11 Best Hotels in Key Largo, The Florida Keys

Brilliantly colored bougainvillea, coconut palm, and guava trees—and a botanical garden of other rare species—make this 2-acre adult hideaway one of the prettiest places to stay in the Keys. Each of the intimate cottages has furnishings that add to the tropical feel. Spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom suites—with full kitchens and original art—are filled with natural light. Outside, kick back in a lounge chair or hammock, soak in the hot tub, or contemplate sunset from the deck. The resort also has an art gallery and an orchid house with more than 225 plants. At the pool, help yourself to complimentary bottled water and fruit.

Nestled within a “hardwood hammock” (localese for uplands habitat where hardwood trees such as live oak grow) near the southern border of Everglades National Park, this sprawling, 13-acre resort is not to be missed. There are plenty of reasons to stay on property including three dining outlets; a family activities center with on-site programs; state-of-the-art water sports; charter services and perks like outdoor movie nights, free use of fishing poles and complimentary bikes. Guest rooms, with a color palette that reflects the natural serenity of the grounds, are spacious, modern, and all have a balcony. The deluxe Baker's Cay suite with a kitchen and two bedrooms will make you want to quit your job and move to the Keys. Follow the trails to the white-sand beach for a nightly sunset celebration.

This 12-acre, adults-only hideaway has charming freestanding bungalows (some of which are waterfront) that are outfitted with a front porch with Adirondack chairs, a sitting area with a couch, and a private patio with an outdoor soaking tub, shower, and seating area. Each bungalow comes with two bikes, and there are yoga classes, paddleboards, an outdoor exercise hut equipped with a Peloton bike, and boats and floating tiki cruises available for hire from the resort's waterfront. This being an all-inclusive resort means all meals and drinks are included, with the option to dine at three sit-down restaurants: Fish Tales, Bogie & Bacall’s, and Sea Señor. There's also a cozy "living room" and swanky cocktail bar Hemingway's inspired by the author's home in Key West.

At this luxurious, 14-acre, bayfront retreat, you'll find one of the nicest beaches in the Keys, as well as water sports galore, bocce, tennis, basketball, and a fitness center with inspiring pool views. Step into your room and bask in the modern beachy design—muted whites, sea-foam accents, and wood flooring are elegant accebts. Perks like in-room Nespresso machines and Molton Brown toiletries add to the upscale vibe. On-site restaurants include Las Olas, a Peruvian ceviche and sushi bar; Sand Bar poolside seafood café; and Sol by the Sea, a waterfront open-air dining experience (book the "water table" for a dining experience that features seating and a table in the shallow lagoon). There are plenty of complimentary perks to keep guests engaged and happy, from the welcome mojito cocktails to the nightly live music to the complimentary fishing poles and bait and bookshelves lined with free books in the public spaces.

The dock points the way to beautiful sunsets at this adults-only boutique hotel, which has been transformed from a run-down mom-and-pop place into a waterfront gem. As the innkeepers have backgrounds in the image business, the property offers great visuals, from marble floors and granite countertops to yellow-leather sofas and ice-blue bathroom tiles. Kayaks, paddleboards, barbecue grills, and a movie library are available for guest use, and two chickee huts on the beach are equipped with comfortable seating.

Some 200 feet of waterfront is the main attraction at these side-by-side sister properties that offer a choice between smaller rooms and larger freestanding cottages. Coconut palms whisper in the breeze and gumbo-limbo trees shade the 2½-acre grounds. Nice features abound, like well-placed lounge chairs for gazing out over the water and kayaks and paddleboats (for when you want to get closer). Everybody shows up on the sun deck or the 16-foot dock to watch the sun slip into Davy Jones's locker. The rooms are a bit tight but not without island character. Pale-yellow cottages are simply furnished. Ask for Units 25 and 26, a two-bedroom villa that will give you extra space and a water view.

This waterfront haven is tucked into a residential neighborhood beneath towering palms and native gumbo-limbos. No wonder it's a favorite of travel magazines. Each unit overlooks part of the 400-foot beach, where draping hammocks beckon you to nap. Prefer to paddleboard or kayak? Just slide one off the sand and go. Or take a dip in the pool. Less adventurous types can head for the Adirondack chairs along the shoreline or to those placed at the far end of the docks that jet into the bay. Units are comfortable and spacious and could be the backdrop for a Tommy Bahama ad with their upscale tropical decor and hand-carved furniture. Small patios give you your own slice of paradise. Breakfast is served beneath the bayfront chickee.

Behind 10-foot, dark-wood Kong gates is a Bali-inspired world, where tranquility washes over you like a rain shower. The entire property is spa-like with lush palms, buttonwoods, and orchids everywhere. The bungalows have a king bed in one room and a queen in the other, along with European fixtures, separate baths, and a small kitchenette stocked with water bottles. Relax in the large infinity pool, at the beach, or on the deck. Snorkel in the private lagoon, or just catch a magical Key Largo sunset. If you want even more space and privacy, rent the 5,000-square-foot Grand Lodge that sleeps eight.

This 1950s throwback recalls the days when parents packed the kids into the station wagon and headed to no-frills seaside motels. The owners have spiffed things up with cute, artsy touches and added a small sunning beach, but basically it's just a motel—nothing fancy but comfortable. Guests don't mind skimping on space (although larger waterfront cottages are available) and a few frills in favor of homey digs, socializing under the chickee, and reasonable rates.

Stylized metal herons mark the entrance to this 67-year-old family-run motel. The third and fourth generations of the Popp family are currently at the helm, taking care of the basic-but-clean units. Don't be discouraged by the building clutter around the office. Inside, the rooms have bright paint jobs, new floors, and modern kitchens. Room 9 is closest to the beach.

Set on 17 acres overlooking Blackwater Sound, this hotel has been given a much-needed refresh, including the rooms, which span traditional and two-bedroom suite-style accommodations. A private beach, marina, and dive shop provide plenty of water-based activities. Amenities include By the Bay Spa, a 24-hour fitness center, poolside Flipper's Bar, Breezer’s Tiki Bar, and Gus' Grille for all-day dining in a waterfront setting with outdoor covered patio.