Does your furry friend love living in island time as much as you do? Well, good news for all the Good Boys and Good Girls out there — Key West is one of the most pet-friendly islands anywhere.
Finding a hotel that allows pets in Key West is no challenge, but finding the best of the best takes a little work. Be sure to check each resort’s policy, as they all have varying degrees of pet friendliness. There’s usually a fee, but is it per night, per pet, or a flat rate for your stay? Some places say “pets” but mean dogs only; others allow cats, too, and others will take anything on four legs and begrudgingly allow two-legged owners, too. Finally, is a hotel really pet-friendly if they don’t hand out cookies at the front desk?
Here are my top picks for the best pet friendly hotels in Key West should you want to share your island vacation with your fur baby.
Pet Friendly Hotels in Key West, Florida, for Good Boys and Girls
If you want to travel with your pup, kitty, Polly, or Lizzy, there are few better destinations than Key West. Not only do you forgo the hassles of air and international travel, but the island is a haven for pets as much as people. Some of the best resorts on the island have their own dog parks, and there are places where you can bring your best friend for a swim in the ocean or a refreshing beverage at the bar.
There’s a local legend about why Key West and the Florida Keys are so welcoming to pets. The islands have always had more relaxed laws that allowed pets in outdoor bars and restaurants since before it became a “thing” in the rest of the Sunshine State. The story goes that there was once a county commissioner with a pet iguana, and he got fed up by not being allowed to go to his favorite beach bar with his beloved. So, in a splendid show of government working for the people, the rules changed, and Monroe County restaurants couldn’t turn furry or scaly friends away from outdoor establishments.
Like most urban legends, this one is probably poop-sack-worthy. But the Keys have been one of Fido’s favorite vacation destinations for a long time.
Of course, the biggest problem with planning a fur-filled Keys vacation is finding a pet friendly hotel in Key West. Thankfully, resorts here take a similar tactic to restaurants. Knowing that so many pet lovers like to visit these islands, many hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals provide comfortable places for you and your fur babies to lay their heads at night.
For your reference, I’ve included details on each hotel’s pet policy, including fees. However, like everything you read on the internet, you’ll want to double-check the details before making your reservations — things change quickly around here!
The Perry Key West
Located on Stock Island, it’s hardly in the heart of Old Town. But it has two dog parks (one for bigs and one for smalls), and the location is quiet and relaxing. By car, it’s easy to get to Key West and the Lower Keys, including some great places your pet will want to check out.
The Perry gets the coveted five-bones from Bring Fido, but they only allow dogs (not even cats). The fee for one dog is $75 per night or $100 for two, but there are no size restrictions. Dogs are allowed everywhere on the property except for the pool and pool deck.
Oceans Edge Key West
It’s one of the best Key West resorts, even if it’s over on Stock Island. But the place has magnificent water views, a colorful marina with the best charter boat in town (mine!), and a lovely dog park.
Oceans Edge allows two dogs under 60 pounds per room for an extra fee of $70 per night per animal. Like most resorts, you can’t leave your dogs unattended.
Margaritaville Beach House
Just like Jimmy’s beloved King Charles Spaniels, your fur friend is welcome to join you in Margaritaville. Just be sure one of you is the designated driver.
The Beach House is located right across the highway from sandy Smathers Beach, which is unfortunately not dog-friendly. But it’s still a great Key West beach hotel, and they can walk the sidewalk, so morning strolls along the ocean are an option here.
The Beach House allows up to two dogs that are no more than 30 pounds, and the fee is $75 per pooch per night. There’s some mumbling about being well-mannered, but that’s probably referring to the owners.
Hampton Inn Key West
Just a little down the highway, you’ll find the Hampton Inn. Situated on the easternmost portion of Key West, it has parking, making getting to either Old Town or the rest of the Lower Keys easy. They also have a convenient shuttle to Duval.
Pets are allowed for a flat fee of $50 for up to four nights or $75 for five nights or more. There’s a two-pet limit, but it can be either dogs or cats. No weight restrictions are listed.
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort
The Hyatt Centric gets five whole bones from Bring Fido. It has a great location on the island’s north end, near the marinas and not too far from Duval. Right next door is the tiny Simonton Beach, which has the dog-friendly Loggerheads Beach Bar. The little boat ramp at the end of the street is a great place to practice your doggy paddle.
The Hyatt allows one dog up to 50 pounds or two pets up to 75 pounds in total weight. The fee is a flat fee of $150 for stays up to six nights or $300 for stays of seven or more nights. Dogs are not allowed in/on the pool, beach, public spaces, or restaurants.
Ambrosia Key West
Ambrosia is one of the best pet friendly hotels in Key West near Duval Street; it’s just a few blocks away on Fleming.
Not every room is pet-friendly, so arrangements must be made before check-in. They charge $25 per night per pet, up to two pets. They can be left alone, but not for more than five hours, and only if they are not disturbing other guests. Like most places, pets are not allowed in the pool.
Havana Cabana Key West
Looking for a place in New Town? Havana Cabana is on the north shore of Key West, facing the Gulf. And the best part? While Havana Cabana welcomes pups, it’s an adults-only resort. All the wags and no tail-pulling!
Outside of your room, pets are allowed in the lobby, pool bar, tiki hut, and even the downtown shuttle. The fee is $75 per day for one dog and $125 for two.
Old Town Manor
Here’s another option just steps away from Duval Street on Eaton. Old Town Manor is a chill little bed and breakfast in the heart of Old Town.
Make sure to let them know you have a pet when you book your reservation, and expect a $50 fee per night for one pet (plus an extra $25 for each additional). You can have up to three with no size or weight limits. Pets must be crated if left alone, and the resort has an extra-large crate available if you don’t have one. The resort specifically requires pets to be well-behaved, quiet, and housebroken. It’s the sort of schpeel that makes you want to pee on a rug while barking your head off, seriously. But it can’t be all bad because they too get five bones on Bring Fido.
Other Pet Friendly Activities in Key West
Once you’re in Key West, what will you do/see/bark at? Here’s a list of the island’s top pet-friendly activities you might want to check out.
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- Hang at the beach bar/restaurants — check each place’s policies, but generally, if it’s outdoors, you’ll be welcomed
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- Higgs Beach Dog Park — woof woof
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- Key West Aquarium — take a walk and look at the fishes
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- Mallory Square sunset celebration — lots of people, might be a bit freaky for shy pets
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- Fort Zachary Taylor and Bahia Honda State Parks (but not on the beaches or in the buildings) — Florida state parks all have the same rules, but there are still trails and lovely spots to check out. The beach rule is to protect turtle and seabird nests, so it’s understandable.
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- Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden — sniff the trees and flowers
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- Key West Dog Beach — the only place on the island where you can get wet and sandy
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- Casual Monday Charters — private sandbar charters to the best beaches and sandbars in Key West, perfect for pups who love playing in the water
