Margaritaville Beach House Key West

Character and identity

Set directly across the road from Smathers Beach, this 184-suite resort occupies a refreshed former Sheraton on the quieter, residential side of Key West, away from Duval Street's churn. A sculptural metal awning frames the porte cochère, and the interiors run salvage-chic: weathered woods, neutral palettes, plenty of natural light. All accommodations are suites with separate living areas, mini-fridges and pillow-top beds. Drifter's Cove handles three meals a day with Cuban sandwiches, poke and surf-and-turf, while Shipwreckers Bar keeps the poolside blenders running. One pool with a waterfall, hammocks strung through the landscaping, and an easygoing tropical register throughout.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What sets this place apart is location: it's one of the few Key West hotels with genuine, easy beach access, paired with comfortable suite-style rooms and a relaxed pool scene. Book if beach time anchors your trip and you don't mind shuttling or biking to Duval. The suites all read similarly, so a standard category is fine; just factor the resort fee into your rate comparison.