Key West is located in the southernmost part of Florida and the United States, and is surrounded by a series of small islands known as the Florida Keys.
It’s just over 150 miles from Miami and an easy drive — if you’re coming direct, it takes about four hours — but as I highlighted in my four-day road trip from Miami to Key West, some of the keys are worth stopping off at along the way.
The Florida Keys are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the USA, with turquoise water lapping onto white sand, a tropical climate and a variety of accommodations, from beachfront RV parks to luxury hotels and resorts.
So, with the latter in mind, this article Best hotel in Key West With everything in one place, it’s easy to decide what’s best for you.
It’s no wonder Key West is one of the most popular vacation spots in the USA. With shopping, galleries, bars and restaurants along historic Duval Street, wildlife spotting at the Key West Nature Preserve and plenty of fine dining options within the city.
In this post, Best Luxury Accommodations in Key West Whether you’re looking to celebrate in style or pamper yourself, Key West has beautiful luxury hotels and resorts, featuring luxury spas or intimate boutique hotels.
This post contains affiliate links, which means if you book I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Gardens Hotel
Charming boutique Gardens Hotel A little-known hidden gem in the city’s historic district, the building formerly known as Gardens Mansion was built in the 1800s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, this historic adults-only hotel offers a peaceful and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with a heated outdoor pool, piano and wine bar, and tastefully decorated rooms, all individually furnished.
Located just steps from Duval Street, this hotel is the perfect home base for those visiting Key West for the first time and wanting to explore the vibrant local area.
H2O Suites
This 5-star, adults-only resort is located in the heart of Old Town Key West. H2O Suites This is my top pick as the best luxury hotel in Key West.
All rooms are suites, 11 of which have private plunge pools. The year-round pool deck and rooftop bar are the perfect spot to watch the sunset after a day exploring Key West’s amazing sights. For breakfast, stop by Banana Cafe for a delicious banana/chocolate crepe to refuel.
Located 200 metres from Duval Street, it offers beach access and concierge services that can book tours such as fishing trips, scenic helicopter flights and tours of Ernest Hemingway’s famous home.
You can read my post on the best things to do in Key West here.
Pier House Resort & Spa
Located on the waterfront at the northern tip of Key West Pier House Resort & Spa Located on an overwater pier with stunning views of Sunset Keys, this luxury hotel is within easy walking distance of downtown Key West.
Built in the 1960s, this hotel was one of Key West’s first luxury hotels, with all rooms featuring custom furniture, a large outdoor pool, a private beach, and a full-service spa.
The on-site waterfront restaurant, “One Duval,” The city’s best spots for fresh seafoodMallory Square is within a five-minute walk of the hotel, and the Key West Aquarium is also nearby if you’d like to learn more about the area’s rich marine biodiversity.
Ocean Key Resort & Spa
This famous four-star hotel is located at the northern end of historic Duval Street and offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico.
of Ocean Key Resort & Spa Located just steps from Mallory Square, this hotel features a gorgeous cabana-surrounded oceanfront pool, an award-winning spa and tropical, ocean-themed décor. Each room has a private balcony and views of the bay or Duval Street.
There are three on-site restaurants, Hot Tin Roof, LIQUID and Sunset Pier, all of which guarantee the best taste of Florida and Caribbean cuisine.
Opal Cay Resort & Marina
Opal Cay Resort & Marina Located on Front Street in Old Town Key West, this hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the waterfront Mallory Square and Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, featuring a shipwreck treasure collection.
This hotel is housed in a historic building within the cruise ship port, offers direct access to Key West’s marina, and also provides shuttle service around the city.
With an outdoor pool, access to a nearby spa, and three unique waterfront restaurants – casual bistro Bistro 245, poolside Castaways, and the Sunset Deck, a tranquil spot for watching the sunset and enjoying freshly pressed margaritas – this hotel is one of Key West’s best family-friendly options for travelers with kids.
Marquesa Hotel
A boutique painted in beautiful turquoise Marquesa Hotel Located in the historic heart of Key West, this hotel is housed in a former grocery store.
