As a Florida native, I can tell you that beach hotels in Key West aren’t as common as other cities in the Sunshine State. This rarity makes these hotels extra special, allowing you to experience the best Key West has to offer.
Key West is a tropical paradise in Florida known for its funky vibes, pastel-hued conch-style houses, succulent stone crabs, and key lime pie. When exploring the southernmost city in the United States, you want the perfect home base for island activities. From these top beach hotels, you can enjoy the array of water sports on offer or embrace the Florida sunshine at the beach, then join a sunset celebration at Mallory Square, see six-toed cats at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, or take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park.
Read on to discover our picks for the best beachfront hotels in Key West.
Sunset Key Cottages
One of the best resorts in Key West, Sunset Key Cottages is nestled on a 27-acre island only accessible by boat, offering couples the chance to savor a taste of island life. Enjoy panoramic views of turquoise blue waters and take advantage of the range of luxurious amenities offered in the quaint clapboard cottages, from fully stocked kitchens to gradual-entry outdoor pools and a daily breakfast basket filled with pastries. Dine al fresco overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at Latitudes, book a pampering couple’s massage, or recharge in a lounge chair and listen to the gentle waves of the Atlantic.
Key Amenities:
-
Private island with 24-hour boat ferry service from Key West
-
Homes, two, three and four-bedroom cottages available
-
Pool, spa, private beach and restaurant on-site
The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Reach Key West offers quiet sophistication and a beachfront location, where luxury rooms feature high-end furnishings and plush beds. It boasts a private white sand beach with a pier for fishing, while its expansive outdoor patio features oversized chess boards and a tropical garden atmosphere. Swim in the outdoor pool or refuel with fresh-caught fish at the on-site restaurant, Four Marlins Oceanfront Dining. If you’re up for a day of biking, snorkeling, and learning about Florida’s rich history, take a day trip to the nearby Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park – one of the best beaches in the Keys.
Key Amenities:
-
Nautical-themed rooms and suites with private balconies
-
Private natural sand beach and pier for fishing
-
Access to sister resort Casa Marina for spa and tennis courts
Southernmost Beach Resort
Nestled on the southern end of the bustling Duval Street near the city’s popular restaurants, bars, and shops, Southernmost Beach Resort is one of Florida’s top resorts with a private beach. Offering a private sunbathing area, you’ll find plenty of beach chairs and paddleboards to keep you entertained on the shore while the Southernmost Beach Cafe serves up frozen drinks and happy hour specials. Rooms come equipped with private balconies and beautiful ocean views, while the hotel’s sparkling pool and poolside bars will lure you outside.
Key Amenities:
-
Rooms, suites and guesthouses available with private balconies
-
Beach, private sunbathing pier and long pool
-
Convenient Old Town Key West location
Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton
One of the best hotels in the Florida Keys, Casa Marina Key West dates back to 1920. It offers a picturesque shoreline with the largest private beach in Key West. As of October 2023, the renovated resort will feature a new, tropical contemporary style, transformed guestrooms, an airy lobby lined with windows framing the beach, two activity piers, enhanced food and beverage venues, and more.
Key Amenities:
-
Largest private beach in Key West
-
Mediterranean-style suites with ocean views
-
Oceanfront dining
-
Outdoor pools
*Casa Marina is temporarily closed for renovations until October 2023.
Pier House Resort & Spa
Boasting luxurious waterfront rooms and suites, Pier House Resort & Spa is just steps from Old Town and a private white sand beach. You can lounge by the heated outdoor pool overlooking the water or enjoy a pampering treatment at the on-site spa, then retreat to an Ocean View Room where you can capture one of the famous Key West sunsets from your private balcony. The hotel’s signature restaurant, One Duval, offers organic farm-raised fare and Gulf of Mexico views, while the Chart Room Bar is a legendary local drinking spot serving tempting rum runners.
Key Amenities:
-
Oldest bar in Key West on-site
-
Private white sand beach and outdoor pool
-
Full-service spa
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa
Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa boast elegant, dog-friendly rooms with private balconies. The 1 King with Ocean View is ideal for honeymooners with its full view of the Gulf of Mexico, flat-screen TV, and plush robes, while the 1 King Premium has extra space and sitting areas. Savor flavorful dishes at SHOR American Seafood Grill or sip a cocktail at Blue Mojito Pool Bar and Grill, then visit the former residence of a revered American novelist at the nearby Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The resort also has an on-site spa and a manmade private beach.
