Barefoot, Bronzed, and Bougie: Where to Stay in Style in Key West
Take a look at the best of Key West, from a stay to Ocean Key Resort & Spa to the best bars and restaurants.
Photo Credit: Ocean Key Resort
At the very tip of Duval Street — where the Atlantic meets the Gulf and the sun throws its final golden flare — sits Ocean Key Resort & Spa, a vibrant escape that captures the offbeat elegance of Key West. Tucked between Key West Harbor and Mallory Square, this waterfront hideaway is pure island fantasy, with panoramic terraces, playful interiors, and that unmistakable Conch Republic energy.
Photo Credit: Ocean Key Resort
Ocean Key is equal parts relaxed and refined. Think private balconies above the sea, oversized suites filled with hand-painted armoires and colorful island art, and whirlpool tubs made for soaking in the view. Whether you’re watching the sun slip below the horizon or wandering Old Town’s storybook streets, the spirit of Key West is all around — vivid, slightly eccentric, and completely unforgettable.
Photo Credit: Ocean Key Resort
Key West is known for its tropical rhythms and sun-soaked charm, but Ocean Key feels like its heartbeat. Set just steps from Mallory Square’s legendary sunset celebrations, the resort is perfectly positioned for exploration — or for doing absolutely nothing at all. The views here stretch wide across turquoise waters, and the vibe leans toward barefoot luxury, with a touch of whimsy and a whole lot of soul.
Photo Credit: Ocean Key Resort
Every room at Ocean Key is a sanctuary. Spacious, light-filled suites come with king beds, spa tubs, and dreamy views of the Gulf, harbor, or Mallory Square. For the ultimate indulgence, the Flamingo Royal Suite — a two-bedroom penthouse with more than 1,200 square feet — offers front-row seats to the island’s most spectacular sunsets, plus original art by local favorite Amanda Johnson.
Photo Credit: Ocean Key Resort
At the resort’s signature restaurant, Hot Tin Roof, Chef Scott Maurer celebrates 10 years at the helm with a culinary point of view that’s all Keys — bold, bright, and unapologetically fresh. Expect Caribbean flavors filtered through a Florida lens, local seafood with Latin flair, and dishes designed to pair perfectly with the show-stopping sunset.
Photo Credit: Ocean Key Resort
Just steps from your suite, Sunset Pier delivers exactly what the name promises: the best seat in town for the nightly celebration. With live music, island-inspired fare, and a front-row view of the technicolor sky, it’s a must — even if you’re not usually the dancing-on-the-pier type.
Photo Credit: Ocean Key Resort
When it’s time to unwind, SpaTerre invites guests to travel without leaving the island. The treatment menu pulls inspiration from Bali to Java, featuring lush rituals and locally inspired offerings. The Key Lime Margarita Pedicure is a playful nod to the island’s famous fruit, while the Javanese Royal Treatment feels like a palace escape, complete with rose petals, yogurt splashes, and aromatic soaks. Couples can indulge side-by-side or slip away for solo serenity — either way, this is island wellness at its most luxurious.
Photo Credit: Ocean Key Resort
Ocean Key Resort & Spa is located at 0 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
The Best of the Rest of Key West
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com
The Roost: If you know, you know. The Roost is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cocktail den just off Duval that doubles as a bottle shop. It’s intimate, elevated, and effortlessly cool—with a rotating cocktail list, caviar service, and events like Old Fashioned Wednesdays that pull a sophisticated, in-the-know crowd. It’s the kind of place where you can pop in for a martini, leave with a rare bourbon, and somehow end up staying all night. Low-key luxury at its finest.
Halo Bar at The Saint Hotel: Don’t let the name fool you—Halo Bar is more sinner than saint. Tucked inside The Saint Hotel, this sultry little spot feels like stepping into a dream sequence shot in neon. The vibe is seductive: moody lighting, velvet textures, and cocktails that lean glam but go down easy. It’s the kind of place where the martinis are ice-cold, the bartenders know your name (or at least pretend to), and the night has a way of slipping away in the best possible way. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink… or an unexpected last call.
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