Top 14 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Key West 2023

Key West, Florida, is everything you thought it would be – endless sunshine, sparkling turquoise waves, swaying palm trees, soft sandy beaches, a picturesque Old Town, and characteristic dives once frequented by Ernest Hemingway and other writers and artists. All of this is packaged into an impossibly beautiful compact island that is just four miles square in size.

Take a trolley ride to explore museums, art galleries, live performances, excellent restaurants, great bars, shopping and nightlife. Discover the nearby nature preserves, take dolphin-watching trips and sunset cruises, and go scuba diving and snorkeling around the coral reef.

There’s also a wide range of beautiful places to stay, all of them close to the Ocean. From cute quirky-chic boutique inns to sleek, trendy, and modern, here are our best cool and unusual hotels in Key West (in no particular order)…

Our Top 3 Best Cool and Unusual Hotels
1.
Havana Cabana at Key West l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Instagrammable Decor
Havana Cabana at Key West
2.
The Gates Hotel Key West l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Millennials and GenZs
The Gates Hotel Key West
3.
Kimpton Winslows Bungalows l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Trendy Design
Kimpton Winslows Bungalows
Best For Instagrammable Decor

Havana Cabana at Key West

Havana Cabana at Key West - an ultra-hip design hotel

Eclectic style and contemporary elegance coexist in perfect harmony at The Havana Cabana Resort, a little spot of paradise steeped with charm and character.

At this funky boutique hotel, guests can enjoy a lush escape from reality, courtesy of the nostalgic influences from the art and culture of Cuba. Vibey poolside music, classic mojitos, Cuban cars out front, and hand-painted murals provide a vibrant representation of the history, romance, and beauty of one of the most celebrated Caribbean countries.

The rooms boast a variety of boutique amenities to compliment their tropical designs and feature extravagant views of the resort pool or the sparkling Ocean.

Pros

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

Outdoor pool with a poolside bar

Food truck serving Cuban fare

Live entertainment is also offered

Cons

Slightly noisy

No ice machine

Best For Millennials and GenZs

The Gates Hotel Key West

The Gates Hotel Key West - an upscale hotel2

Easily one of the coolest hotels in Key West, the modern, minimalist style that defines this upscale hotel evokes a true feeling of paradise. Guests can feel the salt-water breeze upon entrance to the hotel’s rustic lobby, topped off with weathered, driftwood-style flooring and soft, sand-colored furnishing.

Chickens roam the property in typical Key West fashion. The hotel’s large L-shaped pool and coveted rum row bar are the focal points of the property; visitors also enjoy a diverse range of activities on offer, such as lawn games and table tennis, with outdoor concerts also taking place.

The lobby’s serene, beachy vibe extends into all the guest rooms, which also boast weathered-wood-style flooring.

Pros

Rooms with whitewashed beams

Food truck serving Caribbean cuisine

Rum bar offering local blends

Cigar lounge and outdoor pool

Cons

No lobby in hotel

Slightly pricey breakfast

Cash is not accepted

Best For Trendy Design

Kimpton Winslow’s Bungalows

Kimpton Winslow's Bungalows, an IHG Hotel - a stylish boutique inn

Spanning a lush, landscaped campus in the heart of the Old Town, Winslow’s Bungalows are named after famous painter Winslow Homer, who resided in Key West around the turn of the 19th century.

An idyllic scene for families, friends, and couples alike, the expansive haven features three glimmering private pools, vibrant gardens, and a fantastic outdoor bar. The bohemian-style hotel boasts an eclectic bliss, characteristic of this gorgeous slice of island life, which balances revelry and relaxation.

Guests can enjoy games of corn hole, snap photos of the infamous ‘Instagram Tree,’ or wander down the brick walkways through the vibrant greenery of the hotel. The Kimpton hospitality adds a charm of pure enchantment to this lush hotel.

