This gorgeous laid-back gem of a coastal resort is one of the coral islands in the chain of the much-loved ‘Keys’ located off the tip of the Florida panhandle. Perfect for beach lovers, its main beach – Sombrero Beach – is often said to be the best in the sweeping chain of over 1,700 spectacular islands.
Jaw-dropping scenery, pristine and infinitely Instagrammable beaches, and warm sunny days alongside other highlights such as excellent sailing and windsurfing, eco-attractions, world-class wreck and reef diving and snorkelling, spotting nesting turtles and exploring the tranquil Long Key State Park.
It also has a fine collection of unique places to stay, from chic upscale resorts to quirky boutique inns, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Marathon, Florida (in no particular order)…
1. Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa – Florida Keys – a gorgeous and very Instagrammable beachfront resort with a simply striking decor throughout
Come enjoy the luxurious accommodation and high-end service offered at Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa. The Marathon-based resort sits on 24 gorgeous oceanfront acres and boasts a nearly mile-long private beach.
Isla Bella’s stunning oceanside surroundings and incredible Greek-inspired architecture is an Instagrammer’s dream. And it’s conveniently located near notable attractions such as Conch-Air Florida Keys Scenic Flights, Captain Hook’s Marina & Dive Center and Dolphin Research Center.
Isla Bella has 199 (including more than 100 two-to-five-bedroom suites). Each room features an outdoor living area, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and InnSpire in-room entertainment system, among a slew of other cool features and amenities.
Every room has a spacious outdoor terrace where guests take in the stunning ocean view. The décor for the rooms and suites is stylish and tasteful and is enhanced by pleasing blue and white hues.
There are also plenty of dining options available to guests, including the resort’s new world-class Polynesian-inspired restaurant Mahina. The resort also boasts a full-service spa and a 1,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center. Guests can also take a dip in one of the resort’s five oceanfront swimming pools.
2. Tranquillity Bay Beachfront Resort – a cute, quirky and stylish beach resort with an Insta-worthy pool area and loads of places to relax and take in the beautiful views
Come bask in the beauty and comfort offered at Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort. Tucked away in the heart of the Florida Keys in Marathon, Tranquility Bay ensures visitors an unforgettable experience.
The sprawling, picturesque resort offers first-class accommodations, superior service and tonnes of onsite watersports activities – and it’s close to a number of exciting attractions.
Guests have the option of staying in one of the tropical garden guest rooms or one of the beach houses. All of the beach houses are two stories and have a private entrance with no shared hallways or elevators.
Each is equipped with two or three bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, 42-inch flat-screen TV, complimentary WiFi, large private porch, 2.5 baths, air conditioning, spacious living room and dining area and feature a lovely light, elegant décor.
The tropical garden guest rooms are located in a secluded highly vegetated area of the resort. The one-level guest rooms feature one bedroom, a flat-screen TV, en-suite bathroom, mini fridge, coffee maker, complimentary WiFi, garden view, air conditioning and hairdryer.
All guests are welcome to take a dip in one of Tranquility Bay’s three swimming pools and later grab a bite at the resort’s Butterfly Café, which offers award-winning tropical cuisine.
3. Skipjack Resort & Marina – charming beach-themed resort with a cool and casual vibe as well as a lively pool area
Come unwind at Skipjack Resort & Marina. Nestled in Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor, the resort offers visitors luxurious accommodations and excellent service in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. It boasts a private 54-slip marina, a classic poolside tiki bar and a casual on-site restaurant that serves the freshest local seafood.
Skipjack Resort features 57 spacious guest rooms. The resort can comfortably accommodate the whole family or a large group of friends by connecting up to three of its suites.
Five different suite types are offered that are designed to meet the particular needs of each guest. Every room is equipped with a kitchenette, a private bathroom and a full living and dining area.
The décor is classy and stylish and awash in warm, inviting hues. The amenities include a 42-inch flat-screen TV, free WiFi, mini fridge, coffee maker and continental breakfast.
Guests can dine at the resort’s on-site restaurant Blu Bistro, which offers delectable Keys seafood as well as a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring Greek favorites. Some of the activities available to guests include kayaking, tennis, fishing, beach volleyball, bicycling and poolside games.
