Best beach hotels in key west florida

From historic gems to funky boutique properties, Key West has a hotel for every style of traveler. Whether you want to relax on an oceanfront hammock, soak in sunset views, or take an afternoon snorkeling tour, there are amenities to meet nearly any trip you can imagine. If you really want to get away from it all, escape to secluded cottages with private beaches. Or if adventure is more your thing, charter a fishing tour. Either way, you'll find plenty of opportunities to recharge. End your day with a short walk to enjoy live entertainment and local flavors. Key West is great any time of year, but spring has the best weather and rates. Here are some of the best hotels in Key West.

Pier House Resort & Spa

Courtesy of Resort

Truly an original, the waterfront Pier House Resort & Spa has attracted eclectic artists for years. In the 1960's, Jimmy Buffett played his first Key West gig at the hotel's funky Chart Room Bar. Get lost in the views of the crystal-blue sea or walk to the many watering holes that line lively Duval Street.

1 Duval St., 305-296-4600

The Gates Hotel

Courtesy of The Gates Hotel

Perfect for the young and hip (of any age), The Gates Hotel is a new hotspot with a laid-back-meets-retro flair. Channel Hemingway at the hotel's Rum Row Poolside Bar, choosing from a fine selection of Prohibition-era cocktails created in partnership with the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery. Try the cigar lounge for a taste of Cuban-Key West history.

3820 N. Roosevelt Blvd., 305-320-0930

Southernmost Beach Resort

Courtesy of resort

If sweet serenity is what you're after, then head to the six-acre Southernmost Beach Resort. Escape the hustle and bustle at this retreat where you can kick back in one of the oceanfront hammocks, relax on the beach, or stroll down garden paths. You're just two short blocks to the iconic concrete buoy at the Southernmost Point.

508 South St., 800-354-4455

Ocean Key Resort & Spa

Courtesy of resort

Situated directly on the Key West Harbor and next to Mallory Square, Ocean Key Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort offers panoramic water views that span for miles. Enjoy a relaxing dip in the oceanfront pool, then head into town to explore nearby attractions. At the hotel's Sunset Pier, pull up a front-row seat to famed nightly sunset celebrations, complete with live music and plenty of local entertainment.

0 Duval St., 844-330-3852

Sunset Key Cottages

Courtesy of resort

Escape to the secluded, 27-acre island of Sunset Key where you'll find Victorian-style cottages nestled on a private, white-sand beach. Only accessible by boat and located just seven minutes from the mainland, Sunset Key Cottages feels like it's a world away from the bustling bar scene. Whether you want a day by the pool or an underwater excursion, you'll find a range of activities.

245 Front St., 305-292-5300

La Concha Hotel & Spa

Courtesy of resort

Located in the heart of all the action on Duval Street, La Concha Hotel & Spa is a Key West icon dating back to 1926. Within walking distance to area attractions and an array of restaurants, you won't stray far to explore. Detox from late-night revelry and take in stunning city and ocean views at the hotel's rooftop spa, the highest point on the island.

430 Duval St., 305-296-2991

The Reach Key West

The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

One of the best beachfront hotels in Key West, The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton offers an impressive shoreline sanctuary. Enjoy the only private natural sand beach in Key West. Take part in a variety of water sports and wander out onto the private pier to watch for dolphins.

1435 Simonton St., 305-296-5000

The Marker Key West Harbor Resort

Courtesy of The Marker Hotel Key West

Situated on the waterfront, The Marker Key West Harbor Resort is a boutique hotel with a free-spirit ambience that seafarers and adventurers will adore. Savor panoramic views, unwind on a private balcony, or escape in the property's tropical gardens or pools. Set sail on a sunset cruise or walk to the many saloons and taverns along Duval Street.

200 William St., 855-485-9291

Casa Marina Key West

Courtesy of Casa Marina Key West

A beachfront hotel landmark conceived by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton dates back to the glamorous 1920s. Soak up elegance and grandeur that has attracted the likes of dignitaries and the crème de la crème for nearly a century. Take in the stunningly redone lobby, two great pools, and a lovely beach.

1500 Reynolds St., 305-296-3535

Opal Key Resort & Marina

Courtesy of resort

Just steps from all the island excitement, Opal Key Resort & Marina offers a soothing escape. Spend the day at the private lush pool or the on-site spa. Don't miss the sunset with a fantastic view from the pier, then head to popular Duval Street for food and drinks.

245 Front St., 305-294-4000

Parrot Key Hotel and Villas

Robbie Caponetto; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Location: Parrot Key Hotel and Villas

At Parrot Key Hotel and Villas, get a taste of island life. From onsite watersports to golf, there's plenty to keep you and your family active. Sunbathe on white-sand terraces or choose from one of four pools to enjoy for an afternoon.

2801 N. Roosevelt Blvd., 888-211-0348

The Perry Hotel & Marina

Courtesy of Perry Hotel & Marina

Just outside of the bustling downtown, The Perry Hotel & Marina offers a casual and comfortable vibe. Watch boats come in and out of the harbor, lounge by the pools, or spend your energy cooling off with a variety of water activities. If you make a great catch, Matt's Stock Island Kitchen & Bar will prepare it for you, or try one of the other dockside restaurants.

7001 Shrimp Rd., 877-496-8712

Margaritaville Beach House Key West

Courtesy of Margaritaville Beach House Key West

A great spot for families, Margaritaville Beach House Key West offers everything you'd expect from a waterfront gem. Frequent the lushly landscaped pool area and a marina with easy access to boating excursions like fishing and snorkeling tours. Lawn games and hammocks are just what your family ordered.

2001 S. Roosevelt Blvd., 305-292-9800

Marquesa Hotel

Courtesy of Marquesa Hotel

Centrally located near popular Duval Street, the boutique Marquesa Hotel is within walking distance to plenty of music and restaurants. Or get away from the bustling scene of Key West, and slip into luxury. Indulge in a personal retreat and relax in the lush gardens, lounge by the pool, and enjoy a quiet meal at the award-winning Café Marquesa.

600 Fleming St., 305-292-1919

The Gardens Hotel Key West

Bob Miano

At The Gardens Hotel Key West, no detail has been overlooked. Sit back and fully enjoy your getaway—by the outdoor heated pool, at the self-serve D'Vine Wine Gallery, or in a large Hemingway bed. Enjoy jazz in the gardens, rent a bike to see the island at a slower pace, or book an excursion. Take to the water with snorkeling, fishing, parasailing, or jet-skiing.

526 Angela Street, 305-294-2661

Is Key West good for beaches?

There are lots of beautiful beaches in Key West to choose from. Smathers Beach is a 3,000-foot stretch of beach, one of Key West's longest. It features a variety of water sports rentals, providing you with more than you need for a fun day on the beach. There are also volleyball nets, picnic areas and restrooms.

Which of the Florida Keys is the best to stay?

The best areas to stay in the Florida Keys.
Key West – Key West is best for culture and history lovers. ... .
Key Largo – If your dream morning is spent underwater, Key Largo is for you. ... .
Big Pine Key – Big Pine Key is where to head for a tranquil holiday. ... .
Marathon – Marathon is known for its fantastic coastline..

Which Florida Key has the clearest water?

Fort Zachary Taylor Park Beach, Key West Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a National Historic Landmark that offers some of the clearest blue waters for snorkeling and diving in Key West.

Which part of Key West is best for families?

Southernmost Beach Resort, Key West Located, as its name suggests, at the very south end of the Florida Keys in Key West, the charming 4-star Southernmost Beach Resort is another great choice for those traveling as a family.