Where to Stay in Key West (best Areas + Local Insights)
Trying to decide where to stay in Key West? The area you choose can completely shape your trip—from walkable Old Town to beachfront resorts and quieter, more affordable areas outside downtown.
Even though the island is small, picking the right location makes the difference between constantly dealing with transportation and effortlessly enjoying everything Key West has to offer.
Because Key West is one of the more expensive destinations in Florida, where you stay—and how you get around—can significantly impact your overall trip cost. This guide will help you choose the best area for your trip.
The best area to stay in Key West for most visitors is Old Town, but beachfront resorts and New Town each offer unique advantages depending on your travel style.
Key Takeaways: Where to Stay in Key West
- Old Town is best for walkability and first-time visitors
- Beachfront & Mid-Town resorts are best for space and relaxation
- New Town is best for value and quieter stays
👉 Best strategy: Stay near Old Town or choose a hotel with a shuttle—many visitors without one end up wishing they had it.
Old Town Key West (Best for Walkability & First-Time Visitors)
Old Town is where most visitors want to be. It’s home to iconic spots like Duval Street and the Historic Seaport, along with restaurants, shops, galleries, and attractions all within easy walking distance.
Why Stay in Old Town
- You can walk almost everywhere
- No need to rely on transportation
- Close to sunset spots, tours, and activities, including some of the best sunset cruises in Key West
👉 If it’s your first visit, this is the easiest and most convenient place to stay.
Notable Beachfront Resorts in Old Town
- Casa Marina Resort is known for one of the largest private beaches in Key West and The Reach Resort, its sister property, shares access to beaches, amenities, and watersports
👉 These properties offer a rare combination of beach access and proximity to Old Town.
Beach Resorts & Mid-Town (Best for Space & Amenities)
If you prefer more space, a quieter setting, and resort-style amenities, mid-island and beachfront areas are a great option, especially near Smathers Beach.
Why Stay in This Area
- Larger properties and more open space
- Easy beach access
- A relaxed, resort-style atmosphere
Popular Option
- Parrot Key Resort & Villas offers a waterfront setting with lush grounds, watersports, and a convenient shuttle to Old Town
👉 This area works especially well if you plan to park your car at the hotel and leave it there.
Many visitors staying in Mid-Town choose to:
- Use hotel shuttles
- Rent bikes, scooters, or golf carts
- Avoid moving their car once they arrive
👉 For a full breakdown, see the Best Way to Get Around Key West
New Town (Best for Value & Convenience)
New Town and the outer areas of Key West offer more affordable accommodations, larger hotel properties, and easier parking, making them a popular choice for value-focused visitors.
Why It Works
- Better value for longer stays
- Less crowded than Old Town
- Convenient for parking and accessibility
- One of the easiest areas to park and leave your car for your entire stay
Popular Options
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Key West at The Keys Collection offers shuttle service to Old Town
- DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Grand Key provides shuttle access to downtown and nearby beaches
From here, most visitors:
- Take the shuttle into Old Town
- Rent bikes, scooters, or golf carts
- Skip the hassle of driving and parking downtown
This is one of the most important and often overlooked factors when choosing where to stay in Key West.
Before booking, check:
- Does the hotel offer a shuttle to Old Town?
- How often does it run?
- Does it include stops at the beach?
- Is the shuttle frequent enough that you won’t need a car?
💡 Local tip: Many hotels outside Old Town offer free shuttle service to downtown and popular areas like Smathers Beach, which can completely eliminate the need to drive or find parking.
How Location Affects Getting Around
Where you stay in Key West directly affects how you’ll get around.
- Staying in Old Town means you can walk almost everywhere
- Staying outside Old Town usually means relying on shuttles, bikes, scooters, or golf carts
👉 See the full breakdown on the Best Way to Get Around Key West
Tips for Choosing Where to Stay
- Stay in Old Town for maximum convenience and walkability
- Choose beachfront or mid-island resorts for a more relaxed, spacious experience
- Look for shuttle service if staying outside Old Town
- Plan to park your car once and leave it there
- Balance location, price, and transportation when deciding
Which Area Is Right for You?
- Want walkability and easy access? Old Town
- Want beach access and resort-style amenities? Mid-Town or beachfront areas
- Want better value, easier parking, and less congestion? New Town and the outskirts
👉 Choosing the right area makes your entire trip easier. Check out Best Things to Do in Key West
Lodging FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Key West?
Old Town is the most popular area to stay in Key West, especially for first-time visitors.
Is it better to stay in Old Town Key West?
Yes, if you want to walk to most attractions and avoid relying on transportation.
Are there beachfront hotels in Key West?
Yes, including Casa Marina and The Reach, which offer direct beach access.
Is it cheaper to stay outside Old Town?
Yes, Midtown and New Town accommodations are often more affordable than staying in Old Town.
Do hotels in Key West offer shuttle service?
Many hotels outside Old Town offer free shuttle service to downtown and nearby beaches.
Do you need a car when staying in Key West?
No, most visitors do not need a car, especially if staying in Old Town or at a hotel with shuttle service.
