The Hotel Guru
Florida
The 11 Best Hotels in the Florida Keys

The 11 Best Hotels in the Florida Keys

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

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

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

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

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

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?

expand your search to include best places to stay in Miami,
Or check out all the best places to stay in Florida
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
- Marquesa Hotel Key West 27 rooms from AU$308
  
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  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
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  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. See More
  
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- The Artist House Key West 7 rooms from AU$213
  
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  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  -  Good for couples.
  
  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. See More
  
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- Santa Maria Suites Resort Key West from AU$776
  
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  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  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
  Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels
  
  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. See More
  
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- Coconut Palm Inn Key Largo 19 rooms from AU$438
  
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  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.
  
  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. See More
  
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- The Paradise Inn Key West 18 rooms from AU$468
  
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  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
  
  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. See More
  
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- Little Palm Island Little Torch Key 28 rooms from AU$1305
  
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  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
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  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. See More
  
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- Tranquility Bay Resort Marathon 87 rooms from AU$286
  
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  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
  
  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. See More
  
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- Casa Morada Islamorada 16 rooms from AU$453
  
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  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
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Tablet, Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  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. See More
  
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- Cheeca Lodge Islamorada 214 rooms from AU$337
  
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  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.
  
  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. See More
  
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- The Moorings Village and Spa Islamorada from AU$526
  
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  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  -  Good for couples.
  
  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. See More
  
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- Hawks Cay Resort Marathon, Duck Key 420 rooms from AU$462
  
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  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  -  Good diving nearby.
  
  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. See More
  
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