My husband and I have two nights without kids in Key West in July. What's the best hotel? I noticed great review on the Marquesas, but I think that I'd prefer being on the water. The one bedrooms at the Sunset are booked already. How's the Ocean Key or Pier House? Thanks.

My husband and I were in Key West last summer. We stayed at 4 different hotels. We started in Key West at the Casa Marina (Wyndham ) in a 1 Bedroom Ocean Suite because we wanted to stay near the ocean. The room was lovely, with a balcony overlooking the beach....but the beach had such a bad "fishy" odor that we could not stand the smell. Also the Beach was so full of seaweed and coral that it was unpleasant to go in the water. That is when I first understood why people say "don't go to Key West for the Beaches - they are not the best in Florida". The hotel was nice, but full of families w/ little children running and splashing around the pool (this is not what we were looking for). We then drove up to Islamadora and stayed at the Cheeca Lodge - this was a horrible experience - more families, stains on the bedspreads - again, an Ocean Front view w/ balcony....but a big disappointment. We spent one night at Little Palm Beach (outstanding if you can afford the $600/night). We ended back in Key West at the Marquesa - it was PERFECT!!! The room was decorated beautifully next to a waterfall exterior w/ our own porch, overlooking a beautifully landscaped pool. It was also the best location for Key West sightseeing. Their restaurant was great and romantic. So, in my opinion, the Marquesa is your best bet - forget the water view until you go to the Caribbean where the water is worth being next to. Oh, our friends stayed at the Pier House and hated it (like a big Marriott - only worse). They wished they had chosen the Marquesa.

Your message was very helpful. Thanks so much.

The Marquesa Hotel is generally considered the best (and most romantic)hotel in Key West. If, however, you're hooked on the idea of being on the Gulf (as I am), try either the Ocean Key Resort or the Hyatt Hotel and Marina on Front Street. If you stay either of those places be sure and get a waterfront room and not simply a water or gulf "view". That can be very misleading.

I wouldn't advise booking the Pier House either. It gets very mixed reviews. Ocean Key is owned by Noble House - the same folks who own Little Palm Island.

I would go with The Ocean Key or The Marquesa. Both get wonderful reviews.

We stayed in a junior suite at the Ocean Key last summer. Everything about the hotel was wonderful- great pool, brightly decorated rooms, friendly staff, great location!! You'll love this place!

Marquesa gets our vote. It is a romantic place to stay without kids. It is convenient, you can have breakfast on your porch and the rooms are quite nice. Key West is not a place to go for the beach.

My vote for most romantic accomodations does not include a hotel.
In downtown key West there are many romantic B and B's or small guest houses on Duval, Caroline or Whitehead St. with tropical settings.

I vote for Ocean Key Resort. We stayed there for 3 days overlooking Mallory Square. It was beautiful! You don't have to fight the crowds to see the sunset and the one bedroom suite has a kitchen. If you can afford it for the 2 nights, I highly recommend it. Many sailboats go by Ocean Key Resort to see the sunset and they are so close you feel as if you could reach out and touch them. The staff were fantastic, and it's very quiet and laid back. I haven't researched the Marquesas, but it sounds really nice.