No trip to Florida is complete without spending at least a few days exploring the magical Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are made up of a 125-mile-long string of islands that radiate off the tip of Florida. Visitors flock to the Keys year-round for their postcard-perfect beaches, pristine turquoise waters, and lavish oceanfront resorts. 

The islands are linked by the Florida Keys Overseas Highway and a series of 42 bridges. So if you have the time, you can drive all the way from the sandy beaches of Key Largo to the southernmost (and most popular!) island, Key West. 

Along the way, you can indulge in a slice of key lime pie at The Blond Giraffe, go diving or snorkeling off the coast of Islamorada, and spot loggerhead turtles in Marathon. You should also make time to stop off at a few of the Key’s stunning national parks, iconic seafood restaurants, and charming coastal towns!

Even though it’s the farthest key from the mainland, Key West is easily the most-visited island in the Florida Keys. You’ll definitely want to spend some time shopping, dining, and bar hopping on Duval Street. Key West is also famous for its bustling Mallory Square, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and the Southernmost Point Buoy. 

There’s no doubt that the Florida Keys are chock full of trendy boutique hotels, adults-only resorts, and lavish oceanfront hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in the Florida Keys to help you plan your perfect getaway!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: 12 Cool Boutique Hotels in the Florida Keys

Where to Stay in the Florida Keys

You’ll find a variety of amazing boutique hotels and lavish resorts throughout the Florida Keys. But most of the best hotels in the Florida Keys are clustered around the tiny island of Key West. If this is your first visit to the Florida Keys, Key West is a great place to base yourself.

There are plenty of reasons this is the most-visited island in the Keys. Not only does the historic downtown boast excellent restaurants and bars but the island is home to some of the Florida Key’s most popular tourist attractions. There’s so much to do, you’ll never get bored!

Located just 65 miles from Miami, at the top of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is another excellent place to stay in the Florida Keys. Not only will you find all sorts of amazing hotels and resorts dotting the island but Key Largo is home to beautiful white sand beaches and world-class diving spots. 

If fishing and boating are at the top of your itinerary, you’ll definitely want to book a stay at a hotel in Islamorada. Islamorada is known as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World” and is just 25 minutes from Key Largo. And if you’re searching for a romantic retreat, you’ll find all sorts of hidden gems scattered around the Florida Keys.

No matter where you decide to stay in the Florida Keys, you’ll find plenty of incredible hotels to choose from!

12 Best Hotels in the Florida Keys

1. H2O Suites

If you’re looking to stay in one of the coolest boutique hotels in the Florida Keys, H2O Suites might just be the perfect pick. This luxurious all-suite hotel is adults-only, so it’s a great option for honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic escape. 

With the tropical courtyard and the free welcome drink, you’ll be in vacation mode the second you step foot on this gem of a property. The complimentary happy hour each evening will also help you have an ultra-relaxing vacation! 

Each of the 22 suites boasts a king bedroom, a stylish living room, an Italian marble bath, and a private balcony or patio. For a leisurely night in, you can wrap yourself in the plush robe, mix up a cocktail at the wet bar, and get cozy on the couch. If you’re in town for a special celebration, the suites with private plunge pools are well worth the splurge! 

H2O Suites is located right in the heart of Key West, so you can walk to all of the best restaurants and bars in town. You can also rent a bike from the friendly staff and pedal to the nearby Southernmost Point and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. When you’re not exploring Key West, soak up the sun around the hotel’s rooftop pool.

2. La Te Da

Located just down the street from H2O Suites, La Te Da is yet another incredible adults-only boutique hotel in the heart of Key West. The hotel is housed in an 1892 home turned hotel built by the Cuban cigar manufacturer Teodoro Perez. Expect to find historic charm and tropical Key West vibes all around the property. 

Fill up in the mornings on the lavish (and free!) cooked-to-order breakfast. And in the evenings, groove to live music over a drink or two at the on-site piano lounge. 

The restaurant offers poolside dining and serves up fresh Florida fare, including buttery Key West yellowtail snapper, grilled asparagus au gratin, and baked crab cakes with basil cream. The hotel also hosts popular cabaret performances ($33 for tickets) that you should definitely check out after dinner! 

You’ll love unwinding in one of the 15 colorful rooms in this intimate boutique hotel. Rooms boast comfy Sealy Posturepedic mattresses, tropical beach-themed décor, and original artwork. Room 27 is arguably the best in the house and features extra space, glitzy decor, and a private porch where you can enjoy your morning coffee and evening nightcaps.

3. Kimpton Ridley House

Ridley House recently opened its doors in March 2021 but it didn’t take long for this place to gain a reputation as one of the best boutique hotels in the Florida Keys. This forward-thinking hotel is housed in three 1888 conch-style houses in Key West, just a block away from the popular Duval Street. 

You’ll love all of the awesome freebies at this adults-only retreat, including the boozy welcome beverage, complimentary poolside breakfasts, custom-designed loaner beach bikes, all-day refreshments, and evening cocktail hours. The staff will also provide you with snorkel kits and beach towels, so you can easily explore all of Key West’s amazing snorkeling spots. 

