Inspiration Hotels The Best Key West Beachfront Hotels Pier House Resort & Spa is our top choice in this island paradise. By Christina Liao Updated on 12/24/22 Fact checked by Elizabeth Brownfield Fact checked by Elizabeth Brownfield University of Iowa Elizabeth Brownfield is a writer, editor, and researcher with over 15 years of experience writing about travel, food, and the home. She has contributed to such publications as Vogue, Glamour, Food Network, Martha Stewart Living, Domino, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Fitness, Tasting Table, Eater, and TripSavvy. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. With its free-spirited nature and high-low vibes, Key West’s hotels reflect the city’s come-as-you-are attitude. Whether you want to splurge on a private island stay or cozy up in a motel near all the action, there’s a lodging option to fit your style. The southernmost city in the United States is closer to Cuba than it is to Miami, imbuing it with culture and a sense of relaxation that the Caribbean is regarded for. Explore the lively Duval Street, dive into the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S., or relax on the white sand beaches—there’s truly something for everyone. Read on for our expert list of the best beachfront and water-facing hotels in Key West. The 6 Best Key West Beachfront Hotels of 2023 Best Overall: Pier House Resort & Spa Best Budget: Blue Marlin Motel Best for Luxury: Casa Marina Key West Best Boutique: The Marker Key West Best Private Island Stay: Sunset Key Cottages Best Marina Stay: The Perry Hotel Key West The Best Key West Beachfront Hotels View All The Best Key West Beachfront Hotels Our Top Picks Pier House Resort & Spa Blue Marlin Motel Casa Marina Key West The Marker Key West Sunset Key Cottages The Perry Hotel Key West See More (3) Final Verdict Compare Hotels Methodology Best Overall : Pier House Resort & Spa TripSavvy's Rating 4.0 One Duval Street Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It Set on the northern end of Duval Street, Pier House Resort & Spa provides guests with a convenient location with a number of amenities. Notable Amenities Outdoor pool, private beach, complimentary self-parking Pros and Cons Pros Direct access to a small private beach Private balconies or patios with garden or ocean views Located on the northern end of Duval Street Cons $49 daily resort fee Some accommodations have dated decor Hotel Overview A Key West icon, Pier House Resort & Spa opened in 1967 and has welcomed esteemed guests like Truman Capote and the Rockefellers. Today, it continues to be a favorite among vacationers for its location right on the water on the northern end of Duval Street. Just close enough to all of the action on the island’s main drag, it also feels just far enough removed that you still can enjoy a tranquil getaway. Some rooms are more dated than others, but many have a private balcony where guests can take in the Gulf of Mexico. The property also offers guests an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, a private white sand beach, and great dining options. Make sure to stop by Chart Room Bar, where Jimmy Buffet and Bob Marley got their starts. Best Budget : Blue Marlin Motel TripSavvy's Rating 2.0 1320 Simonton St Rates: $ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It Just a short walk from the beach, Blue Marlin Motel is as close as you’ll get to the ocean without having to break the bank. Notable Amenities Outdoor pool, complimentary continental breakfast Pros and Cons Pros All rooms have a refrigerator and microwave A block away from Duval Street Cons No on-site restaurant No direct beach access, (but just a short walk away) Dated decor Hotel Overview Key West on a budget can be rather difficult, and wallet-friendly hotels by the water just don’t exist. But Blue Marlin Motel gets you as close to the ocean as possible without having to break the bank on accommodations. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but it’s just a short walk to the beach and one block over from Duval Street. The property also has an outdoor pool, and each room has a refrigerator and microwave. Best for Luxury : Casa Marina Key West TripSavvy's Rating 5.0 1500 Reynolds Street Rates: $$$$ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It The landmark Casa Marina, Curio Collection by Hilton, sits on Key West’s largest private beach. Notable Amenities Private beach, two outdoor pools, water sports rentals, bike rentals Pros and Cons Pros Sits on Key West’s largest private beach Majority of the accommodations have ocean views Children under 16 stay for free staying in parents' room Cons $48+ daily resort fee $35 valet fee per night $30 self-parking fee per night Hotel Overview Since opening on New Year's Eve in 1920, Casa Marina, Curio Collection by Hilton, has played host to notable guests from Ernest Hemingway to Helen Mirren. The art deco landmark was designed by the same architects behind the New York Public Library and holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Accommodations are sparsely decorated, but the majority boast large picture windows and ocean views. The crown jewel of the property is the 1,100-foot private beach that it sits on, the largest in Key West. Guests also can relax by two outdoor pools where they’ll be spoiled with full service, including eucalyptus towels and popsicles that are brought around to sunbathers. For some extra pampering, head over to the spa where you can enjoy your treatment indoor or outdoors. There also are four food and beverage options, including an alfresco bar and grill. Should you want a change of scenery, transportation and access to sister property the Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton, can be arranged. Best Boutique : The Marker Key West TripSavvy's Rating 4.0 200 William St Rates: $$ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It While most waterfront hotels in Key West have more than 100 