Lyn Hughes | 28 June 2022
3 incredible places to stay in the Florida Keys
Whether you're looking for a historic hotel, luxury resort, or an 'AquaVilla', there's accommodation to suit every character in the Florida Keys...
Whether you're looking for a historic hotel, luxury resort, or an 'AquaVilla', there's accommodation to suit every character in the Florida Keys...
A cosy living area on one of Mangrove Marina's houseboats (Mangrove Marina – sourced by Florida Keys News Bureau)
Mangrove Marina & Resort, Tavernier, offers “AquaVillas” (houseboats) equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom and complimentary high-speed wi-fi. Each has a patio and an upper deck, making great spots to enjoy a coffee watching the sunrise or something stronger watching the sunset. Protected by the mangrove trees surrounding the marina, this basin is a natural “hurricane hole" and very tranquil. You'll get your excitement from watching pelicans dive-bombing into the water.
The marina is well placed for driving to Key Largo's attractions, such as the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park or the African Queen boat trip.
Houseboats from around £200pn (minimum two-night stay).
More information mangrovemarina.com
Gaze out to sea at Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort (Tranquility Bay – sourced by Florida Keys News Bureau)
Marathon’s Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort overlooks the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, has its own private beach and three pools. There is a choice of beautiful white-shuttered two-storey beach houses, some on the beachfront, or smaller tropical garden guestrooms. A wide range of onsite watersports are offered and you can learn to snorkel or even to dive. No breakfast is served (the beach houses have kitchens) but its TJ's Tiki Bar offers lunches (and has great sunset views) and the award-winning Butterfly Café serves excellent dinners - coconut shrimp with apricot sauce and saffron rice anyone?
Best of all, the hotel is right next door to the Marathon Turtle Hospital, a must for any animal lovers. You can join one of the tours (there are several daily) to learn all about the rescued turtles.
Rooms from £151pn.
More information tranquilitybay.com
A beautiful stay in historic Winslow's Bungalows by Kimpton (Kimpton Key West – Winslow Bungalows)
You'll feel you have stepped back in time - or at least into a Hemingway novel - at Winslow’s Bungalows by Kimpton, Key West, which offers rooms in several restored historic buildings. Expect shutters, ceiling fans and period or bohemian interiors. Situated at the quiet end of the Old Town, it offers parking (a huge plus here) but once parked you can leave your car as it's within walking distance of Key West’s main sights. It also has daily complimentary continental breakfast, a bike share program and three pools.
Doubles from £250pn.
More information kimptonkeywest.com
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