Summary
Key West, most renowned for its association with the esteemed American novelist Ernest Hemingway, is a city located on a four-mile-long and two-mile-wide island in the Florida Keys archipelago. This exclusive locale offers a distinctly relaxed atmosphere, rich artistic culture, and unique Concho-style architecture.
While Key West is better known for its stunning coral reefs rather than its beaches, it features a plethora of recreational activities, water sports, and historic locations. Situated closer to Cuba than to Miami, the city boasts a vibrant multicultural community. Over the centuries, Key West has served as a haven for both national and international visitors, providing a space to unwind and reconnect. The Key West Cemetery, with its eccentric gravestones like “I told you I was sick” and “I’m just resting my eyes,” humorously reflects the city’s whimsical and independent spirit.
Now, let us explore some of the notable neighborhoods within this delightful island city to assist you in choosing your accommodation in Key West during your stay.
Mallory Square
As the hub of social and commercial life in Key West, Mallory Square has welcomed visitors since the early 1820s. This neighborhood boasts a wide array of restaurants, museums, theaters, and shops, all within proximity to iconic landmarks. The area’s most alluring feature is its spectacular sunset view at the historic Mallory Dock, drawing hundreds of spectators each evening. In addition to the breathtaking sunset, an assortment of entertainers, including acrobats, sword swallowers, musicians, and fire jugglers, contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. It is advisable to arrive a few hours prior to sunset to fully appreciate the experience.
Ideal for: All types of travelers.
Additional Highlights: Key West Aquarium, Key West Shipwreck Museum, Fury Water Adventures Key West, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, and Audubon House & Tropical Gardens.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Pier House Resort & Spa – This property features a full-service spa, wellness center, outdoor pool, and private beach access, offering luxurious guestrooms equipped with amenities such as rain-style showers and cable TV. Guests may choose from numerous dining options available onsite.
- Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina – Located adjacent to Key West Aquarium, this waterfront hotel features an outdoor heated pool, fitness center, and stylish guestrooms designed for comfort.
- Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages – An adult-only location with multiple pools and a landscaped garden, providing easy access to major attractions such as Mallory Square and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
Old Town/Key West Historic District
The Key West Historic District, commonly referred to as Old Town, constitutes a designated U.S. historic district, encompassing over 187 significant buildings and a historic structure. This neighborhood contains the island’s central business district and the highest concentration of tourist attractions, primarily situated in the western section of the island. Notable landmarks include the Key West Aquarium, the Armory, and the famed Sloppy Joe’s, a bar once frequented by literary figures including Ernest Hemingway. The aquarium, the sole public facility of its kind on the island, houses a variety of marine life.
Ideal for: All types of travelers.
Additional Highlights: Oldest House & Garden Museum, Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Mile Marker 0, Key West Cemetery, and Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Old Town Manor – A pet-friendly, adult-only establishment featuring well-furnished rooms equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and cable TV in a serene garden setting.
- Courtney’s Place Historic Cottages & Inns – This historic property offers spacious, air-conditioned accommodations, an outdoor pool, and barbecue facilities for relaxation and family gatherings.
- Old Town Suites – Situated near the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, these self-catering units provide a comfortable stay for larger groups.
New Town
Located northeast of Old Town, New Town presents a stark contrast to its historic counterpart, offering a predominantly residential environment ideal for families and longer stays. The neighborhood features typical Florida-style CBS houses, home improvement stores, and shopping centers, allowing visitors to enjoy a quieter atmosphere while still being within convenient reach of tourist attractions.
Ideal for: All types of travelers.
Additional Highlights: Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, East Martello Museum, Charterboat Row, and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
Hotel Recommendations:
- 24 North Hotel Key West – This hotel features an outdoor pool, sun terrace, and elegantly designed rooms that overlook either the pool or ocean.
- The Gates Hotel Key West – Offering various amenities including an outdoor pool and shuttle service, this hotel ensures a comfortable stay for guests.
- Havana Cabana Key West – Close to Key West International Airport, this property boasts extensive facilities, including an outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast.
