Where to Stay in Key West Florida: Best Hotels and All That Key West Has to Offer in 2025!

The Florida Keys—Key West, FL, in particular—definitely has a bit of a reputation. Expensive, full of retirees, too touristy, overrated. Sound familiar?

While it’s true that Key West is a popular spot for retirees and tourists, I’m here to show you why it’s still absolutely worth a visit. In this article, I’ll take you through the best neighborhoods and Key West hotels to convince you to book that trip. Sure, there are some over-the-top luxury hotels, but you’ll also find plenty of affordable vacation rentals, boutique hotels, and cozy spots perfect for a romantic weekend or a family getaway—no need to empty your wallet.

We visited Key West just a few weeks ago, and now it’s time to share all the gems we found. From insider recommendations on the best things to do to some of our favorite restaurants, this guide has a bit of everything.

Let’s get right into our full guide on where to stay in Key West Florida!

Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Key West FL?

Key West is a tropical paradise with stunning beaches, charming Old Florida-style homes, and fantastic restaurants. There’s no need to fly to the Bahamas or anywhere else in the Caribbean—just keep your passport in your pocket and head to Key West, FL, instead.

Looking for suggestions on where to stay in Key West, Florida? Here are my personal favorite places to stay based on my own experience!

💡 Want to know more about other spring break destinations in Florida? Check out our ultimate guide!

Old Town Manor // Best Pet Friendly Hotel in Key West

Yes, Old Town Manor might just be the best pet-friendly hotel in Key West, but honestly, it’s also one of the most beautiful hotels in the area, period. The property looks exactly like you’d imagine an “Old Town Manor” to look—an elegant, spacious old Florida-style home surrounded by palm trees, with multiple terraces where you canhang out. They even have a lovely backyard where they serve breakfast. The rooms are traditional, yet charming, making it a perfect to stay in Key West.

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Opal Key Resort // Best Luxury Hotel in Key West

The Opal Key Resort & Marina is one of the top upscale hotels in Key West. Located right in the heart of Old Town, you’re just a few steps from Mallory Square and the waterfront. With spacious guest rooms, beautiful marina views, and great amenities like a heated pool, fitness center and on-site dining, it’s a popular choice for those wanting to stay close to everything, but still enjoy a little extra comfort.

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Fairfield Inn & Suites // Best mid-range Hotel in Key West

If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers great value for your money, consider staying at Fairfield Inn & Suites. Located in the Poinciana Plaza area of Key West, it’s just a few miles from the main attractions and beaches. The hotel offers modern rooms, free breakfast, an outdoor pool, a Tiki Bar, and a shuttle service to the old town.

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St Thomas Waterfront Penthouse // Best Holiday Home in Key West

This holiday home condo is my absolute go-to when visiting Key West with the whole family or a larger group of friends. It’s located right next to the harbor and offers all the facilities you would need for a group. It features a very spacious living room, a private patio with a BBQ area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a shared outdoor pool.

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Key West FL Area Guide – Best Places to Stay in Key West, FL

Key West is perfect if you’re not keen on driving everywhere. The island itself is small and packed with tons of cool things to do and see, making it easy to get around on foot or by bike.

The Historic Old Town (sometimes called the City Center) is the ideal spot if you want to have everything—restaurants, shopping, and sightseeing—right at your doorstep.

New Town, on the other hand, is a bit further from the action. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a quieter vibe while still being close enough to dip into the hustle and bustle when you feel like it.

For those hunting for more affordable accommodation in Key West, Poinciana Plaza could be a great fit.

Stock Island is another solid option if you don’t mind staying just outside Key West. It’s quieter, cheaper, and only a short drive from the main attractions—perfect for a day trip into the city center.

And lastly, there’s Sunset Key, a private island with just one resort. It’s incredibly exclusive and luxurious, and I couldn’t leave it out of this guide.

💡Looking for a cheaper alternative to Key West FL? Check out our guide to Anna Maria Island!

Key West’s 4 Best Areas to Stay In

Honestly, I think all of these areas in Key West are fantastic for their own reasons, so ranking them feels almost impossible. But here are my top four picks for the best places to stay in Key West. Plus, I’ll throw in some extra recommendations for things to do and a few of our favorite restaurants to check out while you’re there.

1. Old Town (City Center) – Where to Stay in Key West, FL for Your First Time

Is it your first time in Key West? Then you’ve got to stay in Old Town (aka the city center). This is the historic heart of Key West, and honestly, it’s also the most beautiful part. Old Town is centered around Duval Street, Key West’s main street, and is packed with iconic landmarks like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and Mallory Square.

