Best Pool Hotels in Key West

Built in the 1950s, the Southernmost Beach Resort exudes Key West charm. The 261-room property stretches across 6 acres of south Florida's laid-back Key West and features three pools, two beaches and four bars and restaurants. Those looking to relax and embrace the island lifestyle can lay out on the private tanning pier or chill beachside in a hammock. Once you muster up the energy to grab a bite, wander over to the Southernmost Beach Cafe, which offers tropical drinks and Caribbean cuisine in a casual oceanfront setting. If you're interested in a bit more action, stroll a block over to Key West's lively Duval Street, which gets particularly festive after dark thanks to its bustling bars and drag queen nightclubs. Once you're ready to sleep, head back to your accommodations, which include minifridges, coffee makers, complimentary Wi-Fi access and large flat-screen TVs. Recent visitors said that although small and a bit pricey, rooms at the Southernmost Beach Resort are comfortable and offer great views from the higher floors. Note: The property charges a $35 daily resort fee that covers pool and beach access, beach chair and towel use, internet access, concierge services and various resort activities.

It's all about the location at The Marker Waterfront Resort. Situated just steps from the city's historic seaport, three blocks from the lively Duval Street and about six blocks east of Mallory Square and its famous Sunset Celebration, this property is quickly becoming a favorite among Key West travelers. Each of the resort's 96 guest rooms comes equipped with a balcony, a walk-in rain shower and separate soaking tub, a minibar and Key West Aloe bath amenities. Although visitors said the rooms are clean and spacious, they do warn that the walls are thin, so bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. Outside of the digs, guests have access to a variety of on-site amenities, including bike rentals, a "Conchierge" (the resort's personal resource and insider guide for guests), three outdoor pools and a fitness center. For dining, visitors should check out the resort's restaurant, Cero Bodega, which serves excellent Mexican-inspired food, according to recent travelers. Note: The Marker Waterfront Resort Key West charges a $35 daily resort fee, which includes Wi-Fi access, pool access and concierge services.

This luxurious property is ideal for fulfilling your latest Robinson Crusoe fantasy, seeing as this resort is located off the coast of Key West on Sunset Key, a 27-acre private island. Families in particular loved the accommodations, which include one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom white-washed cottages, each equipped with a kitchen, private veranda, flat-screen TVs and complimentary internet access. Despite its amenities, some guests found the rooms needed an upgrade, but other features, such as the free 24-hour ferry to Key West and the views from Latitudes restaurant, were sincerely appreciated. The property also offers a spa, a pool, a fitness center, tennis courts and a private beach. For those looking to lounge beachside, travelers say be extra careful traversing the sands, as sharp rocks are sporadic.

A member of the swanky Noble House hotel group, this harborfront property adjacent to Mallory Square adheres to the old real estate adage about location, location, location. And guests report that the view from anywhere in this boutique resort is worth the splurge. In addition to postcard-worthy vistas, accommodations here feature wooden furnishings, bright green and blue decor, private balconies and whirlpool tubs. But don't plan on spending too much time in your room: The on-site SpaTerre boasts a long list of massages and skin treatments, while the outdoor pool makes a great place to catch some rays. If you have time, you should also dine on some of the comfort seafood dishes in the resort's Hot Tin Roof restaurant, including the crab cake benedict. Guests say the views made their experience but were put off that amenities, such as in-room water or parking, came with an extra cost considering the high price for accommodations.

According to guests, the Pier House Resort & Spa has all the necessary ingredients of a great Key West resort: a prime location (just northeast of Mallory Square), an attentive staff and abundant amenities. This quaint property boasts a heated outdoor pool and its own private stretch of white-sand beach, which make it popular with sun-seekers. Guests will also have access to the full-service spa, where salon services and a long list of soothing massages and body treatments are offered. As for the accommodations, there are standard rooms with warm, neutral hues and coveted amenities like flat-screen TVs, walk-in rain showers and coffee makers. All spaces also feature balconies or patios. However, a few travelers caution that some accommodations have musty odors and loud air conditioning units. Along with well-appointed rooms, guests enjoy access to the tasty One Duval – serving up hearty portions of fresh surf and turf items – and two other on-site eateries.

Situated less than a mile from the hopping Duval Street, Mallory Square and the Harry S. Truman Little White House, this Hyatt's location in the heart of Key West is the biggest draw for many recent visitors, despite the property's private beach. Along with an unbeatable location in the city's center, travelers also praise the property's exemplary staff and comfortable accommodations and recommend stopping by the pool for a dip or drink. During your stay, you should spend a little time enjoying this resort's activities, including its various aquatic rentals and Jala Spa, which offers a long list of skin and body treatments. Twice weekly fitness classes, fishing demonstrations and welcome Champagne toasts are also offered here as part of the property's daily $30 resort fee. And inside your room, relish special touches like Hyatt's signature beds, flat-screen TVs and iHome stereos. What's more, guests can join Hyatt's rewards program to earn points or redeem perks while staying on-site.

Many of Key West's best hotels are clustered around Mallory Square – but this landmark property (which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places) bucks that trend with its Reynolds Street address by the Atlantic Ocean. Guests, however, are enthralled by more than its historic ambience and away-from-the-crowd locale. Although some guests say accommodations here are a bit small, they are still outfitted with modern amenities like espresso machines, iHome docking stations and flat-screen TVs. Along with the comfy lodgings, Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort also boasts access to Key West's largest private beach and the Spa al Mare, which offfers a wide array of services, including seaweed detoxifying body wraps and beachside massages. And the two outdoor pools overlooking the ocean have been described as nothing short of amazing by sun-seeking guests. A stay at this Waldorf Astoria outpost can be pricey, but if you're a Hilton Honors member, you can accrue or cash in points by choosing to bed down here.

