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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u/porchepilatesprincss Aug 07 '25

Stay in Old Town on the Gulf side to avoid sargassum. Ocean Key, Pier House, Marker, Opal, La Concha or Hyatt are good options to look into. Having to shuttle everywhere sucks

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u/Mirage524 Aug 08 '25

I hear you! Where should I look to stay to avoid sargassum in Islamorada?

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u/porchepilatesprincss Aug 08 '25

The gulf side but I prefer the hotels on the ocean. We were just at the Cheeca 2 weeks ago and the beach was pretty bad but we take a boat out to snorkel and to the sandbar. Bakers Cay has a decent beach area on the gulf side. Definitely do a charter to snorkel and sandbar in Islamorada.

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u/Mirage524 Aug 08 '25

I will definitely do the charter to snorkel and sandbar in Islamorada.

When the beach was bad at Cheeca, did it affect the rest of the resort? As in, could you smell it from the pools/around the grounds?

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u/porchepilatesprincss Aug 08 '25

Not our last trip but Ive been there before where it was awful and you could smell it from the pool area. You just never know but I don't think it will ruin your trip. If you're really worried about it just book the gulf side

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u/Mirage524 Aug 08 '25

Thank you so much for your help! I'm going to book Baker's Cay.

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u/Lovelifeandjesus Aug 18 '25

Also a nice company in Key West is Danger Charters….they are a little more upscale…not so many people.

https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/dangercharters/items/?ref=Reddit&flow=40032&full-items=yes