Pros

Free breakfast served poolside

Green accent rooms opening to garden

A heated outdoor swimming pool

Garden paths and seating areas

Cons

Limited breakfast options

A little slow internet connection

Bar usually closes early

Best For Boutique

Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel

Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel, an IHG Hotel - a cool and unusual lighthouse inn hotel

This one-of-a-kind, bohemian island hotel is situated only a mango-throw distance from the iconic Key West Lighthouse and Hemingway’s home.

Guests are brought together around a lively pool, bustling bar, and brick garden grounds. This hotel covers half a city block and boasts both artificial and natural beauty, hence its soaring popularity as a beguiling backdrop for wedding groups and impromptu gatherings.

Each room at this cheerful getaway is designed with every traveler in mind and is the most social of Kimpton Key West’s five hotels. The infamous Duval Street is only a five 5-minute walk from the hotel, while the island’s Southernmost Point is a 7-minute walk away.

Pros

Romantic inn with a tropical vibe

Free breakfast served in courtyard

Sleek rooms opening onto porches

Lush gardens and heated pool

Cons

Limited parking

No microwave in rooms

No elevators

Best For Unique

The Saint Hotel Key West

The Saint Hotel Key West, Autograph Collection - a charming and trendy hotel

A heavenly experience is on offer at this gem of a hotel located in the heart of ‘Old Town’ Key West, only a minute’s walk from the bustling nightlife of Duval Street.

Guests will experience exquisite comfort with huge attention to casual, tranquil luxury, courtesy of the hotel’s 36 guestrooms designed in the signature cobalt blue and white color scheme, accented with LED blue mood lighting and classic, white sheer drapes.

Under this snazzy façade are contemporary details, such as Niven Morgan toiletries and Frette linens. The ‘play naughty, sleep saintly’ slogan evokes a sexy vibe, hence this hotel’s soaring popularity amongst couples.

Pros

LED lighting and wood paneling

Contemporary rooms with marble tubs

Outdoor pool with a waterfall

Features a cozy Creole restaurant

Cons

No refrigerator in rooms

Some rooms can be small

No in-room coffeemaker

Best For Fun Vibe

Margaritaville Beach House Key West

Margaritaville Beach House Key West - one of the most Instagrammable hotels in Key West 1

The essence of Key West is fully reflected at Margaritaville, a fun-focussed brand that caters to couples, families, and friend groups alike.

Upon entrance to this low-rise resort, you will be greeted by a giant flip-flop sculpture outside and a chandelier made of margarita glasses in the lobby.

The 178 guestrooms come equipped with a full range of high-end amenities to maintain a comfortable, luxurious stay. Adirondack chairs and hammocks dot the grounds and offer a lavish spot of respite by the gorgeous poolside area.

The hotel is ideally situated for those who don’t want to stay downtown but would like to remain close to a beautiful beach, with access to all of Key West’s offerings at their fingertips.

Pros

Balcony and ocean and pool views

Restaurant with terrace seating

Serving local cuisine and seafood

Outdoor swimming pool with bar

Cons

Music can be loud

Pool sometimes crowded

Extra fee for resort

Best For Private Beach

The Reach Key West

The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton - an unique hotel

Water sports, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and sailing, are offered at this hotel, which is set on the only private natural sand beach in Key West.

Nautically inspired rooms and suites, all featuring balconies with picturesque views, give this hotel a chic charm, which is reflected by the oceanfront pool and signature restaurant ‘Four Marlins.’

The spa also offers deep tissue massages for guests who are in the mood for pampering. Conveniently located, a 15-minute walk would lead you directly to Duval Street, and the Earnest Hemingway Museum sits within a 10-minute walk.

This amenity-laden resort is a beautiful beach getaway for people of all profiles, especially those who enjoy the sand between their toes and dipping their feet in the stunning Ocean.

Pros

Set along a private beach

Outdoor swimming pool and gym

Chic restaurant serving seafood

Free sunloungers on the beach

Cons

On the pricey side

Small pool size

Restaurant is slightly pricey

Best For Views

Parrot Key Hotel & Villas

Parrot Key Hotel & Villas - easily one of the coolest resorts to stay in Key West perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs

Set in 5 acres of award-winning landscaping and palm groves, the Parrot Key Hotel & Villas is set just a short drive from the historic Old Town Key West, to which guests can take the complimentary shuttle.