Key Amenities:
-
Dog-friendly rooms and suites with private furnished balconies
-
On-site pool and spa
-
Private manmade beach with docks
Galleon Resort and Marina
Galleon Resort and Marina overlooks its own marina in Old Town Key West. Enjoy marina or Gulf of Mexico views from your studio, one or two-bedroom suite, or upgrade to the three-bedroom penthouse for spacious living rooms and Jacuzzi bathtubs. Take advantage of the waterfront pool, private beach, and private observation deck with panoramic views, then relax in the sauna or enjoy the poolside tiki bar with live music. Indulge in burritos, brisket, or sushi at Pirates Cove, which also offers a happy hour with infused gelato cocktails.
Key Amenities:
-
Marina in Old Town Key West
-
Private beach, pool and observation deck
-
Tiki bar with live music and on-site restaurant
Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel
Home to a 16 slip Marina with water sports rentals, Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, set on seven acres of lush landscaping. You’ll find a tanning beach and a waterfront pool to enjoy, while the on-site Tavern N Town offers fine dining with steakhouse favorites and an array of Key West specialties. Grab food at the poolside Chicken Walk, then enjoy outdoor excursions like diving, snorkeling, and sailing at the Key West Golf Club. There’s also a complimentary shuttle to the downtown area.
Key Amenities:
-
16-slip marina with water sports rentals
-
Complimentary shuttle to Key West downtown area
-
Beach access and outdoor pool
3841 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA— +1 305-296-8100
Ibis Bay Resort
Ibis Bay Beach Resort offers modern amenities with an artistic flair in its brightly decorated rooms. You’ll be given a colorful sarong as you enter the property where you can marvel at talking macaws, pelicans, ibis birds, and huge tortoises. Soak up the sunshine at the 600 feet of private white sand beach or lounge in a hammock, then head to the sparkling pool to enjoy a fruity cocktail. Both kids and adults can enjoy shark feedings along the dock and daily catches of stone crab, lobsters and shrimp served at The Stoned Crab.
Key Amenities:
-
Private white sand beach and boat ramp for guests
-
Shark feeding at docks
-
Continental breakfast buffet
3101 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA— +1 305-296-1043
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina offers an airy, laid-back, and tropical vibe. It sits right across the street from Smathers Beach, one of the best beaches in Key West. Marvel at the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean or explore the historic sights of Old Town. You can return to the hotel to enjoy on-site perks such as a poolside cabana, a fire pit in the evening, and beautiful rooms with island-inspired decor. For families, there’s an abundance of kid-friendly things to do that are within walking distance.
Key Amenities:
-
Poolside cabanas, fitness center and fire pits
-
Kids activities on-site
-
Convenient location to Smathers Beach and Old Town
2001 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA— +1 305-292-9800
Parrot Key Hotel and Villas
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Parrot Key Hotel and Villas boasts nature-inspired rooms with water views, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and patios or balconies. Choose from four inviting pools, then indulge in a frozen drink poolside or take the complimentary shuttle to Smathers Beach. Sign up for a spa treatment, then refuel with ceviche, burgers, and sandwiches at The Grove Kitchen & Bar.
Key Amenities:
-
Private manmade beach and Smathers Beach Club access
-
Multiple secluded swimming pools
-
Discounts on local area activities
2801 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA— +1 888-665-6368
Best Western Hibiscus Motel
Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, Best Western Hibiscus Motel is in a great location only a short walk from the beach. Soak up the Key West tropical paradise only one block from Duval Street, where you can explore the city’s top attractions then retreat back to the quiet neighborhood of the hotel. Relax in the heated pool or book a boat excursion or sign up for a paddleboarding lesson. Start your day off with a complimentary breakfast, and if you need extra space, you can upgrade to the 2 Queen Beds Suite with a separate living area.
Key Amenities:
-
Conveniently located to the beach and Duval Street
-
Complimentary breakfast
-
Heated pool
