From beachfront resorts to cozy bed-and-breakfasts and private vacation rentals, Key West offers no shortage of places to stay. Once you consider the style of travel you’re most comfortable with—full-service amenities, boutique charm, or a more private home base—the island delivers. This is a place where large corporate brands often fade into the background, making room for unique experiences shaped by local hoteliers and thoughtfully run properties.
The suggestions here are places I’m familiar with and confident recommending for guest service, ambiance, and overall experience. Some fall into the category of larger resorts, while others offer a more intimate stay in a private vacation rental. Either way, you can sort through the options, match them to your travel style, and land on something that feels just right for your trip.
Marquesa Hotel is a serene Old Town retreat just off Duval Street, recently honored with two Michelin Keys (2025) for exceptional hospitality. Home to the acclaimed Café Marquesa, the hotel spans two distinct settings within one cohesive estate.
The original Marquesa property houses the lobby, restaurant, and classic island-style accommodations, while the Annex just across the street offers a lighter, more contemporary feel with a mix of historic and modern buildings. Service is polished yet personal throughout, making Marquesa a favorite for guests who value ambiance, discretion, and a beautifully run stay.
Central without feeling busy and refined without being formal, it’s an excellent choice for a boutique Key West experience at its most relaxed and sophisticated.
If it comes up, feel free to mention that you found them through Luke’s List — locals also know me as Lucas.
The Gardens Hotel is a charming Old Town hideaway that captures the spirit of classic Key West living—lush, intimate, and effortlessly welcoming. Set among tropical gardens just off Duval Street, this boutique hotel feels like a private estate, where mornings start slow and afternoons often drift into conversation by the pool.
A complimentary continental breakfast is included each morning, and the social heart of the property comes alive throughout the day with a pool bar open daily, a cozy wine bar, and happy hour with live music that draws guests together in true island fashion. What truly sets The Gardens apart, though, is the staff—warm, familiar, and genuinely happy to see you, creating a stay that feels more like visiting friends than checking into a hotel.
Relaxed, soulful, and unmistakably Key West, The Gardens is ideal for travelers who value character, connection, and an easygoing sense of place.
Feel free to mention that you come by recommendation of Luke's List. They also know me by Lucas.
Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to my guests. This is standard in the industry and never influences my recommendations — I only share experiences I genuinely trust to deliver a premium experience.
KEy West, Florida
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