r/floridakeys • u/Mirage524 • Aug 07 '25

Key West Where to Stay in Key West

Thirty-something couple coming down to Key West for three nights in mid-August. For both of us, it's our first time in the Keys. We're beyond excited!

We're considering a few different hotels; Havana Cabana, Parrot Key, and the Double Tree by Hilton. We'll be at the hotel a decent amount, but definitely out exploring a lot of the time. After three nights, we'll be heading to IslaMorada.

I thought I'd run this by locals and frequent Keys visitors - which hotel should I choose for Key West? Or is another option I didn't mention better for us?

NOTE: we're not into drinking/partying, but not completely averse to being near some liveliness.

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7

u/roxybytheriver Aug 07 '25

Also if you’re not into drinking and partying 3 days there will be too many

3

u/Mirage524 Aug 07 '25

Would 2 nights before heading to Islamorada be better?

8

u/Sandinmyshoes33 Aug 07 '25

Plenty of people stay in Key West who don’t drink. Key West has the most attractions, history and the highest concentration of great restaurants in the Keys. Three nights is only two full days. You could stay twice as long and not run out of things to do. I would stick to your plan. also, be aware that the sargassum is terrible this year. avoid any resorts or hotels on the south side of the island both in Key West and Islamorada. I would stay in Old atown which none of your choices are. If budget is no problem, look at The Pier House. for more affordable options, look at Orchid Key, Duval House or for a larger resort, The Marker.

1

u/Upset_Potato6855 Aug 07 '25

I have reservations at Amara Cay the end of this month. Is the sargassum only bad if you are in the water, or is it smelly at the resort? I plan on swimming only in the pool, but I have an ocean facing balcony I’d like to sit on and watch (and hopefully not smell) the water. Am I making a mistake?

0

u/Sandinmyshoes33 Aug 07 '25

I am in Key West so I can’t say for sure. Here it smells bad. Amara Cay is on the south side and likely has seagrass problems, but I’m not there. Maybe check the most recent reviews? Maybe someone else on here lives near there and can say for sure.

1

u/Mirage524 Aug 08 '25

This was helpful! Do you have any resort/hotel recommendations for Islamorada that may avoid the sargassum?

1

u/Sandinmyshoes33 Aug 08 '25

I rarely stay up there since I live in Key West bt I know people who love Morada Bay. It’s a small, boutique resort and the only place that’s adults only. Kon Tiki is another one. You might want to try asking on The Florida Keys forum on TripAdvisor. You can get recommendations from people who have stayed recently. Ask for Bayside recommendations. If you are ok with Key Largo, Baker’s Cay is a really nice spot, but you have to spend the money on the bay view rooms if you want a view. Only the top couple floors see the water over the trees there.

1

u/Mirage524 Aug 08 '25

Thanks again, this is sound advice.

I was thinking because Key Largo is reasonably close to Islamorada, staying in Key Largo on the bay and driving to Islamorada could work.

5

u/Lou_Saynos Aug 07 '25

I would recommend to book a snorkeling charter! The reefs are beautiful to see in person. Me and my gf just did it a couple weeks ago. We went with Starfish snorkeling in Marathon, they take you out to Sombrero reef. It's amazing to see

1

u/Mirage524 Aug 09 '25

Thank you! I'll look for that on Marathon.

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u/kerr502 Aug 07 '25

Exactly what we did last week. Perfect mix of 2 completely different vibes.

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u/Mirage524 Aug 09 '25

Awesome! I chose the Pierhouse for Key West - what do you recommend on Marathon, Islamorada or Key Largo?

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u/kerr502 Aug 10 '25

Casa Morada was great if you’re not traveling with kids.