rooms, the 96-key Marker is as intimate as it gets. Notable Amenities Three outdoor pools, live entertainment, complimentary introductory scuba classes, bike rentals Pros and Cons Pros All rooms feature balconies, walk-in showers, and soaking tubs Live music by the pool every Wednesday through Sunday Complimentary introductory scuba classes Tuesday through Thursday Cons $48 daily resort fee $30 self-parking fee per night No direct beach access Hotel Overview The Marker Key West made a splash when it opened in 2014 as the area’s first new build in more than two decades. Now, following a multi-million dollar renovation, it’s better than ever. Nestled within Old Town along the harbor, the hotel’s conch-style architecture is a nod to Key West. The accommodations, swathed in white and bright blue, feature sliding French doors, walk-in showers, soaking tubs, and furnished balconies overlooking the water or the property’s lush gardens. Despite the hotel’s relatively small size, there’s a trio of palm-tree-lined pools, one of which is reserved just for adults, allowing plenty of space for guests to spread out and unwind. When hunger strikes, head over to Starboard Restaurant & Bar for some waterfront dining and daily happy hour. Best Private Island Stay : Sunset Key Cottages 245 Front Street Rates: $$$$ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It Located on a 27-acre island just off the coast of the mainland, Sunset Key Cottages boasts spacious accommodations and its own exclusive beach. Notable Amenities Private beach, outdoor pool with two jacuzzis and a waterfall, two tennis courts, complimentary Saturday morning beach yoga Pros and Cons Pros Ample space and privacy Exclusive beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas Complimentary 24-hour boat transportation to and from the mainland Cons $250 daily resort fee Spa closed on Saturday and Sundays Hotel Overview Just a skip away from the mainland, Sunset Key Cottages is sprawled across a lush 27-acre island. Accommodations come in the form of spacious one- to four-bedroom cottages with private verandas, full kitchens, and breakfast baskets filled with freshly baked pastries and fruit delivered to your porch every morning. The pastel-hued buildings are surrounded by verdant gardens dotted with jasmine and frangipani trees. Enjoy the resort’s very own exclusive beach, lounge by the pool, book an excursion on the water, or unwind at the spa. For those who like to remain active, there’s a 24-hour gym in addition to beach yoga on Saturday mornings and two tennis courts. While you easily can hop into town for a bite via the property’s private launch, don’t miss out on a delectable meal highlighting locally sourced seafood at the property’s award-winning Latitudes, where you can also enjoy a complimentary rum tasting every afternoon. Best Marina Stay : The Perry Hotel Key West TripSavvy's Rating 4.0 7001 Shrimp Road Rates: $$ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It The naval-inspired Perry Hotel Key West on the southern end of Stock Island has an on-site, 288-slip marina that’s perfect for boaters. Notable Amenities Two outdoor pools, F45 gym, outdoor fire pits, complimentary shuttle service, complimentary self-parking, two dog parks Pros and Cons Pros An on-site, 288-slip marina Complimentary scheduled shuttle service to Old Town and Higgs Beach Complimentary training classes at the on-site F45 gym Cons $47 daily resort fee No on-site spa Hotel Overview One of the newer properties in the area, the Perry Hotel Key West is located on neighboring Stock Island and boasts an on-site, 288-slip marina. Guests easily can rent a spot to park their boat just a few steps away from their room. All of the spacious accommodations boast private balconies with water views and coastal-inspired furnishings while some have the added bonus of an open-air shower. The contemporary hotel also boasts several other desirable amenities, including two heated outdoor pools, an F45 gym with complimentary training classes (high-intensity group workouts), a free scheduled shuttle to and from Old Town and Higgs Beach, and an on-site scooter, bike, and Arcimoto electric vehicle rentals. When hunger strikes, there are four food and beverage outlets to choose from, three of which are dockside so you can enjoy the calming vista while noshing on fresh seafood. Final Verdict Whether you want to jazz things up or keep it casual in Key West, there’s a hotel for you. For more luxurious digs, splurge on a room at Casa Marina, where you’ll be spoiled with the city’s largest beach, or indulge on a private island stay at Sunset Key Cottages. If you plan on spending most of your time on a boat, consider the Perry Hotel Key West, which has a 288-slip marina right at its doorstep. Those seeking something a little more intimate should take a look at the Marker Key West. If you want to be near all the action on Duval Street, Pier House Resort & Spa has you covered while those traveling on a budget will appreciate Blue Marlin Motels’ convenient location and wallet-friendly pricing. Compare the Best Key West Beachfront Hotels Property Rates Resort Fee Free Wi-Fi Pier House Resort & Spa Best Overall $$ $49 Yes Blue Marlin Motel Best Budget $ None Yes Casa Marina, Curio Collection by Hilton Best for Luxury $$$$ $45 Yes The Marker Key West Best Boutique $$ $48 Yes Sunset Key Cottages Best Private Island Stay $$$$ $250 Yes The Perry Hotel Key West Best Marina Stay $$ $47 Yes Methodology We evaluated more than a dozen hotels that either were beachfront or waterfront in Key West and on nearby islands before settling on the best for the chosen categories. Notable amenities, pricing, quality of service, and recent openings all were taken into consideration. In determining this list, we evaluated numerous customer reviews and considered whether the property has collected any accolades in recent years. Casa Marina. Waldorf Astoria Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies