2 days ago
Best Hotels In Key West 2025
Thanks to its beaches, colorful houses and vibrant community, Florida's Key West has attracted artists and writers for decades. 'It's where laid-back island vibes meet quirky charm,' says Claire Herzog, a travel advisor at Fora. 'It's hard not to fall in love with it.' The best hotels in Key West reflect the area's creative soul and provide prime access to legendary spots like Duval Street and Mallory Square.
Our top overall recommendation is The Marquesa Hotel, thanks to its prime location a block off of Duval Street. Meanwhile, luxury seekers will appreciate a resort-style stay at Ocean Key Resort & Spa, design aficionados will be impressed with the charming furnishings at The Grand Maloney and families seeking ample room for children to play will want to book Parrot Key Hotel And Villas. Ahead, the best hotels in Key West for 2025.
Exterior of The Marquesa Hotel in Key West, Florida.
This charming hotel is perched on Fleming Street in the heart of Old Town, providing a superb location within walking distance of Key West's best sights. With just 27 rooms inside four restored, Victorian-style conch cottages dating back to the late 1800s, guests can enjoy pops of pastels, white wrap-around balconies, lush tropical flora and two courtyard swimming pools. While no two rooms are exactly alike, most are spacious with high gloss Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and a mélange of furniture sourced everywhere from the West Indies to the Philippines and England. For foodies, the property's on-site restaurant, Café Marquesa, is widely regarded as one of the best in Key West, with creative preparations of local seafood such as seared black grouper with basil blue crab and saffron aioli.
Guest room at Ocean Key Resort & Spa.
For unparalleled sunset views, Ocean Key Resort & Spa offers 27 guest rooms, many of which feature a private balcony with views of Key West Harbor (others overlook the historic Duval Street). Each room offers a sophisticated and elegant mix of florals and stripes, as well as an in-room mini bar that's refreshed daily and comfortable wooden furniture for reading or enjoying a coffee before starting your day. The fantastic spa, SpaTerre, features Balinese-inspired treatments, and the resort offers multiple dining options, whether you're looking for a sit-down dinner or poolside drinks. The property's Sunset Pier bar is also open daily and features live music, allowing travelers to take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying the music.
A room at the Grand Maloney.
Design aficionados will be delighted by this intimate hotel, which features five individually designed guest rooms (each with its own name) and a freestanding carriage house with a tropical outdoor shower that will make you feel as though you're on a private island. Every room is housed within a meticulously restored Victorian-style mansion, preserving many historic architectural details, including the 11-foot ceilings and 150-year-old wood floors. Beyond the well-appointed rooms, numerous common spaces are available for relaxation before exploring the nearby shops and restaurants, including a pool and an airy second-floor balcony. The mansion also features a wraparound front porch where travelers can mingle and enjoy a morning coffee (complimentary espresso is available in the lobby).
Exterior of Parrot Key Hotel & Villas.
For families traveling with little ones in tow, Parrot Key Hotel and Villas is an excellent option. It overlooks the Florida Bay and offers plenty of privacy and breathtaking views. (Although it's a 10 to 15 minute drive to Old Town, there's a complimentary shuttle so guests won't have to worry about transportation.) One of the best features of this hotel is its four sparkling pools, nestled among lush plants and sculpture gardens; there's also five acres of tropical gardens that surround the property and the waterfront white sand beach. The 148 spacious rooms and villas are perfect for large broods, with a porch overlooking the property's well-manicured gardens. Families can also enjoy outdoor excursions such as parasailing, snorkeling, and a guided kayak tour, which will keep younger travelers engaged and excited.
Exterior of The Saint Hotel Key West, Autograph Collection.
Couples seeking a playful atmosphere with numerous amenities will find plenty to love at this adults-only hotel, situated in Old Town and offering easy access to the main attractions that draw travelers to Key West year after year. There are 36 rooms with a fun, eclectic design that reflects the vibrancy of the location. The rooms are outfitted with a variety of amenities, including large flat-screen TVs and spacious walk-in showers. If you're looking for a drink in a lively setting, the rooftop bar has live music, and the hotel's onsite restaurant is an excellent spot for dinner or a late-night snack. If you're seeking excitement beyond the hustle and bustle of Old Town, the hotel offers a year-round outdoor swimming pool with pool loungers and free bicycles for guests to use at their leisure.
Exterior of The Mansion On The Sea.
Those with a penchant for old-world charm will enjoy the historic architecture of this distinctive adults-only hotel, located on Duval Street. The Victorian mansion is painted pink with hints of seafoam green and features a turret, as well as a wraparound front porch that's perfect for taking in sunrises and sunsets while enjoying the mild weather. It was initially built as a private residence and later turned into a hotel with 18 guest rooms, a heated zero-entry infinity pool and a poolside bar. Pool towels, lounge chairs, and umbrellas are all available for guests to use, and the poolside bar offers a delicious assortment of snacks and drinks (including the café's famous lobster pizza). There's also a complimentary continental breakfast each morning where travelers can enjoy locally ground and roasted coffee, fresh fruit, pastries, bagels, yogurt, eggs and more.
The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe.
We selected the top contenders based on personal experience and extensive research.
I am a commerce editor for Forbes Vetted covering topics in beauty, fashion, travel and home. Prior to joining Forbes, I held positions at BuzzFeed and Dotdash Meredith, where I was responsible for curating lifestyle content and testing products for real-world insights. My work has appeared in Women's Health, Men's Health, BuzzFeed, Brit + Co, Everyday Health and more. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in English/Creative Writing from Marist College and currently reside in Brooklyn, New York.
