A lot of first-time visitors to our island paradise are confounded that not all Key West resorts are on the beach. It’s an island, isn’t it? Surely, that means everything’s on the beach! Or so the logic goes. And don’t call me Shirley.
But the truth is cloudier, like the Gulf after a strong northerly wind. The Keys have plenty of beaches, but not enough for every resort to have one. So you get some resorts that are on the beach, some that are really close to the beach, and some that have built themselves little private beaches to enjoy.
Here’s a look at the best Key West, Florida, beach hotels and resorts.
Resorts in Key West Florida on the Beach
There are two basic types of places to stay in Key West, Florida on the beach. First, there are the hotels and resorts that are near the best Key West beaches. In some cases, they are near enough to have ocean views. In other cases, a quick walk to them. Most of these resorts are on the south side of the island that faces the Atlantic — that’s where most of the bigger beaches are.
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
Fins up, Parrotheads! Jimmy’s Key West resort is right on the beach. It’s the perfect location to sip coffee from your patio while watching the sunrise over the Atlantic or even take a long morning stroll to recuperate from your journey to the metaphoric Margaritaville the night prior.
And even if you’re not a Buffett fan, it’s a pretty nice, laid-back place with a lovely island vibe.
The Beach House has about the best beach access on the island, but most rooms don’t have an ocean view. However, it has lovely courtyards, a lagoon pool, and a tiki bar.
Hampton Inn Key West
Ok, so the Hampton Inn might not leap to mind when you consider beachy vacays, but Key West’s Hampton Inn is a beach resort in the truest sense. It’s situated on the island’s extreme southeastern corner, which views the open Atlantic. It’s also conveniently located next to the airport, but don’t worry — it’s not busy enough to keep you up at night. The inn rooms face an open courtyard with a lagoon-style pool and tiki bar.
If you walk across the street, a paved promenade (tourist-town talk for “sidewalk”) will take you down to Smathers Beach — the island’s longest beach. It’s about a 30-minute walk before the beach starts, but it’s a lovely stroll along the water.
While the hotel isn’t very convenient, they operate a free shuttle downtown. Bonus! If you’re planning to explore the rest of the Lower Keys, the Hampton Inn makes it easy to get on and off the island and has plenty of parking.
Southernmost Beach Resort
If you’re turned off by being so far from Old Town, check out the Southernmost Beach Resort. It’s near — I bet you didn’t see this coming, so hold on — the Southernmost Point at the south end of Duval.
To be clear, though, you’re still a good walk outside the busy part of Duval, but you’re at least on the right end of the island. It’s about a 15-minute walk up to the business district and another 15 minutes to the opposite end of the island for sunset at Mallory Square.
What you get is a beautiful spot on the quiet end of Duval. If you’re into walking and want to park your car and explore on foot, this spot has you covered. The other resorts on the beach require car rides for mobility.
The resort features standard rooms, suites, and a guesthouse for a more B&B experience. The rooms and suites are on the beach, while the guesthouse is a block off (but you still get access to the beach areas). The resort’s restaurant, the Southernmost Beach Cafe, is at the end of Duval.
Hotels with Private Beach in Key West, Florida
Ok, that pretty much does it for hotels in Key West, Florida, on the beach.
The second type of beach hotels in Key West, Florida, are those with private beaches. This sometimes adds an exclusive feel since you’ll only be rubbing shoulders with other guests. They’re usually quieter and more peaceful than public beaches.
On the other hand, you usually get a tiny beach area. There just isn’t much sand to go around on this little island. There are exceptions, though, so choose your Key West beach hotel wisely!
Pier House Key West
The Pier House is on the northwest end of Duval, right on the harbor with Gulf views. If you go to the little public beach at the end of Simonton Street and peer over the fence, you might catch a glimpse of the fancy people at the Pier House. But better than doing that is to stay at the Pier House and BE one of the fancy people.
The resort is built around its little square of oceanfront, with a sandy beach and a lovely tropical pool. Most rooms here have a fantastic view of something — the beach, the pool, the harbor, or Old Town.
Best of all, the resort is right in the heart of Old Town and within walking distance of all the best bars in Key West — and everything else.
Casa Marina Key West
Ok, enough of these fluffy little sand patches. How about a five-star experience on a huge, private beach? Head to Casa Marina on the south end of Old Town for all that and more.
Two pools, one for families and one for adults? Check!
Beautiful 1920s restored buildings? Check!
Largest private beach in Key West? Check, check, check!
Casa Marina is situated on the island’s south end, facing the Atlantic from a really impressive private beach. It’s a few blocks east of the Southernmost Beach Resort but has a much more exclusive feel. And if its beach isn’t enough to contain your sunset perambulation, adjacent Higgs Beach provides more legroom.
The Reach
Next door to the Casa Marina is The Reach, which is pretty darned lovely as well. Like Casa Marina, it’s owned by Hilton’s Curio Collection. It has a beautiful beach overlooking the Atlantic and a pier with an over-water gazebo. They have on-site watersports, including jet skis, and lots of beach and pool lounge space. Compared to Casa Marina’s historical elegance, The Reach is more chic, modern, and hip. Location-wise, they’re both basically in the same spot.
Hyatt Beach House Key West, Florida
This Beach House is on the extreme northeast tip of the island, to the right as you cross the bridge from Stock Island. Their beach is a sandy little area that faces north, toward the Gulf of Whatever-We’re-Calling-It-These-Days. There are also all the regular resort must-haves: a tropical lagoon pool, hammocks under palm trees, a tiki bar named in honor of Jimmy Buffett, and plenty of places to get sand between your toes.
Like the resorts near the airport, this one is a car ride away from Old Town’s attractions. However, it’s very convenient to get on and off the island, and it’s a peaceful island getaway in its own right.
This location is a Hyatt Vacation Club, with two-bedroom villas and suites perfect for longer-term getaways. While anyone can stay there, it’s the choice for folks already members of the Vacation Club scheme.
In Key West, Florida, Hotels on the Beach Are Just the Beginning
Key West has tons of beaches to explore, great food, famous bars, and all sorts of weird and wild stuff. But you can’t come to the island without spending time on the water, and a private charter to go Key West sandbar hopping is just the ticket.
Charters can combine all your favorite activities: just tool around in the boat, visit remote tropical beaches and sandbars, do a spot of snorkeling, or even add a sunset cruise. With your itinerary in mind, we’ll set up the perfect day on the water.
