Looking for the best beachfront hotels in Key West? You have come to the right place!
All the way at the end of U.S. Route 1 lies Key West, the southernmost city in Florida. This popular holiday destination is closer to Havana than it is to Miami! There’s plenty to do and see on this island, but you’ll be best served by a hotel next to the beautiful white beaches. Read on for our picks of the 8 best hotels in Key West on the beach.
If you plan on visiting Key West, you’ll be in good company. The city was the home of the famous novelist Ernest Hemingway. You can visit his home, which is now a museum site. For something more lively, head to Duval Street. Sloppy Joe’s Bar is a Hemingway-approved hangout.
Key West calls itself the “Conch Republic,” after the intriguing sea snails and their prized shells. Much of the architecture there is inspired by conch shells. Take a walking tour and peek into the courtyards, patios, and gardens of the more quirky residences in Key West.
Key West is also an excellent base for launching expeditions into the Florida Everglades. See the unique habitat and the curious creatures that dwell within it!
As you might expect from an island, Key West offers plenty of water-based activities. Most anyone can grab some snorkeling gear and go swimming in the clear, warm ocean. Scuba diving is also popular. For those who’d rather have something more relaxing, plenty of boats offer tours and trips on the water.
And then, of course, there’s Key West beaches. Soft white sand awaits your arrival, as do the 8 top beachfront hotels in key west fl.
8 Best Key West Hotels Beachfront Worth Paying For!
The Capitana: Our top pick for the Best Beachfront Hotels in Key West
If reviews are anything to go by, The Capitana Key West is undoubtedly the best beachfront hotel in Key West. It has almost 2,000 reviews, and the vast majority of them are positive.
This four-star hotel sits right next to the beach. While you can have gorgeous beach views, you might not be able to walk directly to the nearest public beach due to the layout of the surrounding area. However, The Capitana offers guests access to a private section of beach.
That section comes complete with chairs and umbrellas. Lounge and soak up the sun in peace. Plenty of other amenities are on offer at the hotel. You’ll be able to take a swim in the outdoor pool and soak in the hot tub.
You can grab a drink at the bar and enjoy it on the terrace, which offers excellent views of the ocean. There’s also a fitness center for those wanting to work up a sweat.
Before you head out in the morning, fuel up at the breakfast buffet. One of the best breakfasts in Key West for sure. You’ll be able to indulge in continental-style breakfast fare.
Be aware that not all rooms come with a balcony or sea view. If those things are important to you, ensure you select the correct room when you book your stay.
However, all rooms have a private bathroom complete with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. While you won’t have full cooking facilities, you will have a microwave, fridge, and coffee machine.
Details:
- Our Rating: 4.8/5
- Booking.com score: 9.2
- Address: 2401 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040
- Price for 3 night stay: $1085
Book your stay here | Read all reviews here
See more: Free things to do in Key West You Can’t Miss!
Pier House Resort & Spa: Travel Proud to a Private Beach
Pier House Resort & Spa boasts one of the very best locations of any of the beachfront resorts in key west. As a guest, you’ll not only be steps away from the beach, you’ll be minutes away from some of the best entertainment in the area.
In fact, from the lobby of the hotel you can be in the Duval Street entertainment district in just one minute! Dive in to the restaurants and bars lining this lively part of Key West. And when you’re partied out, you won’t have to worry about finding a taxi.
Now, Pier House isn’t just well-placed. It’s also packed with amenities. The on-site restaurant, One Duval, serves up delicious dishes for all three meals of the day. Treat yourself to locally caught seafood or stick with American-style classics. And if you get bored, there are no fewer than two additional eateries on-site for you to try.
After all that good eating, you’ll probably be in need of a drink. Well, if even the short walk to the nearby options seems like too much, you’re in luck. The hotel has a beach bar serving up refreshing drinks with and without alcohol. You can grab a cocktail and enjoy the spectacular sunset. One of the best beach hotels in key west without question.
Gorgeous sea views are there for your enjoyment all day. You can enjoy them from the comfort of your room or in the outdoor pool. Inside, you’ll have access to a fitness center and full-service spa offering massages, body rituals, and much more.
The rooms at Pier House are similarly luxurious.
While they don’t provide full cooking facilities, with so many eatery options on-site and nearby you won’t be left hungry. You will have a TV, small fridge, and a rain-style shower. One of the best key west hotels with private beach.
Details:
- Our Rating: 4.7/5
- Booking.com score: 8.2
- Address: One Duval Street, Downtown Key West, Key West, FL 33040
- Price for 3 night stay: $1430
Book your stay here| Read all reviews here
Galleon Resort and Marina: Watersport Central
Still wondering where to stay in Key West FL? If you’re heading to Key West with water sports in mind, then Galleon Resort and Marina might be the perfect beachfront hotel for you. There are water sports facilities available on-site for guests to use. You won’t have to worry about finding reputable companies yourself, or dealing with the journey to and from their locations.
There’s a lot more to love about Galleon Resort and Marina than its water sports facilities, though. As a guest, you’ll be right on the water, and will have access to a private beach.
If you book a one- or two-bedroom unit, you’ll be able to enjoy a view of the water. Be aware that if you book a studio, you will have a view of the street. You should also know that the studios are also not accessible by elevator. One of the best reviewed beachfront rentals in Key West Florida.
However, the studios do have a full kitchen and balcony. If those things are more important to you than a water view and you don’t need elevator access, you might want to stay in a studio. No matter which room you choose, you’ll have a TV and small fridge.
While staying at the resort, you can swim in the outdoor pool and soak in the hot tub. You can also use the fitness center and sauna. The hotel offers bike rentals. There is also a dock, which you can go on to enjoy the water view or try your hand at fishing.
If you don’t manage to catch anything, don’t worry.
Galleon Resort and Marina is well-located, and plenty of restaurants are within walking distance. The on-site eatery serves breakfast, but not lunch or dinner. There is a tiki bar that serves drinks by the pool. One of the best places to stay in key west on the beach.
Details:
- Our Rating: 4.7/5
- Booking.com score: 7.8
- Address: 617 Front Street, Downtown Key West, Key West, FL 33040
- Price for 3 night stay: $1059
Book your stay here| See all reviews here.
Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel: Famous Brand’s Beachfront Resort in Key West
The Marriott brand is world-famous for good reason. If you decide to stay at Marriott beachfront key west you’ll soon see why. One of the top places to stay in Key West for sure.
Somewhat unique is the airport shuttle. This is perfect for anyone wanting a car-free holiday. Save yourself the cost and bother of booking a rental vehicle and searching for parking. Plus, you can feel good about having a little more eco-friendly trip! On that note, Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel is rated a level two in terms of sustainability.
Once you’ve arrived at Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel, you’ll be able to settle into your spacious room. Every room has a TV and fridge. Certain rooms also have a full kitchen and balcony. Some even have a spa bath, while others have seating and dining areas. Make sure you choose the room that contains the amenities you want.
As a guest, you’ll have access to a private beach next to the hotel. There’s also an outdoor pool with gorgeous water views. On-site restaurant Tavern N Town serves up tasty meals, and the menu changes often to maximize variety.
There’s also a poolside bar called Blue Bar. Grab a tropical cocktail and a snack or treat yourself to a meal while relaxing by the pool.
Now, you might be thinking: “What about getting to the city center?” Well, the hotel has a shuttle for that, too! Guests loved being driven to and from the center of Key West.
Details:
- Our Rating: 4.5/5
- Booking.com score: 7.5
- Address: 3841 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL
- Price for 3 night stay: $854
Book your stay here| See all reviews here.
Coconut Beach Resort: Well-located Hotel in Key West
This four-star resort (one of the top resorts in Key West) is right in the middle of the highest-rated area in Key West
You’ll not only be near the beach, but close to the center of town, too. Get the best of both worlds by staying at Coconut Beach Resort.