This all-suite hotel wins lodgers over with its central location (just a block from Key West's lively Duval Street) and amenities. Some of the most noteworthy perks offered here are covered by the property's daily $35 resort fee, including Dove ice cream bars and chocolates distributed during turndown service and the complimentary smoothies, bottled water and fresh fruit available at the property's two swimming pools. In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, H2O toiletries, coffee makers and fully equipped kitchens. After you've gotten your fill of complimentary wine and snacks at the daily happy hour, head to the on-site restaurant – Ambrosia – for some Japanese eats. Recent guests also said the hotel's location means there are plenty of delicious restaurants within walking distance. It's the thoughtful extras and a friendly staff that have many recent visitors wishing they could stay here year-round.

As its name suggests, The Gardens Hotel Key West's lush grounds are the focal point of this historic boutique hotel. Offering up a feeling of seclusion, the gardens (along with the property's smaller size) ensure you can relax and enjoy Key West, Florida's island lifestyle. (The quaint pool and aviary certainly help, too.) The Gardens Hotel is just two blocks away from Key West's lively Duval Street and sits within a mile of must-see sites like Mallory Square, the Southernmost Point and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Just make sure to grab a bite while out exploring. Even though the hotel offers drinks, lighter fare and complimentary breakfast – which is excellent, according to previous guests – at its on-site pool bar and wine gallery, it does not offer full meals for lunch and dinner. Once you're ready for a little R&R, retreat to one of 20 guest rooms. Featuring plantation-style furnishings and hardwood floors, all of The Garden Hotel's accommodations boast Keurig coffee makers, flat-screen TVs and balconies, decks or verandahs, among other amenities. And for the ultimate luxury, consider reserving one of four Garden Cottages; removed from the main house, these lodging options offer more square footage and share a private pool. Other options include an additional cottage set in a secluded part of the property and a suite with a private sauna.

Although the resort is located a couple miles from the center of the city, many guests love the secluded feel that the cottage-style accommodations and lush manicured grounds create. Along with a quiet atmosphere, this 148-room waterfront resort boasts four swimming pools and various on-site aquatic activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding. And the Caribbean-inspired rooms, which the hotel finished renovating in 2019, aren't too shabby either. Recent guests say the rooms are comfortable and well-maintained, and all rooms are appointed with flat-screen TVs, minifridges and terraces, balconies or porches. Despite the amenities, some guests were disappointed that the downtown shuttle stops operating at 6:10 p.m. Others, however, say downtown Key West can easily be reached on foot or via one of the resort's convenient bike rentals. One advisory: Read the fine print before booking, as some guests were unaware of the extra fees associated with staying at the resort.

Visitors of The Gates Hotel cannot stop raving about this recent addition to Florida's southernmost city. The hotel, which opened in April 2015, gives its guests access to several island-themed amenities, including the Rum Row Poolside Bar, a cigar lounge and an on-site food truck. Those looking to get off the property can rent bikes (for a fee) and venture over to Mallory Square or to Duval Street, where many of Key West's bars, restaurants, shops and drag queen nightclubs are located. Previous visitors suggest grabbing a bite while exploring off the property since the hotel's only on-site dining option, The Blind Pig food truck, (while good) can get old after a few days. The Gates Hotel also provides travelers with eco-friendly accommodations that feature reclaimed whitewashed beams and pine beds and include amenities like Key West Aloe bath essentials, Keurig coffee makers, minifridges and flat-screen LCD TVs. Keep in mind, The Gates Hotel charges a $34 daily resort fee, which covers in-room internet, parking, shuttle service to downtown Key West and a cocktail at check-in.

Travelers praise the location above all else at the Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina (formerly The Westin Key West Resort & Marina), but then again, any Mallory Square hotel is pretty well-placed. So what else makes this gorgeous waterfront property distinctive from all the rest? How about the surreal marina views at sunset, or the luxurious palm-tree-lined pool? And then there's also cushy beds available in every guest room, not to mention the flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations. There are also three dining options, one of which is a poolside bar, as well as a fitness center. Families especially will appreciate the kids amenities and children's menus available at this resort. The resort's friendly and attentive staff are also what helped make guest's Key West experience at this resort a pleasurable one, though some did cite housekeeping issues.

This tiny hotel on Fleming Street beckons to travelers who don't have young kids. In fact, you have to be at least 14 years of age to stay at The Marquesa Hotel. A look at the amenities list and restaurant menu items and you'll get a sense of that mature vibe – in other words, don't expect to see any chicken nuggets or hot dogs. Instead, sample Café Marquesa's diver sea scallops or roasted duck breast. The rooms are smaller than what you might expect from a luxury hotel, but they're quiet and dressed in sunny yellows and soft blues, with some of the deluxe rooms featuring hardwood floors. Just be aware that the hotel does not have an elevator, so some guests suggest requesting a room on one of the lower floors (or packing light). You won't need a car while staying at The Marquesa Hotel, since top sites like Mallory Square and the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens are a short walk away.

Travelers looking to be in the heart of the action will love this Waldorf Astoria property. Not only is the resort a block away from the lively Duval Street, but top attractions like the Southernmost Point, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory are all less than a mile away. Along with its central location, travelers rave about The Reach's attentive staff and private white sand beach. Those traveling with kids will appreciate the children's menu offered at the on-site restaurant, as well as the property's oceanfront pool. There are also a variety of recreational activities available, ranging from chess games on a life-sized chessboard to snorkeling excursions. When it's time to bed down, guests can rest well knowing they have plush bedding, iPod docking stations, flat-screen TVs and private balconies at their disposal. However, some amenities, such as a business center and spa, are not available on-site. And remember, this property is affiliated with Hilton, so Hilton Honors members can earn or use rewards points here.