are available. Alexander’s is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
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 for all rooms
- Rates: From $295
- Resort Fee: None
- Parking: No
- Pet Policy: Not allowed
Plan Your Key West Stay: Essential Tips
When planning your trip and deciding Where To Stay In Key West Florida, keep these helpful tips in mind:
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Hurricane Season Awareness: Key West is vulnerable to hurricanes from June to November. While rates may be lower, be aware of potential weather disruptions. Consider travel insurance and monitor weather forecasts closely.
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Car Optional: Key West is walkable, especially the Duval Street area. The free Duval Loop shuttle and readily available rideshares make a car unnecessary for many visitors, saving on parking costs and hassle.
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Key West Airport (EYW): Flying directly into Key West International Airport is convenient but can be pricier. Miami International Airport (MIA) is an alternative, followed by a scenic drive to Key West.
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Embrace the Conch Republic Spirit: Key West’s unique history as the Conch Republic adds to its charm. Look for Conch Republic flags and learn about this quirky local identity.
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LGBTQIA+ Friendly Destination: Key West is a welcoming and inclusive destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers, hosting major Pride celebrations and Fantasy Fest. Many gay-owned and operated guesthouses like Alexander’s offer tailored experiences.
How We Selected These Key West Hotels
Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Key West are based on a comprehensive evaluation process. We considered factors including hotel location, service quality, available amenities, overall value, and guest experience. Expertise from Travel + Leisure editors and our own travel experiences in Key West were crucial in curating this list. Hotels recognized in T+L’s World’s Best Awards were given priority consideration. Our selections align with T+L Hotel Values, ensuring high standards and quality recommendations for our readers seeking where to stay in Key West Florida.
Edited by Sophie Mendel