First of all, you’ll be a five-minute walk from the public beach, called Higgs Beach. However, as a guest at Coconut Beach Resort, you’ll also have access to a private section of South Beach. You’ll be able to choose which beach to visit based on your preference.
If the beach loses its charm, you’ll be able to head inland to enjoy the entertainment on offer in Key West. Duval street, the main entertainment district, is just five blocks away from the hotel. You can be in the heart of Key West in minutes.
And after a night on the town, you can enjoy a balmy walk back to your rooms instead of worrying about arranging a ride. Of course, if you do decide that you would prefer a ride, it’ll be a short one!
At Coconut Beach Resort, you’ll be able to soak in the hot tub, swim in the outdoor pool, exercise in the fitness center, and grill up some grub with the barbecue facilities. While there isn’t room service, some of the rooms come with full kitchen facilities. That includes an oven and a dishwasher.
If you don’t feel like cooking, you don’t have to worry. Plenty of eateries are located nearby the hotel. Try asking the staff for recommendations, as they know the local area well. One staff member has recommended Louies Backyard, which is highly rated and is located right next to the hotel.
There is also a garden in which you can relax. All round a solid beachfront rental in Key West.
Details:
- Our Rating: 4.5/5
- Booking.com score: 7.6
- Address:1500 Alberta Street, Downtown Key West, Key West, FL
- Price for 3 night stay: $1500
Book your stay here | See all reviews here.
The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton: Well-located and Famous Brand
The Reach Key West is located in the Old Town of Key West, which many consider the true heart of the city. For an authentic visit to Key West, with plenty of luxury thrown in, consider booking your stay at The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton.
For those arriving by car, you’ll be relieved to hear that private parking is available on-site. Once you’ve arrived, head to your spacious rooms to settle in. You’ll have a fridge, a TV, and an en-suite bathroom. Depending on what room you book, you might also have a sofa bed.
No matter which room you book, you’ll have access to the hotel’s private section of South Beach. No fewer than 137 yards of beautiful sandy beach will be yours to enjoy.
After a long day at the beach, refresh yourself in the outdoor swimming pool. For a more intensive recovery, head to the Spa al Mare. The Spa al Mare is a full-service spa located at a sister property that is next door to The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton.
There are plenty of activities available at the hotel. You’ll be able to try snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. If you’re a fisher, you won’t want to miss out on the deep-sea fishing trips organized through the hotel. Go test your skills and strength against the beasts in the deep!
If you decide to venture out of the hotel grounds, you’ll find yourself just 15 minutes away from Duval street by foot.
Details:
- Our Rating: 4.6/5
- Booking.com score: 7.3
- Address: 1435 Simonton Street, Downtown Key West, Key West, FL
- Price for 3 night stay: $2000
Book your stay here| Read all reviews here.
Ibis Bay Resort: Most Popular Beachfront Rental in Key West FL
With over 2,500 reviews, Ibis Bay Resort is one of the most popular choices for travelers staying at a beachfront hotel in Key West. While it’s not quite as highly rated as the other beachfront hotels on this list, it’s by no means bad. There are thousands of complimentary reviews praising the location, cleanliness, and staff.
You’ll see all this for yourself when you arrive. The entire hotel is rather uniquely decorated. Each room has been decorated in strong colors, ensuring they stand out and pop. The majority of the rooms offer a view of either the ocean or the courtyard. If you care about what view you have in your room, make sure you pick the right one.
All rooms have an area for sitting and relaxing, as well as a fridge. You’ll be able to keep snacks and drinks cool.
However, that might not be necessary. After all, Ibis Bay Resort provides plenty of food options for hungry guests. Every morning a continental-style breakfast is served. Bagels, waffles, bread, and a range of spreads will be made available, as will hot drinks.
There is also a restaurant, The Stoned Crab, which serves up fresh seafood and American-style eats. It also has a full bar.