4. Banana Bay Resort & Marina – cosy boutique hotel featuring bright decor and a great beachfront location
Banana Bay Resort & Marina offers guests tranquillity, comfort and relaxation in the picturesque setting of the Gulf Coast in Marathon.
Spread across 10 gorgeous acres, the resort is the ideal romantic hideaway, offering superb accommodation options and first-class service and hospitality. Banana Bay is just a 12-minute drive to the Dolphin Research Center and is within one mile of both the Fisherman’s Hospital and the Florida Keys Country Club.
The resort features 59 elegant guest rooms and each boasts a serene, modern decor with all the ambience of a quaint beach town. The three different room options are fashioned to match the particular needs of each guest–whether they’re traveling as a group, couple, solo or with family.
All of the rooms are pet-friendly and equipped with the following features and amenities: refrigerator, free Wi-Fi, AVEDA bath amenities, coffee maker, in-room safe, mini fridge, iron and ironing board, cable TV and Banana Bay’s signature Blissful Bed.
And rooms are adorned with stylish décor that features serene blues, crisp whites, pops of coral and dark woods.
Guests can relax poolside while enjoying a cocktail from The Tiki Bar; or they can play a game of tennis at one of the resort’s tennis courts. And Banana Bay offers guests a slew of exciting watersports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing and more.
5. Seascape Resort & Marina – cool and quirky beach resort hotel set amid beautiful grounds and offering a heap of fun-filled activities
Treat yourself to the superb accommodations and first-class services offered at Seascape Resort & Marina. The luxurious hideaway sits on five acres of rich tropical landscape in Marathon.
One of the hotel’s most distinguishing qualities is that it provides visitors a winning combination of value, comfort and convenience – and it’s located near some of Marathon’s most popular landmarks, such as Marathon Seventh Day Adventist Church, Sombrero Beach, Curry Hammock State Park and San Pablo Catholic Church.
Seascape Resort and Marina features 12 comfortable guest rooms that range from a single accommodation for two, up to larger accommodations for six and each comes equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, kitchenette and free WiFi. Some rooms offer direct ocean views, and a few have patios. All of the rooms are beautifully adorned with island-inspired décor.
Guests are welcome to the resort’s large pool and BBQ facilities. Some of the activities available to guests include kayaking, paddle boarding, bicycling and swimming.
6. Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club – beautiful tropical beach-themed hotel in a great location and spectacular views over the pool and ocean beyond
Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club offers visitors to Marathon an unforgettable travel experience. Located in the true heart of the Florida Keys, Grassy Key, this new boutique resort features exquisite accommodations, great service and warm hospitality.
The hotel guest rooms feature a seating area, a flat-screen cable TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and shower. Selected rooms include a kitchen with a dishwasher, a microwave and a fridge and every room has fine bed linen and towels. Some of the additional amenities include a private balcony, ceiling fan, air conditioning and free WiFi. The rooms also offer beautiful ocean views which are particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset. The tropical-themed décor is tasteful and elegant.
Grassy Flats’ oceanfront tiki bar Barrell & Bale boasts deliciously unique cocktails and tropical drinks, craft beers, wines and refreshing spritzes.
Some of the activities available to guests include paddleboarding, sailing, kiteboarding and bicycling. Guests can also take a dip in the resort’s outdoor pool.
7. Indigo Reef Resort – a striking collection of beachfront holiday rentals with elegantly tasteful decor throughout which exudes the charm of the Floridian tropics
Come enjoy Indigo Reef Resort’s lavish lodgings and top tier services. This jewel among Marathon luxury hotels is located in the heart of the gorgeous Florida Keys.
The resort sits on 15 acres along the Gulf of Mexico and is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. Its luxury holiday rentals are conveniently located on the Gulf of Mexico, which is within five minutes of the Atlantic Ocean via the Vaca Cut waterway – and the resort is less than a mile from Marathon Airport and so provides easy access to the various amenities, attractions and water adventures on offer in the Florida Keys.
All of Indigo Reef’s two-level villas feature a balcony and patio that offer guests stunning ocean views. Additionally, each villa has a private boat dock, a fully equipped kitchen, private bedrooms, a spacious living room, a dining area, 31’ boat slip, two full bathrooms and a washer/dryer.