Although each of the 23 rooms is slightly different. You’ll find a mix of old-world charm, stylish mid-century modern decor, and funky contemporary artwork throughout the bright and breezy rooms. Upgraded suites boast separate living areas, private balconies, and spa-like baths with Atelier Bloem designer toiletries. 

With its central location, you can walk to all of the waterfront restaurants and shops in Mallory Square and the Key West Historic Seaport. Plus, the Key West Aquarium and Harry S. Truman Little White House are just steps away.

4. The Marquesa Hotel

Key West is brimming with amazing boutique hotels, and The Marquesa Hotel is no exception. This 19th-century home is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so you know it’s something special!

Each of the 44 rooms is located in separate Key West-style cottages or across the road at the hotel’s sister property, Marquesa 414. The rooms in Marquesa 414 are newer and more modern, but the rooms at both parts of The Marquesa boast historic charm, West Indies-inspired furniture, and marble baths. If you want a room with a balcony, make sure to request one in advance.

Because The Marquesa Hotel is made up of two properties, you’ll have access to three hotel pools and a handful of serene tropical gardens. Be sure to also enjoy at least one dinner at the award-winning Cafe Marquesa, which is known as one of the best restaurants in town. The casual eatery serves grilled meats and fresh Key West seafood, including crispy pork osso-buco, smoked swordfish and fried green tomatoes, and lump blue crab and sherry soup. 

5. Pier House Resort & Spa

The iconic Pier House is the perfect pick if you want a tranquil resort experience while being smack in the middle of Old Town Key West. All the hustle and bustle of Duval Street is just steps away, but those with an oceanfront room can fall asleep to the soothing sound of water lapping against the shore!

From museums to restaurants, there’s no end to things to do in Key West. But if you just want to hang out at the hotel, you’ll find plenty of awesome amenities to keep you entertained. 

Work on your tan on the private beach, swim laps in the heated outdoor pool, or stargaze from the hot tub. There’s also an on-site spa and fitness center if you want to get pampered or fit in a workout. 

For sundowners, head over to the legendary Chart Room Bar or The Beach Bar. If you feel like celebrating over a fancy meal, you’ll love dining at One Duval. The elegant restaurant serves up seriously good seafood and steaks. 

At the end of a fun-filled day, you’ll love unwinding in the sophisticated rooms. Depending on which room or suite you choose, you’ll have excellent amenities, from ocean views to lushly landscaped private terraces to spacious soaking tubs.

6. Oceans Edge Key West

If you’re looking for a more laidback alternative to Key West, staying on nearby Stock Island is a great option. Stock Island is a much more local part of town, and Old Town Key West is just 20 minutes away. Expect to find lots of fishing boats and art studios in this beautiful corner of the Florida Keys!

Stock Island is teeming with fishermen and fishing boats, so it’s no surprise that Oceans Edge is located on a full-service marina. It’s the perfect hotel if you plan on chartering a boat to go deep-sea fishing or to float the day away on the water. 

When you’re not adventuring around the ocean, take a dip in one of the six hotel pools or keep your little ones entertained with one of the poolside games. When hunger strikes, you’ll love dining on Yellowfin Bar & Kitchen’s fresh seafood sourced directly from the hotel’s marina! 

With their whimsical furnishings, colorful local art, and modern gadgets, there’s a lot to love about the rooms. But the best part is that every room at Oceans Edge boasts a private balcony with an ocean view. Sipping a glass of wine and watching the sun go down is the perfect way to end your day!

7. Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa

Isla Bella Beach Resort is set right on a sandy beach in Marathon. Key West is a 60-minute drive away, which means this is a prime spot to explore as many corners of the Florida Keys as possible. 

With its oceanfront and marina, you can partake in all sorts of fun water activities. Charter a boat and go on a family fishing trip, rent a kayak and paddle around the turquoise waters, or strap on your snorkel and explore this underwater paradise! Once you’re done adventuring around the ocean, you can relax around one of the five oceanfront pools, get pampered at the on-site spa, or work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness center. 

Before heading out for dinner, get refreshed in the picture-perfect rooms. Rooms and suites are all beautifully decorated with blue and white color schemes, plush beds, and spacious workstations. One of the best things about Isla Bella Beach Resort is that all rooms boast ocean views and large furnished terraces. 

For a casual meal, The Beach Bar serves tropical cocktails and fresh seafood dishes. For a special dinner you can dine on handmade pastas and classic Florida Keys dishes at Il Postino. Or if you’re feeling lazy and just want to lounge around in your bathrobe, order a beef brisket burger or a mahi-mahi sandwich to your room!

8. Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Islamorada is an excellent place to base yourself if you want to have the ultimate beach vacation. You can easily while your days away frolicking on the beach, parasailing over the azure waters, and swimming with playful dolphins. 

If you want to do Key Largo in style, Cheeca Lodge & Spa is hands down one of the best hotels in the Florida Keys. Known as the “Queen of the Florida Keys,” Cheeca Lodge has long been a getaway for A-list celebrities. Although this is a great option for couples, the resort is surprisingly family-friendly, in case you’re traveling with your little ones. 

