Florida’s southernmost city, is world-famous for its quirky spirit, colorful houses, charming palm-lined streets, and long history of interesting characters making it their home. But where should you stay on this fun little island paradise?
Key West is a small island, but where you stay really matters — especially if you’re trying to decide between quiet beach mornings or late-night bar crawls. The vibe can change a lot depending on which part of the island you’re in. So after returning from our recent Key West adventure, I put together this guide. It breaks down the main areas and gives you hotel recommendations based on your travel style — whether you’re here to party, relax, explore with kids, or just soak up the sun.
What's in this Article? (Jump ahead here.)
Map of Key West Neighborhoods (my version.)
Let’s start with a quick rundown of the different parts of the island — and what kind of experience you can expect in each. I present to you… my map of Key West’s neighborhoods. If you google this, you will find all kinds of maps breaking this tiny island into a zillion different parts with cute names. But honestly – they are silly. This is all you really need to know:
- Duval Street is the main drag that runs through the island, and is lined with restaurants and shops.
- The North end of Duval Street and the area surrounding the cruise port is the busiest and most chaotic. This is where you can party all night.
- The further south you go on Duval Street, the quieter it gets.
🥂 North End of Duval Street & the Seaport Area
Best for nightlife, first-time visitors, and anyone here to party.
This is where all the action is. Cruise ships dock nearby, day-trippers flood the streets, and Duval is packed with bars, live music, tourist shops, and general chaos. It’s loud, lively, and full of energy — perfect if you want to stumble home from the bar, not so great if you’re hoping for a quiet night in.
That said, if it’s your first time in Key West and you want to be in the middle of everything, this is probably the spot for you. You can walk to many attractions, easily Uber to the rest, and will be able to pick up one of the popular trolley tours from here as well.
Recommended Hotels in This Area:
- Opal Key Resort & Marina – Solid, family-friendly hotel with a great pool and perfect location by Mallory Square. This is my favorite hotel on the north end of town.
- Pier House Resort & Spa – Great location, a small sandy beachfront area, and a more relaxed vibe than you’d expect this close to the action.
- Hyatt Centric – Great location with waterfront views. Property is a little dated, but if you have Hyatt points, it can be a good value.
- Key West Villas – Just off Duval in a quieter pocket. Guesthouse-style, adults only, with a pool and hot tub. Great for couples or a girls trip.
- Marquesa Hotel – Quiet, upscale, and slightly removed from the noise but still convenient to downtown. Adults only with a high-end restaurant on site.
🌴 South End of Duval Street
Best for families, couples, and a quieter (but still central) stay.
The south end of Duval is a totally different vibe — quieter, more relaxed, and closer to the famous Southernmost Point Buoy and small public beach. It’s still lively during the day with tourists snapping photos and hitting the beach, but things wind down early, making it a great spot for families or anyone who wants to be close to the action without being in the chaos. We love staying in this area and usually rent a golf cart for easy access to the rest of the island.
Recommended Hotels in This Area:
- Southernmost Point Guest House – Fantastic location, family-friendly, charming rooms, and quiet at night. See my full review for all the details.
- Mansion on the Sea – Gorgeous old mansion turned guesthouse with a waterfront pool. Adults only.
- Southernmost Beach Resort – Large, spread-out property with multiple room types. Can be a good value, but make sure you know what section you’re booking — quality varies. Service is pretty mid, but the location is solid.
🐓 Old Town
Best for longer stays, a residential feel, and travelers who want peace and quiet.
Old Town is the more local, residential part of the island. You’ll find charming conch houses and quiet streets, but not a lot of large hotels. This is a good option if you’re planning a longer stay or want something away from the crowds. That said, you’ll likely want to rent bikes or a golf cart to get around.
A Note on Lodging Here:
There aren’t many properties I’d recommend here at the moment, as most of them don’t quite hit the mark in terms of value and amenities. That’s just my honest opinion – I’m not willing to list hotels that I wouldn’t stay in myself!
If you are planning a longer stay (29+ days), you can find some nice private vacation rentals in this area. For a short term stay, Silver Palms Inn is a decent, motel-style option — clean and walkable — but at their current rates, there is better value elsewhere on the island.
🌊 Everything Else (aka Further Away Options)
Best for those who want a bit more space and don’t mind being a little removed from the action.
There are a few outlier properties that aren’t right on Duval or in Old Town but can still be great options depending on your priorities. These spots are often quieter, offer more space, and are still within biking (or golf cart) distance to the action.
Recommended Hotels:
- The Capitana Key West – Small, waterfront resort about a 15–20 minute walk from Duval. Family-friendly with a great pool and ocean views. Makes a good home base for exploring the broader area.
- Margaritaville Beach House – Right across from Smathers Beach, which makes it a popular choice for families. Affordable, with easy beach access. But you will need transportation (or at least bikes) when you leave the resort.
- Coconut Beach Resort – Just off the South Duval area but tucked away enough to be peaceful. This is still close enough to walk to Duval if you choose. Cute rooms and a waterfront pool. It’s between the well-known Casa Marina and The Reach — but I wouldn’t recommend either of those properties.