Smathers Beach
As the largest public beach on the island, Smathers Beach stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, beginning at the iconic Mile Marker Zero. This beach attracts over 150,000 visitors annually and is particularly crowded during spring break. Notably, it gained fame due to swimmer Diana Nyad, who completed a historic swim from Havana to Smathers Beach in 2013. The beach offers various amenities, including restrooms, picnic areas, food trucks, and jet ski rentals, ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors.
Ideal for: All types of travelers.
Additional Highlights: The Key West Nature Preserve, Fort East Martello Museum, Bayview Park, Southernmost Point, and Edward B. Knight Pier.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Sheraton Suites Key West – Located a short distance from the beach, this all-suite hotel features self-catering units and a lagoon pool offering a relaxing environment for guests.
- Best Western Key Ambassador Resort Inn – Encompassing seven acres of tropical landscape, this hotel features a heated oceanfront pool and various water activities for guests to enjoy.
- Hyatt Residence Club Key West, Windward Pointe – This property offers an outdoor pool, hot tub, and fully-equipped apartment units, perfect for family stays or larger groups.
Duval Street
As one of the most significant thoroughfares in Key West, Duval Street runs from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its modest length, it serves as the primary artery of the city, featuring a diverse array of restaurants, unique shops, and famed pubs. The historic Hogs Breath Saloon and the century-old Green Parrot Bar are popular spots among both locals and visitors. For those seeking adventure, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum provides insights into treasure hunting history and showcases artifacts recovered from the sunken Spanish Galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha.
Ideal for: All types of travelers.
Additional Highlights: The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West Lighthouse, The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Key West Firehouse Museum, Key West Cemetery, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, and Oldest House & Garden Museum.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Avalon Bed and Breakfast – This highly sought-after property offers canopy net-covered double beds and is situated near the beach, complemented by a small outdoor pool.
- Southernmost Point Guest House – Located within walking distance of the beach, this guest house features barbecue facilities and a well-maintained garden space.
- Douglas House – An adult-only, pet-friendly establishment with excellent accommodations and an outdoor pool, perfect for groups seeking a comfortable retreat.
Bahama Village
Once notorious for its high crime rate, Bahama Village has transformed into a vibrant sub-neighborhood of Old Town, rich in Bahamian heritage and known for its lively flea market. This 16-block area houses the island’s only public swimming pool and features a variety of restaurants, shops, and charming sights such as the free-roaming chickens. A prominent dining destination in the area is La Creperie, which is well-regarded among locals. The flea market, located at the entrance of Bahama Village, is ideal for shopping for memorable Key West souvenirs.
Ideal for: All types of travelers.
Additional Highlights: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden, The Key West Theater, Mile Marker 0, and Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.
Hotel Recommendations:
- La Concha Hotel & Spa – This historic hotel offers a range of amenities, including a Tiki Bar, outdoor pool, and rooftop spa, along with well-furnished rooms.
- Pegasus International Hotel – An Art Deco gem, this hotel features a stunning pool, sun terrace, and elegant accommodations.
- Ambrosia Key West – Conveniently located near cafes and galleries, this pet-friendly hotel offers complimentary hot breakfast and two swimming pools.
Historic Seaport
Known as the Key West Historic Seaport, this area offers a genuine island experience characterized by unique bars, distinctive art galleries, historic museums, and a scenic harbor walk. For centuries, it has served as a key maritime trading hub. Visitors can explore historic ships, including the 1939 Schooner Western Union, while partaking in sailing or diving adventures. For those with time to spare, chartering a historic yacht for a day of sailing followed by a catamaran trip to the nearby reefs is highly recommended.
Ideal for: All types of travelers.
Additional Highlights: Key West Bight, Flagler Station Oversea Railway Historeum, Sebago Watersports, and Reef Relief.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Seaport Inn – Centrally located within the Historic Seaport neighborhood, this inn features well-equipped studios and suites, all within walking distance of major attractions.
- Island City House – This historic hotel offers an outdoor pool, manicured gardens, and Victorian-style guestrooms, enhancing the guest experience.
- The Marker Waterfront Resort – Renowned as one of the premier oceanfront resorts in Key West, it features multiple pools and comprehensive amenities for an indulgent stay.
