Coconut Palm Inn

There are so many islands making up the Keys that there is a huge range of choice when it comes to choosing the best hotels in the Florida Keys, from romantic, historic B&Bs to big modern hotels and secluded tropical resorts. Around 113 islands make up the famously flat, subtropical archipelago, some of them linked by the equally famous Overseas Highway. Eccentric and eclectic Key West, diving mecca Key Largo and Big Pine Key, which is where the Key Deer reside, are probably the best known. But we also rate Islamorada, a pretty stretch where you'll find a number of luxury resort style hotels and Marathon, which is an excellent base for families. Use our guide to the best hotels in the Florida Keys and start planning your tropical getaway!

For Key West

Marquesa Hotel

  • The Marquesa Hotel is a totally unique property with peaked roofs and charming wooden porches. There are 27 rooms with alluring features like marble baths, hand carved beds and heirloom furnishings. There is also an elegant seafood restaurant and you are within five blocks of the Gulf of Mexico and a short walk from all the major sights.
  • The Artist House is a seven bedroom B&B in a historic Victorian mansion in the heart of Key West. The rooms have wonderful original features and breakfast is served on the front porch or in the garden.
  • Santa Maria Suites is a luxury resort in a brilliant central location offering stylish accommodation, two outdoor pools and a sophisticated Japanese restaurant.

For Key Largo

Coconut Palm Inn

  • The Coconut Palm Inn is a secluded hotel with just 17 rooms and its own private marina, pool and beach access. The decor is laid back yet elegant and there are plenty of great extras like paddle boards, fishing rods, bikes and kayaks on offer.

For romance

Little Palm Island

  • The Paradise Inn on Key West is an adults only B&B with just 18 exquisitely simple rooms, an outdoor jacuzzi and a fountain fed pool. Start an indulgent evening off with the inn's complimentary wine and cheese.
  • If it’s a special occasion you might consider Little Palm Island on Little Torch Key, a tropical beach resort with their own private marina, spa and beach. Enjoy an intimate private dining experience on the beach or on the porch of your own bungalow.

To relax

Tranquility Bay Resort

  • The Tranquility Bay Resort is a collection of two and three bed beach houses set on the pristine white beaches of Marathon. As well as direct beach access there are three pools, a beach bar, restaurant and loads of activities laid on, including kids diving lessons.
  • Casa Morada is another serene beachside retreat with 16 elegant rooms surrounded by lush gardens. Guests have access to the hotel’s private beach as well as the pool with its beach bar.

For families

Cheeca Lodge

  • The Cheeca Lodge is a large hotel surrounded by 27 acres of gardens beside the private one mile stretch of beach. This is a spa resort with benefits including a private fishing pier, watersports equipment, a tiki bar and a seafood restaurant.
  • The Moorings Village and Spa is a collection of 18 private villas nestled amongst the gardens of what was once a coconut plantation. The interiors are beautiful and you have your own private stretch of white sandy beach.
  • Hawks Cay Resort is great for all ages and offers a private beach, jet skiing, snorkelling etc. Plus there are three onsite restaurants and a wide range of accommodation.

For a private apartment or villa

  • For those looking for some additional privacy, visit our online partner Booking.com to browse their selection of private apartments and villas.

Travel Information

  • International flights fly into Miami International Airport or Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, both of which are about an hour's drive from the gateway to the Keys. Florida Keys is also serviced by domestic flights to Key West International Airport.
  • For those keen on hiring a car we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars for the best prices.
  • To escape Florida's notorious humidity avoid visiting from June to December. The best time to visit is from March to May when the weather is at its finest and the temperature varies from 24 to 27c.

Still not sure?

The 11 Best Hotels in the Florida Keys

Casa Morada

Islamorada (Florida)

Serene beachside retreat. Utter comfort, elegant rooms, indulgent accents. Carefully tended grounds include lush gardens, private island and beach access. Swim with dolphins, go snorkelling, recline in a hammock, lounge by the year-round outdoor pool, or enjoy a drink at the beachside bar.

  • Views - Some rooms have views of the sea or gardens.
  • On the beach - The hotel has its own private beach area
  • Restrictions on children - No children under the age of 16
  • Sights nearby - Theatre of the Sea is nearby
from AU$475 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Cheeca Lodge

Islamorada (Florida)

This 27 acre spa resort offers Atlantic views and a wide range of activities - fishing, snorkelling, tennis, paddle boards - an endless list. Three restaurants available to suit every palate, italian, seafood and sushi plus any cocktail combination you can think of or just a thirst quenching beer.

  • Restaurant - Italian, Seafood and Sushi restaurants
  • Fishing - A private fishing 525-foot pier is the perfect spot for guests to try a hand at fishing in the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Sights nearby - Miami Seaquarium is a great day trip for all the family.
  • Kayaking - Kayaks are readily avalaible in the saltwater lagoon.
from AU$354 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Tranquility Bay Resort

Marathon (Florida)

Fully-equipped 2 and 3 bed beach-houses set on pristine white sands overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Soothing pastel tones complement light woods and wicker accents. Three swimming pools, beach-side bar, international restaurant, and the chance to enjoy a range of activities, from golf to kayaking.