Thrill seekers can rent jet skis from Ibis Bay Resort and jet around the surrounding waters. For those looking for something a little slower, there are also kayaks available to rent. Bicycles provide a land-based option. The reception at Ibis Bay Resort can also help you charter a fishing trip.
We would recommend booking this hotel in April as it is the best time to visit Key West IMO.
Details:
- Our Rating: 4.5/5
- Booking.com score: 7
- Address: 3101 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL
- Price for 3 night stay: $1149
Book your stay here| Read all reviews here.
Oceanfront villa with private beach, heated pool, tiki and boat doc: Private Accommodation
Still looking for hotels in key west on the beach? Now, this isn’t strictly a hotel. When you book this accommodation, you’ll be booking the entire property. However, there are a few reasons that we wanted to include it in this list of the best beach front hotels in key west.
First is the rating. Oceanfront Villa has higher ratings than many of the actual Key West beachfront hotels.
That rating is well-deserved. As a guest here, you’ll not only have a private outdoor pool and patio. You’ll also have your very own private beach. Unlike private beaches at hotels, this beach is truly private. No one else but you and your fellow guests can access it. Talk about seclusion and luxury!
The patio and pool face the ocean, meaning gorgeous sea views at all times of the day. You can cook up a storm in the fully-equipped kitchen and enjoy the fruits of your labor outside.
If that’s not enough, there’s also a mini-golf course on the property. You can also go cycling and snorkeling nearby.
Finally, while the villa is a single property, it’s by no means small. It can fit up to 10 guests. There are five bedrooms, three with queen beds and two with multiple twin and full beds.
There’s also a sofa bed in the living room. If you’re traveling to Key West with a big group of people, renting this beachfront villa could be a better option than all piling into a beachfront hotel. A top option for a beachfront bungalow in Key West.
Details:
- Our Rating: 4.8/5
- Booking.com score: 9
- Address: Bay Street, Key West, FL 33040
(Bonus) Casa Marina, Curio Collection by Hilton: Old school Class
Casa Marina: Since 1920, giving the Florida Keys its beachy best! Currently undergoing renovations but due to reopen in September 2023, one of Key West’s oldest luxury hotel options is worth a look-see.
Couples can nestle into the Oceanfront Suite, boasting a balcony with unobstructed sea vistas, a generous living space, and a king’s embrace of a bed.
Thinking of booking Casa Marina, here’s three propositions which might mean this is the place for you :-
- Why just view the ocean when you can massage beside it?
- For couples: more ocean in your view, more snuggle in your bed.
- Snorkel by day, dine by the ocean by night.
The last point refers to the optional dolphin tours you can book and the oceanfront Sun Sun Beach Bar & Grill.
Details:
- Our Rating: TBA – waiting on renovations
- Booking.com score: 5.8 (expect higher upon reopening)
- Address: Reynolds Street, Key West, FL 33040
Click here to book your stay and check out renovation photos, latest reviews, link to the offical site and check prices here
(Bonus 2) The Marker Key West: Best Boutique
No direct beach access. Let’s just get that out of the way first because it’s the biggest drawback. But it is nestled near the seaport, so you can still find rooms with water views.
The Marker is one of the newer hotels on the beach, opened as recently as 2014.
All rooms feature balconies and soaking tubs (and a shower too, of course).
If live music is your vibe then you’ll find it by the pool every Wednesday through Sunday.
Details:
- Our Rating: 9.2
- Address: Williams Street, Key West, FL 33040
FAQ
What is the best oceanfront hotel for families in Key West
If you are looking for the best hotels for kids in Key West but also want to stay oceanfront, we would recommend: Ibis Bay Resort
What is the best beachfront hotel for couples in Key West
If you are looking for the best hotels in Key West for couples but want to be on the beach, we would recommend: The Capitana
If you are looking for a luxury hotel in Key West we have a full guide with those recommended.
What is the best boutique oceanfront hotel in Key West
In our opinion, the best boutique hotel in key west by the water is: Coconut Beach Resort
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