Key West, Florida, is a renowned tropical paradise known for its stunning sunsets, vibrant culture, and crystal-clear waters. For travelers seeking the ultimate luxury and relaxation, the island is home to various exquisite resorts catering to every need. 

From waterfront retreats to stylish boutique hotels, Key West offers diverse accommodations to suit every taste. This article will explore the top 10 best resorts in Key West, each offering its unique blend of upscale amenities, breathtaking views, and warm hospitality.

  1. Oceans Edge Resort & Marina in Key West

The Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina in Key West, Florida, is a luxurious destination that offers guests a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Located on Stock Island, the resort is near commercial marinas and working-class communities, providing a perfect balance of tranquility and activity.

In addition to its waterfront amenities, the Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina also features a range of accommodations to suit different preferences. 

The resort offers a mix of guest rooms, suites, and villas, ensuring that every guest can find the perfect space for their stay. The adults-only H2O Suites, for example, feature 22 suites and a rooftop pool, providing a serene retreat for those seeking a more secluded experience.

  1. Santa Maria Suites

Santa Maria Suites is a top-rated hotel in Key West, Florida, known for its spacious accommodations, well-equipped kitchens, and great location near a private beach and Duval Street. The hotel offers large pools, private parking, and a courteous check-in process, making it an excellent choice for families and travelers seeking a comfortable and convenient stay.

In 2018, TripAdvisor ranked the Santa Maria Suites Resort as the 6th top hotel in the United States, a testament to its quality and popularity among guests. The hotel has received high praise for its awesome rooms, great service, and overall excellent ranking, placing it in the top 9% of the city.

  1. Marker Key West

The Marker Key West is a modern waterfront resort in the heart of Old Town Key West, Florida. The hotel opened in 2015 and became a popular destination for travelers seeking a luxurious and artsy experience in the vibrant island community.

The resort is known for its clean, modern, and luxurious design, with a touch of sterility that adds to its unique charm. 

The Marker Key West features a variety of accommodations, including standard rooms, suites, and waterfront villas. The hotel’s renovation in 2021 included the addition of Residence One & Two Bedroom Suites, further enhancing the guest experience.

  1. Ocean Key Resort & Spa

The Ocean Key Resort & Spa is a luxurious waterfront hotel at the end of Duval Street in Key West, Florida. Nestled between Key West Harbor and Mallory Square, this boutique hotel offers a unique blend of contemporary comfort and island charm.

The resort offers a relaxing spa with massages and skin and beauty treatments, a small fitness room with cardio and weight-training equipment, free coffee and fruit-infused water in the lobby, and Wi-Fi availability throughout the hotel.

Some guests have reported issues with cruise ships obstructing ocean views, extra valet service and daily resort fee charges, a crowded pool during peak times, and noise complaints.

  1. H2O Suites

H2O Suites is an adult-only luxury hotel located in Key West, Florida. The hotel features 22 one-bedroom suites with private outdoor space, modern amenities, and services.

Each suite has a plunge pool with a patio to enjoy tropical courtyard views, a living area with a plush sofa and wet bar, a spa-inspired bath with Italian marble and glass rainfall shower, a luxurious king-size bed, and two large flat-screen T.V.s.

The hotel’s relaxing vibe extends to the stunning rooftop deck where panoramic vistas of Old Town, a refreshing pool, comfortable lounges, tropical cocktails from the RoofTop bar, and poolside tapas enhance the quiet, island life ambiance. H2O Suites is just one block from Duval Street and steps from the area’s celebrated dining favorites, historic landmarks, and legendary nightlife.

  1. Southernmost Beach Resort

The Southernmost Beach Resort is a highly regarded hotel in Key West, Florida. Situated at 1319 Duval Street, it is known for being the southernmost hotel in the United States. The resort offers a range of amenities, including a beautiful beachfront location, spacious and elegant rooms with modern comforts, private balconies with ocean views, and on-site activities for guests.

The property has received accolades, such as being ranked as one of the Best Hotels in the USA by U.S. News and being awarded the number one hotel in the top ten hotels in Key West, Florida by USA Today.

The resort comprises various buildings, including the Southernmost Motel, South Beach Oceanfront Motel, Atlantic Shores Hotel, and the Victorian-era guesthouses of La Mer, Dewey House, Avalon, and Duval Gardens, all painted with a signature calming blue exterior.

  1. The Reach Key West

The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a luxurious 150-room resort in the southernmost tip of Key West, Florida. Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, the property reopened on December 1, 2019, as the latest addition to Hilton’s Curio Collection.

The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a luxurious and relaxing destination for travelers seeking a unique experience in Key West, Florida. With its prime location, modern amenities, and commitment to delivering a memorable stay, the resort is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the beauty and charm of the southernmost tip of Key West.

  1. Sunset Key Cottages

Sunset Key Cottages, a Luxury Collection Resort, is a secluded and luxurious retreat on a private 27-acre island off the coast of Key West, Florida. The resort offers a tranquil and exclusive experience with upscale beach-house cottages, elegant wooden furniture, and an ocean-inspired blue, white, and beige color palette.

The property features a lovely white-sand beach, a zero-entry pool, and a variety of water sports for guests to enjoy. The resort’s amenities include a restaurant, infinity pool, ferry launch dock, and a fitness center with top-of-the-line equipment.

  1. Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa

The Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa is a luxurious oceanfront hotel in Key West, Florida. This tropical paradise offers stunning views, comfortable accommodations, and a variety of amenities for guests to enjoy. The resort features 118 rooms with a soothing beach-inspired feel and private balconies.

The Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa is on a private, intimate beach on the Gulf. Guests have access to a multi-million-dollar renovated resort with a modern tropical feel. The hotel underwent a renovation in 2007, resulting in a luxurious resort right on the water’s edge. The Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a luxurious and relaxing stay in Key West.

  1. Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina

Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina, formerly known as The Westin Key West Resort & Marina, is a tropical oasis in Old Town, Key West.

Situated just a block from the vibrant Duval Street and adjacent to Mallory Square, the resort offers its guests a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. The property features a marina that provides easy access to various water activities, such as snorkeling, parasailing, diving, and fishing, making it an ideal choice for water enthusiasts.

For those looking to explore the local area, the resort’s convenient location makes it easy to access nearby attractions and amenities. Additionally, the concierge can assist in arranging various off-site activities, and guests can take advantage of the marina’s proximity to the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico for exciting adventures.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Key West, Florida, is between March and May, during the springtime shoulder season. During this time, the winter crowds will taper off, the hotel rates will become reasonable, and the weather will be remarkably similar to winter’s blissful 70s.

The rainy and humid summer months see the fewest tourists but the best hotel rates. The winter season is the island’s busiest and priciest. September to November is the time when hurricanes come and go, and most tourists opt for vacations outside of Florida.

Top Things to Do in Key West Florida

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Explore the former home of the famous author and Nobel Prize winner, featuring his personal belongings and a colony of six-toed cats.

Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry: Take a day trip to the Dry Tortugas, a group of islands with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.

Truman Little White House: Visit the former Winter White House of President Harry S. Truman, now a museum showcasing his presidency and the history of Key West.

Mallory Square: Enjoy the nightly Sunset Celebration, featuring live music, street performers, and a stunning sunset view.

Final Thoughts

Key West, Florida, stands as a captivating destination offering a diverse array of top-tier resorts, each promising a unique and unforgettable experience. 

From tranquil adult-only environments to vibrant and lively atmospheres, these resorts cater to various preferences, ensuring that every guest can indulge in the luxury, comfort, and natural beauty that Key West offers.