The Best Beach Hotels to Book in the Florida Keys

Cheeca Lodge and Spa has long been known as one of the best beach hotels in the Florida Keys
Cheeca Lodge and Spa has long been known as one of the best beach hotels in the Florida Keys | Courtesy of Cheeca Lodge and Spa / Expedia
Julia Sayers Gokhale

Imagine watching the sun dip below the ocean after a day spent laying on the beach or snorkeling colorful reefs. If that’s your version of paradise, then the Florida Keys fit that bill perfectly. This chain of islands off the tip of mainland Florida could easily be mistaken as its own Caribbean country. Find world-renowned fishing, white sand, crystal-clear water and a fun laid-back vibe at these beach hotels in the Florida Keys, bookable with Culture Trip.

1. Cheeca Lodge & Spa, for a reel good time in Islamorada

Spa Hotel, Hotel

The lagoon-style pool rimmed by palm trees and lounge chairs at Cheeca Lodge and Spa on Islamorada in the Florida Keys
Courtesy of Cheeca Lodge and Spa / Expedia

Located in Islamorada, Cheeca Lodge has long been known as one of the best beach hotels in the Florida Keys. The resort’s 214 rooms and suites all have access to a 1,200ft (365m) private beach, as well as 27 acres (11ha) of gardens and several pools. The resort is a favorite of anglers, who can charter boats through the resort or fish off the 525ft (160m) pier (the longest in the Keys). Guests all enjoy unlimited use of fishing gear, bikes, kayaks and other water sports equipment.

2. Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton, for contemporary cool in Key Largo

Hotel, Resort, Chain Hotel

Beachfront wooden deck area with swing seats at Bakers Cay Resort Key Largo
Courtesy of Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo / Expedia

For a sleek stay, Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo is a modern, beachfront resort with plenty of spots for tranquility. Sip tropical cocktails from a poolside tiki bar, snag a spot on one of the comfy deck swings overlooking the ocean or relax on a hammock on the private beach. In addition to on-site restaurants, the hotel offers a “dock-to-dish” program where they’ll cook your day’s catch.

3. Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, for lush living in Key Largo

Luxury

Exterior view of the curved pool at Playa Largo Resort and Spa, lined with lounge chairs, palm trees and stone arches
Courtesy of Playa Largo Resort and Spa, Autograph Collection / Expedia

This beachfront Key Largo resort is nestled amidst lush tropical foliage and has nearly 15 acres (6ha) of shoreline. In addition to airy rooms and suites, the resort also offers 10 oceanfront bungalows and a three-bedroom beach house with a private pool. Save up your appetite because the resort restaurants are some of the best on the island. Choose between a casual beach shack restaurant, a Peruvian ceviche bar, a full-service Mediterranean restaurant and light bites at the Sand Bar.

5. Hawks Cay Resort, for a dip with dolphins on Duck Key

Hotel

Kayaks sitting on beach in front of Hawks Cay Resort at sunset, Duck Key, Florida
Courtesy of Hawks Cay Resort / Expedia

You’ll feel like you’re on your own private island at Hawks Cay, located on the secluded Duck Key. The resort itself feels like a community, with villas, hotel rooms, tennis courts, shopping, restaurants and a marina spread across the island. One of the most unique aspects of Hawks Cay is the resort’s saltwater lagoon that’s home to a group of bottlenose dolphins. Guests can participate in the Dolphin Connection experience, where they can meet, play and swim with the friendly creatures.

6. Tranquility Bay Beachfront Hotel and Resort, for a turtle-y perfect time in Marathon

Hotel, Resort

Balcony with Adirondack chairs and view of white sands at Tranquility Bay Beachfront Hotel and Resort, Marathon Key, Florida
Courtesy of Tranquility Bay Beachfront Hotel and Resort / Expedia

At Tranquility Bay, you can customize your vacation to what you want. Book a two- or three-bedroom beach house through the resort for the ultimate privacy – no shared hallways or elevators. Or, opt for a tropical garden room amidst the lush landscaping. The oasis in Marathon includes three pools, a private beach and on-site water sports. Children receive a free plush turtle toy, due to the resort’s support of the neighboring Turtle Hospital, an organization that rehabs sea turtles.

7. Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, for dropping anchor in Marathon

Resort

Marina with yachts and lighthouse at Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club in Marathon, Florida Keys
Courtesy of Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club / Expedia

You’ll know you’ve found Faro Blanco resort by its iconic red-and-white lighthouse. The historic landmark stands at the resort’s full-service marina, which means you can check in by boat or car. More than 100 rooms and suites can be found at this waterfront hotel. When you’re ready to adventure, book a fishing charter or rent a Jeep on site from the resort.

8. Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, for Hollywood luxury in Key West

Resort, Hotel

Dramatic water-rimmed walkway toward beach at Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, in Key West
Courtesy of Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort / Expedia

Casa Marina has been a thriving hot spot in Key West since the 1920s. The old Hollywood elite used to hide out at Key West’s largest private beach, two pools and a spa. Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway’s house are just 1mi (1.6km) from the resort. Take advantage of dining options on the property or at sister property, the Reach Key West. At Casa Marina, you can also arrange for a private, personalized dinner on the beach.

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