3 Hotels in Key West That Capture the Island’s Chill Vibe

Looking for great hotels in Key West? From the Ridley House to Oceans Edge Resort & Marina, we’ve got three solid recommendations sure to enhance your chill Key West vacation. 

Want tailored recs instead? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip, and we’ll suggest the Key West hotels that best suit your travel preferences and budget while scoring you VIP hotel perks along the way (at no extra cost, BTW). 

What area of Key West is the best to stay in?

Broadly speaking, Key West has two distinct areas: historic Old Town and commercial New Town.

Old Town is where the island is at its liveliest, especially around Duval Street. Here you can peruse shops, sip cocktails and sample the island’s best restaurants. The vibe is generally laid back, but there’s plenty to do and the nightlife is exciting. (Check our guide to things to do in Key West.)

New Town is generally more residential, with more amenities and services (think supermarkets, etc.). But it’s also where you’ll find the island’s largest beach, Smathers. 

The cool thing is that Key West is so small that you really don’t have to worry about one side being inconvenient to access. In other words, there’s not really a “bad” area to stay in Key West — it’s just a matter of what you prefer to be closer to. 

3 of our favorite hotels in Key West

Read on for a quick breakdown of three of our favorite hotels in Key West.

Or skip the reading (it’s fine) and book your trip with Fora for tailored recommendations and access to VIP Key West hotel perks instead.

1. Kimpton Ridley House: a lovely & historic boutique hotel in Key West near Duval Street

Image courtesy of Kimpton Ridley House

Just a couple short blocks away from the island’s most exciting stretch in Old Town, Kimpton Ridley House offers boutique-style accommodations with a refined beachy theme. 

The former home of a wealthy 19th-century industrialist, Ridley House has maintained much of its original aesthetic. However, this intimate Key West hotel has undergone numerous renovations to ensure guests can enjoy contemporary amenities in a relaxing setting. 

Ridley House’s location is hard to beat, too. Duval Street, the Historic Waterfront Walk and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park — just to name a few of the city’s cool attractions — are all within walking distance (or you can borrow a bike from the hotel).

Fora Perks at Kimpton Ridley House:

• $50 hotel / resort credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & late check-out whenever possible.
  
  

2. Margaritaville Beach House Key West: a chill Key West Hotel with excellent beach access

Literally across the street from Smathers Beach, Margaritaville Beach House is one of the best hotels in Key West for travelers who simply want to kick back and relax by the waves (or onsite pool). 

Style-wise, the decor matches the island’s chill vibe with comfy furnishings and amenities. Compared to Ridley House, the look and feel is a bit more contemporary but the emphasis on tropical decor remains.

While the hotel is located in New Town, it’s only about a 10-minute drive to Duval Street with traffic.

Book and plan your trip with Fora to level up your stay at Margaritaville Beach House.

(Not sure what to do on the island? Check out our 3-day Key West itinerary — or if you’re looking for a longer stay, our 5-day Key West itinerary.)

3. Oceans Edge Resort & Marina Key West: one of the most luxurious hotels in Key West

Image courtesy of Oceans Edge Resort and Marina Key West

Oceans Edge Resort & Marina is arguably the best hotel in Key West for travelers who want a healthy mix of adventure and relaxation. 

Here you can rent paddleboards or kayaks to explore the island’s gorgeous harbors, golf carts or bikes to make your way through Key West’s charming streets or even charter a small boat to tour the nearby mangrove forests. A variety of conservation-oriented activities are available, too, like the resort’s Marine Science Eco Experience that connects guests with species indigenous to Key West’s coral reefs. 

Or for a more relaxing experience, you can indulge in the resort’s full-feature spa, enjoy any of the six pools or sample local seafood at the onsite cafe. 

And while the resort is located to the far east of Key West, a daily complimentary shuttle service to Old Town runs from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

Fora Perks at Oceans Edge Resort & Marina:

• $100 resort / hotel credit. 

• Breakfast daily. 

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible. 
  
  

Unlock VIP perks at the coolest hotels in Key West when you book with Fora

Want to VIP your experience at the top hotels in Key West? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip. We’ll unlock all sorts of fun (and complimentary) perks for you to make your vacation the very best it can be. Better yet, we’ll hook you up with expert recommendations — like the best restaurants or things to see — and one-on-one support just in case anything isn’t up to your standards. It’s the best way to travel.

Unsure about Key West as your next vacation destination? Check out these guides for more travel inspiration:

• Hotels in Nashville, TN: 5 Choices Near Broadway & Music Row 

• The Best Hotels in San Francisco: 5 Unique & Exciting Choices 

• Orlando Resorts: Walt Disney World vs. Universal Studios 

• 5 Luxe Hotels in Downtown NYC: From The Crosby to Arlo SoHo 

• The 12 Coolest Hotels in Vegas: Elite Resorts & Boutique Experiences
  
  

This article has been fact checked by Fora Advisor Miguelina Abreu, an expert on travel to Key West, Florida.