We’ve stayed here before, and while it’s super convenient, it can get a little noisy depending on where your hotel is. If you’re someone who needs quiet at night, look for a spot that’s off the main drag. But if you want to be right in the middle of all the action, this is the place to be.

Best Hotels in the City Center:

Southernmost Beach Resort // Best Key West Hotel for Luxury

I have to say, this might be one of my favorite places to stay in Key West. Southernmost Beach Resort—as lame as it sounds—just has it all. Want to stay in an old Florida-style house but also enjoy a resort with an outdoor pool, right on the beach? Yes, this Key West hotel has all of that. The rooms are super modern and spacious, there’s free Wi-Fi, and the location is amazing, making it one of the best hotels in Key West.

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Southwinds Motel // Best Key West Motel in Old Town

If you’d rather stay somewhere that feels a little more authentic, with a family-owned vibe, then Southwinds Motel is great. It’s a small motel but super charming, modern, and clean. The beds are very comfortable, and they also have free Wi-Fi and an outdoor swimming pool.

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Things to Do in Key West Old Town:

• Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum – Yes, Hemingway actually lived here, and the house is full of history (and a lot of cats).
• Catch the sunset at Mallory Square – It’s a Key West must-do with street performers and a great vibe.
• Explore Duval St – Bars, shops, restaurants—it’s the lively heart of the island.
• Head to the Southernmost Point – Take a picture at the iconic marker which is the southernmost point of the continental U.S.
• Check out Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – Perfect for a mix of history and a little beach time.
• Visit the Harry S. Truman Little White House – A cool slice of presidential history tucked away in Old Town.

Where to Eat:

• Breakfast at Blue Heaven – Their eggs benedict is a must, and if you go on the weekend, you can enjoy live music with your meal.
• Insider tip: Grab a lobster roll at The Lobster Shack – It’s super close to the Southernmost Point and has some of the best lobster rolls we’ve ever had.

2. New Town – Best Area to Stay in Key West for Couples

New Town is right in the middle of the island—not so much in terms of activities and excitement, but location-wise. It’s definitely quieter and more laid-back here, making it perfect for couples looking for a more relaxed vibe.

This area feels a lot more local and residential, with some great hidden-gem restaurants and eateries that are way more affordable than the pricier spots in Old Town. Another thing we loved about New Town? The beaches here are stunning. You’ll find white sand and way fewer crowds since it’s outside the hustle of Old Town.

💡 Don’t want to drive this far and you’re looking for a more affordable option – Check out our guide to Siesta Key in Florida!

Best Hotels in New Town

Margaritaville Beach House Key West // Best Hotel for Couples

A fantastic resort for couples is the Margaritaville Beach House Key West. This beachfront property offers spacious suites, a fitness center, a private pool, and access to the nearby Sunset Key Beach. Margaritaville Beach House also provides an excellent shuttle service that picks you up from the airport and takes you to Old Town and all the attractions in Key West.

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Parrot Key Hotel // Coolest Resort in Key West

I think Parrot Key Hotel is the coolest resort in Key West. It just oozes the island vibe. The buildings themselves are old Florida island style on the outside and super modern and spacious on the inside. The resort also has a private beach, four different outdoor pools, a fitness center, and a gorgeous outdoor restaurant and bar.

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The Capitana Key West Fl

One of the most popular hotels in Key West is the Capitana Resort. Their rooms are very spacious, and many of them come with a balcony overlooking the marina. The hotel features a huge outdoor swimming pool area, a fitness center, and even a private beach.

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Things to Do in New Town:

• Spend the day at Smathers Beach – One of the prettiest beaches in Key West, and it’s way less touristy than the beaches closer to Old Town.
• Grab tacos at Paradise Cafe – A casual spot that serves up delicious tacos.
• Stop by Corner Sandwich Shop – Hands down, my favorite place for sandwiches. Perfect for a quick, tasty bite.
• Join a tiki boat sunset cruise – This is a must! It’s basically a floating bar, and it’s as fun as it sounds.

3.Poinciana Plaza – Best Place to Stay in Key West on a Budget

Key West definitely has a reputation for being on the pricey side, and honestly, that’s not too far off. Resorts and nice hotels here can easily set you back $300+ a night. But if you’re looking to keep things a bit more affordable (without sacrificing too much), Poinciana Plaza is a great option to consider.

This area is farther from Old Town, so hotels naturally cost less. It’s more residential, which means you’ll find lots of local restaurants, fast food spots, and even some supermarkets to help you save on meals. While it’s quieter and less touristy, you’ll still find some fun things to do nearby!

Best Hotels in Poinciana Plaza

Doubletree Resort by Hilton

If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable option, the Doubletree Resort by Hilton is a great choice. The hotel is located near Smathers Beach, so you’ll be just steps away from the ocean. It also has its own private beach area and offers amenities like a pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant.