All of the villas are finished in pastel colors and feature tile flooring and handmade furniture. Some of the other notable amenities include a 42-inch flat-screen TV, CD/DVD player, coffee/tea maker and free WiFi. The resort also features a fitness center and a waterfront pool.
8. Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club – contemporary beach hotel close to Marathon’s many attractions and offering a full-service marina
Set on Marathon’s waterfront, Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club offers guests a unique and exciting travel experience. The exquisite resort boasts a full-service marina, two swimming pools, and 125 guest rooms with separate living areas.
Also, the resort is conveniently located near notable sights and attractions such as the Turtle Hospital, Pigeon Key, Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, Sombrero Beach, Bahia Honda State Park. And Faro Blanco’s historic lighthouse makes it easily identifiable.
The elegant guest rooms are designed for modern comfort and convenience and all of the rooms are equipped with cool amenities such as a 42-inch wide-screen TV, sleeper sofas, free WiFi, mini fridge, contemporary bathroom, single-serve coffee/tea maker, sleeper sofas and luxury skin and hair amenities from Key West Collection – and every room is smoke-free.
One of the things that make Faro Blanco so special is that its accommodations offer a winning combination of style and innovation with 24/7 convenience.
Guests can dine at the resort’s bayside restaurant: the Lighthouse Grill, which includes an eclectic menu of fresh seafood dishes and more.
9. Hawks Cay Resort – a super cool and contemporary waterside hotel with a choice of guest rooms or beach villas
Located on the secluded island of Duck Key, Hawks Cay Resort offers travellers the perfect blend of solitude and convenience. It’s centrally located between Miami and Key West and is easily accessible by car, boat or plane.
The 60-acre tropical resort provides exquisite accommodations and high-quality service, and the resort is a recipient of the distinguished AAA Four Diamond Award and a member of the Preferred Hotel Group Lifestyle collection.
The resort features 177 guest rooms and 250 two- and three-bedroom villas and a full-service marina. All of the accommodations are adorned with a classic Caribbean island themed décor that complements the resort’s tropical surroundings. Each accommodation features a flat-screen cable TV, refrigerator and coffee maker.
There are tonnes of fun and exciting activities that guests can engage in at Hawks Cay; including diving among coral reefs, paddleboarding, snorkelling, kayaking, and more. The resort also boasts five swimming pools and several superb on-site dining venues.
10. Coconut Cay Resort and Marina – cute, colourful and unusual hotel with a vibrant tropical feel and laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for a quirky couple’s retreat
Located in the heart of the Florida Keys in Marathon, Coconut Cay Resort and Marina offers guests a relaxing and enjoyable travel experience.
The Bahamian-style resort is known for its first-class service, stellar accommodation options and picturesque surroundings and it is conveniently located just a few minutes from Sombrero Beach and Bahia State Park whilst the Seven Mile Bridge is a mere seven-minute drive from the resort.
All of the resort’s classy and tastefully decorated guest rooms feature a mini fridge, spacious bathroom, air conditioning, microwave, flat-screen TV, complimentary WiFi and a patio with great views.
Other notable room amenities include an in-room coffee maker and a complimentary daily breakfast. Coconut Cay also offers pet-friendly accommodations.
Guests have complimentary access to kayaks, bikes and paddle boards. Some of the other resort amenities include use of the swimming pool (with lounge chairs and beach towels provided); a foosball table, charcoal grills and a picnic table as well as dock access and boat slips.
11. Gulf View Waterfront Resort – cute and quiet beachside hotel offering studio accommodation that’s perfect for a relaxing retreat
Gulf View Waterfront Resort is the ideal destination for travellers who are looking for a quiet and charming hideaway. The pet-friendly resort offers high-quality accommodations and service to ensure guests a memorable stay.
It is located at the North end of Marathon on Grassy Key Mile Marker and conveniently close to several great attractions. It’s just a short walk to Crane Point Hammock and the Turtle Hospital.
Gulf View features 11 superb accommodations, which include guest rooms (refrigerators and microwaves included), and a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens. Some of the amenities include free WiFi, daily maid service and complimentary coffee and tea every morning. The décor for the accommodations is simple and tasteful.
Guests are welcome to the resort’s heated pool, one of the largest in the Middle Keys. Complimentary kayaks, canoes and paddle boats are also available to guests, and you can also snorkel or dive in one of the only living coral reefs in the Northern Hemisphere.