This luxury hotel is as famous as the famous Café Marchesa restaurant located on-site. Best Restaurants in Key WestIt is open for breakfast and dinner and serves a wide range of island specialities.
The Marquesa Hotel features 3 swimming pools, lush tropical gardens, and well-appointed rooms that elegantly blend the modern and traditional. Duval Street and Audubon House are both within walking distance of the hotel.
Sunset Key Cottages
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a special private island experience. Sunset Key is a 27-acre private island off the north coast of Key West, accessible by ferry.
Great for adults only Sunset Key Cottagesis a series of luxury cottage rentals spanning the entire island. Surrounded by bougainvillea and swaying palm trees, the one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom cottages are all designed in traditional Key West style, with expansive ocean views, private verandas and modern furnishings.
On-site amenities include a spa, an outdoor pool, and tennis courts. This private island also offers plenty of beach access, making this adults-only resort perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Easily accessible by boat, Fort Zachary Taylor on the west coast of Key West is a great day trip destination with excellent snorkeling and is also featured on any list of the best beaches in the Florida Keys.
Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton
A 5-star hotel that is a Waldorf Astoria Resort and a member of Curio Collection by Hilton Casa Marina Key West This is one of the finest hotels in Key West.
The resort is located on South Beach and is housed in a beautiful 1920s building with Mediterranean architecture. All 311 rooms and 63 suites are newly renovated in Spring 2024, and the hotel features a spacious outdoor pool area surrounded by palm trees.
We also offer a private beach, fitness center, pet-friendly accommodations and access to the amenities of our nearby sister hotel, The Reach Key West.
Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages
Offering a tropical boutique experience in the heart of Old Town Key West Simonton Court This adults-only retreat is housed in a former cigar-making cottage.
Today, it’s known as Key West’s premier lodging, surrounded by tropical gardens. Spread across two acres, the resort offers a variety of cottages to suit every budget. Amenities include four swimming pools that are open 24 hours a day.
An interesting feature of Simonton Court is that the cottages are decorated with local artwork that is available for guests to purchase. Duval Street and Audubon House are both within walking distance of the resort.
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort &spa
Waterfront location just steps from Old Town Key West and Duval Street Hyatt Centric Key West Resort Its prime location in the city allows easy access to the beach and the city centre, and it also boasts excellent accessibility features.
Rooms feature island décor, rain showers, and pets are welcome. The on-site ocean-to-table restaurant emphasizes sustainability and serves a wide range of fresh, seasonal local ingredients. The resort also has an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and Jara Spa, which offers a variety of massage and therapeutic treatments.
A mansion on the sea
This adults-only boutique hotel A mansion on the seaformerly known as the Southernmost House, is a historic waterfront building built in 2897 that sits at the Atlantic end of Duval Street and offers great, tourist-free views.
The main house has nine rooms, three bungalows, and a full-sized apartment across from the pocket park, making it perfect for large group getaways or wedding guests. You can choose your room when you book so you know exactly what to expect. The property also has a seaside cafe with a beautiful pool and restaurant, the lobster pizza and key lime pie are must-trys.
Marrero Guest Apartment
Marrero Guest Apartment Originally a private home, it’s a huge Victorian mansion built in 1891 by prominent cigar manufacturer Francisco Marrero. It’s now a luxury boutique hotel, modernized and decked out in a flamboyant palette of orange and yellow while retaining many of its historic architectural features.
Marrero’s is located about halfway down Duval Street, making it an easy walk to Mallory Square in one direction and the Ernest Hemingway House in the other.
The 12 individually designed and vibrantly decorated rooms at this resort offer breakfast, a pool, and daily happy hour at the on-site Tiki Bar.
Things to do in Key West
- Visit Ernest Hemingway’s house and see his six-toed cats!
- Dining at Blue Heaven
- Stroll down Duval Street
- Let’s go to the golf course
- Visit to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Sanctuary
- Visit to the Key West Tropical Botanical Gardens
- Stroll through downtown Key West
- Visit Mallory Square and the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
For even more ideas for things to do in Key West, I wrote this post .