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The Gates Hotel Key West

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, then The Gates Hotel Key West is one of the best choices in Key West. It’s a first-class resort with a beautiful pool area. The rooms are spacious and modern. If you have the Genius discount on Booking.com, you can get a room here for well under $200 a night, which is definitely cheap by Key West standards.

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Things to Do in Poinciana Plaza:

• Grab some street food at Garbo’s Grill – A local favorite for casual and tasty eats.
• Go kayaking in the mangroves – A relaxing way to explore the natural beauty of the area.
• Explore other islands in the Florida Keys – Key Largo is just a drive away and makes for a great day trip.
• Join a boat tour – there are so many cool boat tours in Key West, including lunch, snorkeling, and other fun water activities.

4.Stock Island – Best Neighborhood in Key West to Stay for Families

I know Stock Island isn’t technically part of Key West, but since it’s right next to it, it only makes sense to mention it here.

Located just across the bridge from Key West, Stock Island offers a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere.

One of the biggest attractions for families in Stock Island is its marinas and fishing charters. Kids will love going on a boat ride or trying their hand at fishing. The island also features a variety of eco-tours and wildlife encounters, making it perfect for nature-loving families.

Best Hotels in Stock Island

Perry Hotel

One of the most beautiful boutique hotels in the area and located right by the marina, the Perry Hotel is a top pick for families. With spacious rooms and suites featuring waterfront views, three different pools, a fitness center, and multiple restaurants on-site, there is something for everyone in the family.

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Oceans Edge Key West

Another fantastic all-inclusive resort for families is Oceans Edge Key West. With a waterfront location, multiple pools, water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding, multiple restaurants, and family rooms, it’s a great location if you’re traveling with kids.

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Things to Do in Stock Island

• Grab tacos at Bad Boy Taqueria – A casual spot for some seriously great tacos.
• Go on a jet ski adventure – Perfect for a fun and thrilling way to explore the water.
• Charter a private fishing trip – A fantastic activity for the whole family, whether you’re an experienced angler or a total newbie.
• Enjoy upscale seafood at The Docks Restaurant – Their ceviche is amazing and worth every bite.

5.Sunset Key – The Best Place to Stay in Key West for Luxury & Exclusivity

This last one is a bit specific, but it’s so cool I had to include it. Sunset Key is a private island just off the coast of Key West. It’s mostly residential, but it’s also home to one of the best hotels in Key West—Sunset Key Cottages. And here’s the kicker: you can only get to the island by boat! Talk about exclusive and luxurious.

The hotel offers stunning ocean views, lush surroundings, and its very own private beach for guests. Honestly, the boat ride over feels straight out of a James Bond movie, making the whole experience even more memorable. If you’re looking for something truly special, this spot is perfect—especially for a honeymoon or a romantic couples’ getaway.

Sunset Key Cottages

As mentioned above, Sunset Key Cottages is an exclusive hotel located on the private island of Sunset Key. The cottages are designed with island-style charm and boast all the modern amenities you could want.

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FAQs About Where to Stay in Key West, Florida

How do I get to Key West?

Getting to Key West is part of the fun! If you’re flying in, Key West International Airport (EYW) is just a short drive from most hotels. You can also fly into Miami Airport and take the scenic drive along US-1, known as the Overseas Highway, which connects the Keys and offers some stunning views along the way.

When is the best time to visit Key West?

The best time to visit Key West is probably from late fall (November) to early spring (April). The weather’s warm and sunny, but it’s not too hot, and the crowds aren’t overwhelming. Just know that prices tend to be higher during the winter holidays and spring break, so if you’re looking to save a little, try visiting in the off-season (summer and early fall) when things are quieter.

Is Key West expensive to visit?

It can be, especially when it comes to accommodations and dining, but there are definitely ways to make it work without breaking the bank. You can find more affordable places to stay in areas like Stock Island or New Town, and there are plenty of casual spots to grab a bite without the steep price tag. With a little planning, Key West doesn’t have to be a budget-buster!

Final Words on Where to Stay in Key West, Florida

Key West is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Florida—and honestly, in the entire United States.

The reputation of it being expensive? Yeah, that’s pretty accurate. There are definitely plenty of pricey hotels, restaurants, and activities. But here’s the thing—there are definitely ways to keep your trip more budget-friendly.

While it’s never going to be dirt cheap in the Florida Keys, you can still save a bit by booking apartments or condos, traveling with a group and sharing rooms, cooking your own meals, or finding some affordable local eats.

I hope this guide on where to stay in Key West gives you a good mix of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking to splurge or keep it more moderate, there’s a spot for you in Key West!

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