Top 10 Key West Hotels

The <a title="Crowne Plaza Key West" href="http://www.oyster.com/florida-keys/hotels/crowne-plaza-hotel-key-west-la-concha/"_blank"><em>Crowne Plaza Key West</em></a> is a National Historic Landmark dating to 1926, but it lacks the charm of other historic hotels. The best feature is, without a doubt, the location on lively Duval Street -- the main artery of Old Town Key West, lined with restaurants, shops, and bars. The rooftop deck is another highlight -- with beautiful views of the ocean and the tops of palm trees dotting the landscape.

The <a title="Sheraton Suites" href="http://www.oyster.com/florida-keys/hotels/sheraton-suites-key-west/"_blank"><em>Sheraton Suties</em></a> is a mid-sized, all-suite hotel that's across a busy street from Smathers Beach. Suites are spacious with a cozy living area separate from the bedroom, and bathrooms have marble showers. The hotel is well-maintained amenities are numerous, including a well-equipped gym, big pool with tiki bar and business center. Downtown Key West and Duval Street are a 6-minute drive away -- a hotel shuttle offers free transportation until 11 p.m. -- making this hotel a better fit for families.

<a title="Weatherstation Inn" href="http://www.oyster.com/florida-keys/hotels/the-weatherstation-inn/"_blank"><em>Weatherstation Inn</em></a> -- a 8-room property is housed in a historic building on a quiet street in Old Town Key West -- is within walking distance to some of the major tourist attractions, and to a couple of good beaches. Each of its rooms has a distinct character and few amenities, including a flat-screen TV, 4-poster beds and well-tended grounds. The hotel has no amenities whatsoever -- just a tiny pool -- but there are some great freebies like free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a free quality continental breakfast.

This 178-room waterfront hotel in Old Town Key West is a real resort, with dozens of features, including boat rentals, shops, a fitness center, and a marina. However, the <a title="Westin Key West Resort" href="http://www.oyster.com/florida-keys/hotels/the-westin-key-west-resort-and-marina/"_blank"><em>Westin Key West Resort</em></a> is not quite up to the standards of other Westin properties, with somewhat bare contemporary rooms, cramped bathrooms, a pool that's a bit small for the size of the hotel, and a location right by a busy and noisy cruise ship dock.

Located on the far end of Duval Street, <a title="Southernmost on the Beach" href="http://www.oyster.com/florida-keys/hotels/southernmost-on-the-beach/"_blank"><em>Southernmost on the Beach</em></a> is a Key West favorite. The hotel has lovely architectural details such as arched doorways, crown molding, bay window seats, and porthole windows. Many rooms have balconies, and some have corner, wrap-around balconies with ocean views that are truly spectacular. Highlights here include the spectacular beach, long pool, private sunbathing pier and sunny fitness center.

The <a title="Ocean Key Resort" href="http://www.oyster.com/florida-keys/hotels/ocean-key-resort/"_blank"><em>Ocean Key Resort</em></a> has an excellent waterfront location right by Mallory Square. Rooms have iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and minibars, and feature a playful, tropical color scheme with various hues of green. There are 2 restaurants on-site, including the classy Hot Tin Roof. Outside, guests can grab a colorful table and dine on the Sunset Pier. The resort features 1 pool -- that could be a bit bigger -- as well as a bright fitness center and spa.

The <a title="Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa" href="http://www.oyster.com/florida-keys/hotels/hyatt-key-west-resort-and-spa/"_blank"><em>Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa</em></a> is a modern tropical resort right on the water's edge. The rooms have a soothing beach-inspired feel and are complete with private balconies. Perks here include bike rentals, 2 restaurants, a fitness center, floating dock and the peaceful outdoor pool with waterfall and direct beach access -- although the beach here is quite small and not ideal for sunbathing.

<a title="The Reach" href="http://www.oyster.com/florida-keys/hotels/the-reach-a-waldorf-astoria-resort/#"_blank"><em>The Reach</em></a> offers a respite from rowdy, gaudy Key West with its brand of relaxed sophistication and its beachfront location. Its 150 rooms are what you would expect from the Waldorf Astoria crowd -- spacious, modern and clean, with generic high-end furnishings and comfortable beds outfitted in crisp linens. The hotel's private white-sand beach with a pier for fishing is nice, too.

The 311 rooms of the <a title="Casa Marina Resort" href="http://www.oyster.com/florida-keys/hotels/casa-marina-resort-a-waldorf-astoria-resort/"_blank"><em>Casa Marina Resort</em></a> have a light, sophisticated feel, and the resort offers great in-room amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and espresso machines. The resort's grounds are beautiful, and lead to a rare amenity in Key West -- a swimmable beach. Although it's too rocky to wade into the water, a long dock extends to sandier bottoms.

This <a title="Sunset Key Guest Cottages" href="http://www.oyster.com/florida-keys/hotels/sunset-key-guest-cottages-a-westin-resort"_blank"><em>Sunset Key Guest Cottages</em></a> caters to the upscale traveler with luxurious, beach-chic cottages and high-end amenities. It is located on Sunset Key, a residential island off Key West. The hotel’s amenities include a pool, the beach and a spa. Its location, though idyllic and exclusive, might be somewhat inconvenient for travelers who want to be close to shops and restaurants.