Best Beach Hotels in the Florida Keys

If you’re headed to the Florida Keys, chances are that you’re hoping for a beachy getaway. The tropical climate means sunny weather year-round, perfect for surf and sand activities. However, beaches aren’t as numerous in the Keys as you might think, despite being some of the most famous islands in the United States. That makes finding the perfect Florida Keys beach hotel can be a bit more challenging. Whether you want easy sea access for the kids, or to take in those romantic views with a loved one, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our top beach hotel picks in the Florida keys, and start planning your beach getaway!

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1

Hawks Cay Resort

Duck Key, Florida, United States

Spread out over 60 acres on Duck Key, this resort offers rooms, suites, and villas, all of which were renovated in 2018, after the resort sustained damages from Hurricane Irma. The resort gets plenty of families, owing largely to its numerous on-site amenities, which include a seven dining outlets, a marina with 85 slips for guest use, a kids' camp, a manmade saltwater lagoon with stand-up paddle boarding, a fishing charter service, and five pools, one of which you can see on the hotel’s webcam. There's also a lovely spa, Calm Waters, offering treatments that use locally inspired ingredients, plus tennis courts, yoga classes, and a fitness center.

2

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Islamorada, Florida, United States

Built in 1946, the 214-room Cheeca Lodge was one of the original luxury properties on Islamorada. The property was rebuilt after a fire gutted its main building in 2009, and again after Hurricane Irma caused damage in 2018. Today it features spacious rooms with tropical-luxe decor and massive bathrooms. Amenities are fantastic, too, with a Jack Nicklaus-designed nine-hole golf course, a kids’ club, free bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards, and a full-service spa, complete with a Vichy shower. The lush grounds are especially pretty at night, with a tiki bar on the beach and torch-lit paths.

3

Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Key West, Florida, United States

The 311 rooms of the Casa Marina Resort have a light, sophisticated, but still island-y feel, with neutral tones, sheer curtains, and sleek hardwood or tiled floors. The resort also offers great in-room amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and espresso machines. Although bathrooms aren't anything grand (just simple walk-in showers or shower/tub combos), they're clean and sleek. The resort's grounds are beautiful, with palm trees and lush foliage, and lead to a rare amenity in Key West -- a swimmable beach. Although it's too rocky to wade into the water, a long dock extends to sandier bottoms.

4

The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

Key West, Florida, United States

Situated on a clean, sandy Atlantic beach (complete with its own private pier for fishing), this laid-back hotel offers simple, bright rooms with nautical decor schemes, and many have ocean views. On-site amenities are limited, though there is a large pool with ocean views, event space for meetings and weddings, and a smattering of bars and restaurants. Fortunately, guests of the resort get access to the more extensive facilities and dining at the posher Casa Marina Key West, the sister hotel next door.

5

Sunset Key Cottages

Key West, Florida, United States

Situated on Sunset Key, which is only accessible by boat, this high-end beach property offers 27 beach cottages, each with its own full kitchen and up to four bedrooms. Highlights include a beautiful private beach with hammocks and loungers, a heated saltwater pool, two whirlpools, and poolside cocktail service. There's also a spa and a fitness center as well as an ocean-facing restaurant, Latitudes, for those who don't want to do the cooking themselves. And while this property is geared toward relaxation, travelers needn't fear boredom: Key West is only a seven-minute ferry ride away.

6

Southernmost Beach Resort

Key West, Florida, United States

Southernmost on the Beach is a Key West favorite. Many rooms have balconies, and some have corner, wrap-around balconies with ocean views that are truly spectacular. Polished rooms are decorated in soothing, beach-inspired tones. Highlights here include the spectacular beach, long pool, private sunbathing pier, and sunny fitness center. With hammocks strung between palm trees and Adirondack chairs looking out over the ocean, this 124-room hotel provides the perfect environment to relax.

7

Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort

Marathon, Florida, United States

Set on a sandy, snow-white stretch of beach, this elegant resort offers lovely suites and townhouse-style cottages along with plenty of amenities. The beach here is the most attractive feature (and it's kept perpetually clean thanks to an eco-friendly seagrass fence just offshore),  and there are waverunners, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards to rent right on-site. Other features include a beachfront tiki bar, an all-day restaurant, and a 24-hour fitness center.

8

Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort

Key Largo, Florida, United States

This 153-room property is located in northern Key Largo, a short drive from the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and close to shops and restaurants. Not a lot stands out, but there are a few perks -- like a diver’s center on-site, an adequate spa, and a nice private beach (albeit a tiny one). Big rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and nicer decor than other mid-range chains in the area. Book a room with an ocean view to enjoy the beautiful Key Largo sunsets.

9

La Mer Hotel and Dewey House at Southernmost Beach Resort

This upscale adults-only boutique property is situated right on the beach and has only 19 rooms, all with flat-screen TVs and some with balconies. This property doesn’t offer many features beyond a free breakfast served on a terrace overlooking the sea, but guests can access all of the facilities at its two sister hotels (Southernmost Hotel and Southernmost on the Beach), including three pools, a gym, drinking and dining options, and a private pier.

10

Lime Tree Bay Resort

Layton, Long Key

Striking a solid balance between affordability and comfort, this smallish property offers homey rooms, suites, and townhouses, most with balconies and some with kitchens right on a lovely little stretch of beach. Facilities include two outdoor pools, one of which looks out over the ocean and has an adjacent hot tub, plus free loaner bicycles and kayaks and even an on-site fishing dock. There's also a tennis court, barbecue grills, and a restaurant, The Florida Boy Bar and Grill, where a free continental breakfast is served every morning.

11

Pines and Palms Resort

Islamorada, Florida, United States

Located right on the beach on Islamorada (and not to be confused with the Palm and Pines RV resort in mainland Florida), this mid-range property offers a variety of rooms, suites, cottages, and villas for groups of up to six people. All come with homelike amenities (including kitchens, necessary given the resort lacks a restaurant) and some even add whirlpool tubs and washers and dryers. On-site features include fishing and yoga classes, a pool with a bar and happy hour, and free coffee and tea in the lobby. And if you’re curious about weather conditions or just want a glimpse of life at the resort, they even have a webcam on their website.

12

Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel

Key West, Florida, United States

On its own stretch of private (and, admittedly, manmade) beach, this family-friendly resort offers a good alternative for those looking for something removed from the party scene in downtown Key West, but still want to be able to reach it easily. A shuttle runs between the resort and Duval Street, and if you do decide to bring your own car, on-site parking is available (but it will cost you). Rooms here are sleek, with dark-wood furniture, and suites have up to three bedrooms and come with modern kitchens, complete with stainless steel appliances. On-site amenities include a restaurant with nightly entertainment, a small gym, and a beach-facing pool, and while there's no proper spa, massages and facials can be arranged.