Key West — Neighborhood Guide
The southernmost tip of the continental United States, anchored by the iconic Southernmost Point buoy and the Atlantic-facing South Beach — the island's best swimming beach. Hotels here are slightly more removed from Duval Street but offer unmatched ocean views and a calmer atmosphere.
Quick Answer
The southernmost tip of the continental United States, anchored by the iconic Southernmost Point buoy and the Atlantic-facing South Beach — the island's best swimming beach. Hotels here are slightly more removed from Duval Street but offer unmatched ocean views and a calmer atmosphere.
5 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$$, $$, $ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
Staying in South Beach / Southernmost Point puts you at the heart of what makes Key West special. The neighborhood offers a unique blend of local character and visitor-friendly amenities. Our hotel picks range from intimate boutiques to polished luxury properties, each chosen for its ability to connect you with the authentic South Beach / Southernmost Point experience.
Insider Tips
The best dining in South Beach / Southernmost Point is usually one street back from the main tourist thoroughfare.
Ask your hotel concierge for their personal favourite spots in South Beach / Southernmost Point — they often know hidden gems.
Walking is the best way to experience South Beach / Southernmost Point — most attractions are within a 15-minute stroll.
Our Picks
5 hotels · Updated February 2026
Key West Harbor
A modern boutique resort on the harbor designed with a zero-waste philosophy — solar panels, electric boat charters, and a marine conservation partnership — without sacrificing any luxury amenity. Three pools, a water sports center, and 96 rooms with harbor views make it Key West's most thoughtfully conceived newer property.
South Beach
Key West's most family-friendly full-service resort, straddling Atlantic and Gulf beaches at the island's southern tip with three pools, a poolside tiki bar, and direct access to both Southernmost Beach and the Atlantic. The rooms in the Beach House are the finest, with private balconies facing the water.
South Beach
The only resort on Key West with direct Atlantic Ocean beach access — a Hilton Curio Collection property with a distinctive Caribbean colonial design, three pools, a full-service dive shop, and 150 rooms facing the most swimmable ocean water on the island. The Rêve Spa and beachfront dining at their best here.
New Town
Key West's largest hotel delivers a reliable Marriott experience with a private beachfront, rooftop infinity pool, full-service spa, and 220 rooms at prices that undercut Old Town equivalents by 30-40%. Ideal for families who want resort scale and water access without the Old Town premium.
Old Town
One of Old Town's best-priced boutique options — a restored 1895 Conch House with 13 rooms, a plunge pool, and free beach cruiser rentals, all two blocks from Duval Street. The genuine B&B warmth, owner-operator hospitality, and extraordinarily central location make it one of Key West's best values.
Common Questions
South Beach is ideal for visitors prioritizing Atlantic ocean swimming and a quieter atmosphere. It's a 15-minute walk or 5-minute bike ride to Duval Street, and the beach here is Key West's most swimmable.
The Southernmost Point is known for the iconic buoy monument (the most photographed object in Key West), the Southernmost Beach Resort, and the proximity to the Atlantic Reef — one of the best snorkeling spots accessible from the island.
The most convenient option is a rideshare (Uber/Lyft), typically 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport is also available and often more economical.
More Destinations
Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
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