Mallory Square is speckled with inexpensive 2 and 3-star inns and hotels, ideal for those traveling on a budget but want to remain in the heart of Key West’s captivating culture. Just north of the square, alongside the sandy beachfront, expect to find a few stellar resorts and spas.
Old Town
If you follow Duval Street south from Mallory Square, you’ll soon stumble into the heart of Key West’s Old Town. Here, the wide streets are lined with grand 19th century mansions, complete with porches and balconies. Old Town also boasts museums, galleries, and historic buildings like the formidable sprawl of Civil War-era Fort Zachary Taylor.
Hotels in Old Town
Like much of the island’s western side, expect a mix of comfortable 3-star inns and slightly more luxurious 4-star hotels. Many of these are spacious urban havens complete with outdoor swimming pools - an ideal way to cool off from the tropical Key West heat.
New Town
If you’re looking for authentic Key West living, stay among the locals in the laid-back atmosphere of New Town. This area is basically everything to the east of 1st street and north of Flagler Avenue. New Town is ideal for shoppers, with huge malls and independent boutiques strung through the streets.
Hotels in New Town
Most of New Town’s hotels rest on North Roosevelt Boulevard, which runs right along the unblemished coast. Here, you’ll mostly find sleek, modern hotels, many boasting sweeping views over the glistening ocean, huge outside pools with poolside bars, and fitness facilities to help you burn off the sumptuous grub of Key West.
Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is Key West’s largest stretch of pure, white-gold sand. Set on the island’s south, it boasts over a mile of soft, spacious beachfront, with clusters of coconut trees providing cool shady areas. Smathers is also a hotspot for water sports - including parasailing and windsurfing - but there’s plenty of room to simply lie down and catch tropical rays.
Hotels in Smathers Beach
Adjacent to the beach you’ll find modern accommodation, some of which have cocktail bars, and ocean-view rooms. Most guestrooms come with flat-screen TVs and premium channels, and perks can include free airport shuttles, making your holiday as hassle-free as possible.