Four beautiful swimming pools are nestled in their garden paradises, offering a perfect spot of respite to incoming guests. Rooms are surrounded by lush foliage.

They feature 55-inch flat-screen TVs as well as small fridges and private terraces where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Ocean and the tropical landscape.

Visitors can get a real taste of the tropics at the Grove Kitchen & Bar, where they can sip their favorite island-inspired cocktails.

Pros

Lushly landscaped waterfront resort

Rooms with garden and water views

Outdoor pools with water activities

Keys-inspired cuisine and poolside dining

Cons

No hot tub

Pets are not allowed

No extra beds

Best For Great Breakfast

The Capitana Key West

The Capitana Key West - a boutique waterfront hotel

This beautiful waterfront boutique hotel boasts breezy, beachy vibes and sweeping bay views, all in the intimacy of a well-curated bed and breakfast.

A gorgeously landscaped pool and tiki bar, well-appointed accommodations, and delectable dining offerings reflect the serenity and natural beauty of the Florida Keys.

Meanwhile, the coastal-chic décor and comfy sofas set a blissful scene for your ocean getaway, making The Capitana a perfect launch pad for your Florida adventures.

The guestrooms come decked out with high-end amenities and are decorated with island-inspired furnishings. This pet-friendly, state-of-the-art hotel also provides large family rooms and cozy cottages, while epic experiences, such as parasailing and snorkeling, are on offer right on the hotel’s doorstep.

Pros

Free continental breakfast daily

Terrace with access to hot tub

Outdoor pool flanked by a cafe

Sundeck helmed in palm trees

Cons

No shuttle service

Pool closes early

Breakfast has limited options

Best For Rooftop Bar

H2O Suites- Adults Only

H2O Suites- Adults Only - a cool and trendy hotel

This adult-only hotel is situated only 200 meters from Duval Street and features an outdoor sun terrace and pool. H20 suites deliver a highly personalized lodging experience, with spacious suites featuring designer bath amenities and daily deliveries of fresh pastries and coffee.

The stand-out feature of this property, however, is its 11 individual plunge pools, which complement the water features and plush tropical landscaping that permeates the property.

This Oasis of luxury offers a relaxing ambiance with chic décor alongside the chance to sip island-inspired drinks in front of panoramic views. Your Florida trip will become a once-in-a-lifetime experience at this unique, state-of-the-art hotel.

Pros

Chic suites with modern decor

Rooftop pool with a sundeck

Courtyard with a landscaped garden

Suites with minibars and private pools

Cons

Children are not allowed

Breakfast not included

Can get booked up

Best For Rooms with Balconies

The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West

The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West - a one-of-a-kind resort

Here, salt air and five-star service create an irresistible waterfront oasis. The lobby’s high, airy ceiling is fused with furnishings of raw concrete, exposed steel, and natural wood.

Its decidedly industrial aesthetic, nestled in an area known for Victorian mansions with ornamental gingerbread latticework, creates a beautiful, casual welcome.

This laid-back atmosphere has been thoughtfully cultivated in keeping with Key West’s maritime roots, and guests can watch the boats enter and exit the harbor.

Owing to its off-the-beaten-path location, it offers deep-water access to offshore pleasures such as diving and fishing. The layout of the pool is also serene, lined with white lounge chairs and copious palm trees.

Pros

Overlooking Stock Island Marina

Offers balconies with water views

Dining on terrace with marina views

Sleek seafood and grill restaurant

Cons

Breakfast not included

A little far from city center

Poolside music noise

Best For Outdoor Swimming Pool

Kimpton Fitch Lodge

Kimpton Fitch Lodge, an IHG Hotel - a modern inn steps

Located in a neighborhood setting minutes from the Key West Historic Seaport, this authentic conch-house, bohemian lodging readily welcomes on-the-go explorers.