12. Mojito at Marathon – colourful waterfront motel that’s great for couples or groups of friends looking to soak up the laid-back vibes of Marathon
Mojito at Marathon offers first-rate accommodation in a beautiful oceanside setting. The two-bedroom villa is located in Marathon and is near several exciting attractions, including Captain Hook’s Marina Dive Center, Sombrero Beach, Bahia Honda State Park and Conch-Air Florida Keys Scenic Flights.
The rooms come with air conditioning, a seating area, cable TV, a kitchen, a dining area and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a shower and a bath and coffee/tea-making equipment, and each comfortable and tastefully decorated room includes fine bed linen and towels.
Mojito at Marathon features a large outdoor swimming pool and a free parking lot. Free WiFi is available in all areas of the property. Activities available to guests include windsurfing, snorkelling, mini golf, diving and fishing. And there’s also a children’s playground for the youngsters.
13. Coco Plum Beach & Tennis Club & Marina – cool and quirky aparthotel with a private beach and marina and offering a range of activities
Coco Plum Beach and & Tennis Club offers visitors exemplary service and accommodations in a gorgeous Insta-worthy setting. The vacation rental condo community sits in Marathon’s picturesque surroundings in the middle of the Florida Keys island chain (only 54 miles east of Key West). Its welcoming and luxurious environment makes it an ideal destination for families on their holiday.
Coco Plum features 20 freestanding two-bedroom, two-bath holiday villas on the ocean. The maximum occupancy is six people per villa. Each villa has a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, dining room, living room, air conditioning, three flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and a queen-size sleeper sofa.
The roomy villas are adorned with stylish décor that’s enhanced by bright hues. Some of the property amenities include BBQ facilities, tennis court, heated zero-edge pool, vending machine, free WiFi, spa, communal hot tub, patio and outdoor furniture.
Other activities available to guests include diving, snorkelling, bicycling and windsurfing. There is also a welath of restaurants and other attractions are nearby.
14. Gold Starfish – charmingly cosy hotel in a quiet location with a lovely pool area and clean, spacious rooms finished with unique beachy touches
Gold Starfish hotel offers visitors to Marathon first-class accommodation, services and hospitality. The hotel’s beautiful interior and exterior is ideal for Instagrammers and it’s just a 10-minute walk to Captain Hook’s Marina & Dive Center and a 20-minute walk to Sunset Park Beach. It’s also near the Florida Keys Marathon Airport.
All of the rooms come with air conditioning, a seating area, cable TV, kitchen, dining area, a safety box, free WiFi and a private bathroom with a bath or shower and free toiletries.
The spacious rooms are characterised by their bright, elegant décor and each features a balcony with views of the hotel’s swimming pool. There’s also a children’s playground on the property.
Some of the activities available to guests include cycling and swimming. Enjoy dining at Island Fish Co, which is a mere five-minute walk from the hotel.
To book, check prices or availability for Gold Starfish
15. BEAUTIFUL STAY ON THE WATER – a cool and unusual alternative to traditional hotels, a stay on this rental boat is sure to make for an unforgettable stay
Come enjoy the salty air and comfortable lodgings aboard BEAUTIFUL STAY ON THE WATER. Located in a central area in sunny Key Marathon, this gorgeous boat Airbnb offers guests a truly one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
The boat provides both superb private indoor accommodations and an exciting outdoor nautical experience. It’s definitely Insta-worthy, and guests will probably be able to snap pictures of manatees and other sea life.
There is accommodation for up to six guests and two bedrooms. The main bedroom features a full-sized bed with a closet for personal belongings.
The second bedroom includes two twin-size bunk beds with another closet for belongings. The boat also features a full-working bathroom with a shower and the décor is sleek and stylish.
The living/lounge area includes board games, a flat-screen TV, a sofa that turns into a bed for two and the kitchen has a coffee maker, sandwich maker, microwave, refrigerator, stove, sink, dish rack dryer, dining table, plates, cups, utensils and cookware. Outdoors there’s a seating area where guests can wake up and enjoy the sunrise and sunbathe at the front of the boat.
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always been a sucker for an adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued his taste for seeking out new cultures. So much in fact he now travels the world as a trading digital nomad, exploring everything from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, street food, playing carrom, and fine wine and knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations.