  • Families - With the opportunity to rent houses, rather than rooms, families can easily be accommodated.
  • Fishing - Fishing charters organised by the concierge service (fish the flats, hit the reef, maybe a wreck, or go offshore)
  • Kids Club - There are age-graded activities for children, including diving lessons, snorkelling and scuba classes.
  • Restaurant - Butterfly Cafe serves international cuisine
from AU$300 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Little Palm Island

Little Torch Key (Little Torch Key)

This tropical resort with beach, salon, spa, private marina, yoga and outdoor pool is the ultimate in beachside romance. Dine in the dining room or request a more intimate affair on the beach or in your bungalow. Swim with dolphins, learn to scuba dive, or simply watch the sunset from your porch.

  • Weddings - The island and resort is a magical location for an elegant and enchanting destination wedding
  • Romantic - Seriously romantic with muslin draped beds, roll top bath tubs and glorious ocean views
  • Diving - Looe Key Reef Dive Center is 2.1 km from the resort.
  • Remote - The resort can only be reached by seaplane or boat
from AU$1369 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Marquesa Hotel

Key West (Florida)

Historic property in bustling Key West, with whimsical peaked roofs, gingerbread trim and wooden porches. Rooms have marble baths, hand-carved beds and heirloom furnishings. The elegant restaurant "Cafe Marquesa" serves imaginative Neo-American cuisine with an Asian twist and excellent seafood.

  • Sights nearby - Five blocks from the Gulf of Mexico and within walking distance of the main tourist sights and museums
  • Lively area - Downtown Key West just a block from the main thoroughfare, Duval Street
  • Restrictions on children - No children under 14 allowed
  • Restaurant - Cafe Marquesa
from AU$323 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Santa Maria Suites Resort

Key West (Florida)

Downtown Key West resort with tropical palm-fringed gardens surrounding two heated outdoor pools. Carefully appointed suites are bright and airy, have private balconies and feature fully equipped kitchens to cook for family and friends. Alternatively, dine in the sophisticated Japanese restaurant.

  • Restaurant - "Ambrosia" restuarant serves delicately balanced Japanese cuisine.
  • Sights nearby - Ten minutes' walk from the Ernest Hemingway house.
  • Swimming Pool - Two outdoor heated pools
  • Seaside
from AU$814 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Coconut Palm Inn

Key Largo (Florida)

Secluded seaside hotel with private marina, pool and beach access. Charming rooms with light walls, dark wood furniture and nature-inspired art summon up a laid-back elegance. Bicycles, kayaks, paddle boards and fishing poles included. Guests can grill their dinner on the fire pit barbeque outside.

  • Kayaking - Groups and individuals can enjoy kayaking around the shallow waters of the island and explore using the hotel's own kayaks.
  • Diving - Scuba diving opens up a world of shimmering tropical fish, strange sea creatures and a stunning underwater landscape.
  • Fishing - Bonefish, redfish, snook and trout, and yellowtail snapper populate the waters around Key Largo.
  • On the beach - The hotel offers guests private access to the beach.
from AU$460 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Artist House

Key West (Florida)

An historical bed & breakfast in downtown Key West housed in a restored Victorian mansion with a turret. High-ceilinged rooms retain original character with ornate woodwork and well-appointed furnishings. Complimentary breakfast can be enjoyed in the garden or the front porch. Private outdoor pool.

  • Sights nearby - 1.6km from the Ernest Hemingway Museum; Key West Museum of Art and History is 7 minutes’ walk from the property
  • Lively area - 3 minutes walk from iconic Duval Street
  • Restrictions on children - Children older than 5 years are welcome
  • Romantic
from AU$223 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Paradise Inn

Key West (Florida)

A tranquil adults-only bed and breakfast with outdoor hot tub and fountain fed pool. The exquisitely simple rooms, painted in calming whites and nudes, are flooded with natural light and furnished with an eye for Floridian refinement. Breakfast and wine and cheese happy hour are included.

  • Diving - It is possible to go scuba diving in the waters surrounding the island.
  • Sailing - Go for a sunset sail on the ocean.
  • Restrictions on children - No children under the age of 18
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
from AU$491 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Moorings Village and Spa

Islamorada (Florida)

Eighteen private villas nestled among the lush tropical gardens of a former coconut plantation. Beautifully furnished interiors have views onto the garden, outdoor pool or ocean and come fully equipped with kitchens, flat screen TVs and other necessities. Activities such as kayaking can be arranged.

  • On the beach - Private beach access to 1,100 ft. of natural white sand beach.
  • Views - Pool, garden and ocean views.
  • Swimming Pool - 25 meter heated lap pool
  • Romantic
from AU$552 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Hawks Cay Resort

Duck Key (Florida)

Tropical resort and spa on a sheltered bay with aquamarine waters and private beach. Go jet skiing, snorkelling, fishing, or swimming with dolphins. Interiors feature comfortable heritage-style furniture. Dine on Latin, Mediterranean or American cuisine in one of the three on-site restaurants.

  • Restaurant - The Alma restaurant serves Latin food and the Beach Grill serves American fare. The Ocean restaurant serves Mediterranean fare.
  • Swimming Pool - There are five swimming pools on the resort.
  • Kids Club - Babysitting available
  • Diving
from AU$485 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Sarah Empson

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.