The hotel can hook guests up with fantastic excursions of all kinds, from sunset sailing to land-based outings such as cycling. The hotel boasts 44 guestrooms, including three suites, which are graciously updated with tropical touches yet retain its turn-of-the-19th-century beauty.

Fitch Lodge is the smallest and most intimate of Kimpton Key West’s five eclectic hotels and is refreshingly removed from non-stop Duval Street, offering the perfect respite for couples and explorers of land and sea.

Pros

Free continental breakfast every day

Outdoor heated swimming pool

Courtyard splash pool with waterfall

Sun terrace to soak up heat

Cons

No parking available

No coffee machine in rooms

Some rooms can be small

Best For Couples

The Gardens Hotel

The Gardens Hotel - a cozy and beautiful 19th-century hotel

Built in the 1880s as the ‘Gardens Mansion,’ this green-certified hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been embellished with many modern amenities to compliment its historic charm.

These include an outdoor heated pool and a self-serve D’vine Wine Gallery, the first enomatic wine tasting system in the Keys. The expansive grounds of The Gardens Hotel feature over an acre of tropical landscaping alongside 20 luxurious guest suites and is conveniently located mere steps away from the infamous Duval Street.

Guests can enjoy seasonal, live jazz music in the gardens, amongst a host of other live events in the Cabaret, at weekends.

Pros

Rooms with balconies and verandas

Heated pool with a poolside bar

Aviary fountains and ponds

Whirlpool tubs and wine bars

Cons

Only 16+ are allowed

Poor sound insulation

No in-room microwave

Best For Adult’s Only

Almond Tree Inn

Almond Tree Inn - Adults Only - a colorful, kitsch, and fun party hotel to stay in Key West

Located on a patch of ground with a history of deep roots at the very crossroads of Old Town Key West, the 22 elegant, amenity-filled rooms at this gorgeous property are encircled by lush, skyward-reaching tropical landscaping.

Just a short stroll would take you to the finest Key West restaurants, local attractions, and even the Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. Guests can harvest the bounty of the efforts from the fantastic staff as they relax amid the peace of this Oasis of solitude and nurture themselves in a tropical paradise.

All rooms are equipped with an HD Plasma TV, gourmet coffee, a mini refrigerator, and a microwave, with complimentary continental breakfasts and happy hours also on offer.

Pros

Low-rise motel with tropical garden

Hot tub and a koi pond

Breakfast and happy-hour with refreshments

Private porches and patio rooms

Cons

Children are not allowed

No on-site restaurant

Paid parking

In the table below, we have compared the top 14 cool and unusual hotels in Key West. You can sort the table based on different factors like location, distance from attractions, price per night, and restaurants nearby: 

Hotel NameLocationPrice Range (per night)Fitness FacilitiesDistance to Attractions (Km)Nearby Restaurants
Havana Cabana at Key West3420 N Roosevelt Blvd$299-$604Yes0.76
The Gates Hotel Key West3820 N Roosevelt Blvd$222-$361Yes0.27
Kimpton Winslow’s Bungalows725 Truman Avenue$323-$736Yes0.18
Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel902 Whitehead Street$312-$1177Yes0.112
The Saint Hotel Key West, Autograph Collection417 Eaton Street$303-$376Yes0.210
Margaritaville Beach House Key West2001 South Roosevelt Boulevard$293-$832Yes0.67
The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton1435 Simonton Street,$332-$1454Yes0.38
Parrot Key Hotel & Villas2801 North Roosevelt Boulevard$249-$1171Yes1.18
The Capitana Key Westv2401 North Roosevelt Boulevard$308-$746Yes1.26
H2O Suites- Adults Only1212 Simonton Street,$639-$646Yes0.110
The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West7001 Shrimp Rd, Naval Air Station$301-$437Yes0.68
Kimpton Fitch Lodge1030 Eaton Street$303-$686No0.610
The Gardens Hotel526 Angela Street$581-$891Yes0.212
Almond Tree Inn512 Truman Ave$558-$668Yes0.212