This resort has everything you need to make the most of your vacation. Go fishing off the longest pier in the Keys, bask in the sun at the sandy beach, splash around in the three pools (including an adults-only pool), and get pampered in the world-class spa. You can also dine on elevated surf and turf at Atlantic’s Edge, savor handcrafted sushi rolls at Nikai, and sip fruity cocktails at the poolside Tiki Bar. 

The contemporary rooms all feature dark hardwood furniture, a plush bed, and a balcony with views of the lush grounds. Families will love the spacious suites, which have separate bedrooms, living rooms with sleeper sofas, and large open-air balconies.  

9. Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo

Baker’s Cay Resort opened its doors in February 2019 and rapidly gained the reputation as one of the best hotels in the Florida Keys. This spectacular hotel is located right on Florida Bay and is just a few minutes’ drive from the heart of Key Largo. 

It’s no surprise that water activities take center stage at Baker’s Cay. You’ll definitely want to spend your days snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and boating around the crystal clear waters. You can also lounge around the hotel’s pools and waterfall grottos, meander along the scenic walking trails, and search for hidden beaches on the hotel’s 13 acres of land. 

When it comes to drinking and dining, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Hang out around the pool and graze on addictive bites from The Pool Bar, sip frozen cocktails at the oceanfront Tiki Bar, and enjoy a tequila-paired meal with the help of the hotel’s certified tequila connoisseurs at Dry Rocks. But the shining star is Calusa, which dishes out creative Creole-Caribbean fare with a New Orleans twist.

The impeccably decorated rooms and suites all feature comfy beds, handcrafted wood furniture, and beautifully tiled bathrooms. If you want to take full advantage of the setting, we highly recommend booking one of the Premium Waterfront Suites. You’ll swoon over the spacious living room with a wet bar and the furnished terrace with unobstructed views of Florida Bay.

10. Bungalows Key Largo 

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort in Key Largo, Bungalows is one of the best in town. Not only does this place have tons of luxurious amenities, but it opened in 2019 so everything is brand new and top of the line. Plus, it’s adults-only to ensure the most relaxing getaway possible!

The 135 swanky bungalows are set on 12 acres of waterfront land. Each bungalow features a private tropical garden complete with a large soaking tub, an outdoor rain shower, and a spacious sitting area. If you want to go all out, book one of the Waterfront Bungalows so you can enjoy the view from your outdoor soaking tub and your bed! 

If you can manage to tear yourself away from your dreamy bungalow, take advantage of all of the cool amenities. Soak up the sun on the private beach, get rejuvenated at the daily yoga sessions, take a dip in one of the pools and hot tubs, or get a massage at the spa. If that’s not enough, you can go snorkeling in the fish-filled bay, go for a cruise on one of the hotel’s floating tiki boats, or embark on a fishing excursion.

Because this is an all-inclusive resort, you can enjoy unlimited breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the six on-site bars and restaurants. Of course, drinks are free too!

Check Price & Availability on Booking.com

11. Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina

Postcard Inn is a laid-back hotel located on the Overseas Highway in Islamorada, just minutes from Key Largo. Locals have dubbed the area the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World” so it’s no surprise this is a popular hotel for anyone who wants to go fishing or boating during their vacation. Plus, you can dock your boat at the on-site marina!

The Postcard Inn dates back to 1969, so expect to find all sorts of retro throwbacks and vintage decor around the property. The beach-chic rooms boast pillow top beds, tasteful nautical decor, and deluxe ensuites with designer toiletries. The Oceanfront Cottages are well worth it for their stylish living rooms, furnished decks, and stunning views of the Atlantic. 

Start your day with a specialty coffee beverage at the on-site Starbucks. At lunchtime, you can dine on lemon-infused oysters and Peruvian-style ceviche at Raw Bar and sip cocktails at the swim-up pool bar. For dinner, indulge with excellent Italian fare at Ciao Hound and then head to the historic Tiki Bar where you can sample its legendary Rum Runner cocktail!

12. Playa Largo Resort & Spa

Playa Largo is the perfect pick if you’re planning an epic beach vacation in the Florida Keys. The gated resort is set right on a sandy beach on the beautiful island of Key Largo. With its beachfront location and proximity to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the historic Overseas Heritage Trail, you’ll have endless outdoor activities to keep you entertained! 

Step inside this posh hotel and the friendly staff will immediately greet you with a pineapple mojito. Head over to your luxurious room and you’ll be wowed by the picture-perfect nautical decor, plush beds, and luxe ensuites. The Nespresso coffee maker, fully stocked mini-bar, and iPad-controlled smart TV are cool extra features. 

Explore the 14.5-acre property and you’ll come across all sorts of cool amenities. Spend your days getting massages at the spa, kayaking in the crystal clear bay, or basking in the sun at the outdoor pool. The resort also boasts four excellent eateries, which means you never actually have to leave if you don’t want to!

That completes our list of the 12 best Florida Keys hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in the Florida Keys? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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