11 Best Family Hotels in Florida Keys

Spending your vacation with your kids in Florida is nothing short of amazing, but the Florida Keys are something else entirely! Stretching from Miami to Key West and separating the Gulf of Mexico from the Atlantic Ocean, this tropical paradise is an excellent destination for those seeking a memorable family vacation. Not only are the Florida Keys full of great attractions, but they’re also just so happen to have plenty of family-friendly hotels and resorts too. The family hotels in the Florida Keys offer a long list of fun things to do both on-site and in the vicinity. While there are many accommodations to choose from, we’ve picked some of the best for you! From affordable hotels to family resorts in Florida Keys all-inclusive, here are our recommendations!

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa

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Managed by a leading luxury brand that has nailed the concept of family vacations, the exceptional experiences available at the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa are a big draw for families seeking a memorable Florida Keys holiday. As one of the family hotels in the Florida Keys, you can expect nothing but the best from this Key West hotel. All of the guestrooms are highly luxurious and elegantly appointed. You can have your huge balcony, and some of them offer mesmerizing water views! You can also enjoy plenty of living space, with some pet-friendly units available.

The amenities offered by this best family hotel in Florida Keys are, of course, world-class and kid-friendly! They include a large heated outdoor swimming pool where you and your kids can play together, plus access to a wide variety of water-based fun such as snorkeling, jet ski, and bike rentals. Meanwhile, the two on-site restaurants, Short American Seafood Grill and Blue Mojito Pool Bar and Grill, deserve two thumbs up as everything they serve tastes amazing. Even better, they feature a variety of kid-centric meal options!

Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort

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The four-star Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort is an excellent vacation destination for families who want to have exciting quality time in the Florida Keys. One of the main reasons it’s seen as the best family hotel in Florida Keys is its top-notch location. It’s close to many top attractions, such as the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park! Apart from that, there are plenty of restaurants that you can stop by. However, you don’t always have to leave the hotel to have fun!

Notable amenities that young and old alike will enjoy include a private beach, a large outdoor swimming pool, and plenty of water sports. These water-based activities include diving and snorkeling adventures arranged through the on-site dive shop. Meanwhile, the on-site restaurant offers an extensive kids’ menu, which certainly will put a smile on their faces. Plus, there’s a games room! When it’s time to sleep, you can opt for one of the larger suites with full kitchens and expanding living space. By the way, you should also know that this hotel is one of the best gay hotels in Key Largo!

Islander Resort

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Up next is the Islander Resort, a classic fun-in-the-sun resort that’s a true Florida Keys original. This three-star resort is set in Islamorada and is centrally located near many of the finest attractions of the Keys. Some nearby attractions include Anne’s Beach, the History of Diving Museum, and Upper Matecumbe Key. Meanwhile, foodies will appreciate that numerous restaurants are just a stone’s throw away! However, you don’t need to stray from the resort as it houses two on-site restaurants, Tides Beachside Bar and Grill and Elements Lounge and Restaurant. The former serves classic American cuisine and pizza, while the latter specializes in seafood.

One of the biggest perks of staying at this resort is that you can enjoy its private beach. That way, you and your loved ones can have fun on the sand without having to worry it gets too crowded. Boaters are sure to love this resort as well, as it includes dock slips for you to dock your boat or a rental after a day of fun on the water. Families can enjoy other fun activities, including fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the heated outdoor swimming pool.

Sunset Key Cottages

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The charming accommodations at Sunset Key Cottages are designed with families in mind. Don’t believe us? Let’s take a look at what this resort has to offer! This four-star resort consists of 40 luxury cottages (hence, the name) on a private tropical island that’s just minutes away from Mallory Square in Key West. Talk about having a serene vacation! The cottages are simply beautiful. Each of them is brightly painted and decorated. The biggest unit has four bedrooms, and it comes with a fully-equipped kitchen so kids will never go hungry! What’s more, this resort is called one of the most romantic hotels in Key West!

Another thing that makes this resort one of the best family hotels in the Florida Keys is plenty of space for kids to roam and explore, which is perfect if your kids can’t sit still! On top of that, there are fun activities that’ll keep them busy. They can swim in the on-site swimming pool, read their favorite book at the library, and play some games in the games room. Meanwhile, parents can pamper themselves at the on-site spa center that offers a full-service spa. Instead, those who want to keep their muscle mass can go to the on-site fitness center. Oh, tennis courts are also available, and lessons can be arranged individually or for groups and families.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

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The Cheeca Lodge & Spa is one of the larger family hotels in the Florida Keys. It offers an idyllic getaway for young and old alike. This resort is set amid 27 acres of beachfront property, and it’s a delight to wander and explore the expansive grounds with its networks of paths and quiet spots. Here, you can spend some family time on the private beach, shooting a round of golf on the nine-hole course, sunbathing while the kids enjoy a kayak adventure, or casting a line together off the private fishing pier. Want to get out on the water? The use of kayaks is complimentary for guests!

That’s not all! Happy families can play with water in the swimming pool. There are two in total, one designated for adults only. Living up to its name, this resort also offers a full-service spa with many treatments for kids. Need to fill your empty stomach? There are three on-site restaurants that you can go to. There’s Atlantic’s Edge, which serves American food, seafood, and some juicy steak. If you crave Japanese food and sushi, you can head to Nikai Sushi instead. Lastly, there’s Mia Cucina, which is known for its addicting pizza! And if you have a large family, shoot for a spacious suite with a full kitchen and plenty of living space.

Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel and Resort

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Families that want to have a nice family vacation in the Florida Keys without emptying their bank account might want to consider staying at the Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel and Resort. This three-star hotel isn’t as fancy as other family resorts in Florida Keys, all-inclusive, but it’s an excellent option for families that love to be near the beach. Although this beachfront hotel only has 46 units, each of them is tidy and well-equipped with must-have amenities. If available, we recommend looking into the huge three-bedroom villa, which comes with three bathrooms and a large, fully-equipped kitchen. There’s also a separate living and dining area, as well as plenty of room on its deck.

In addition to that, we also fancy the on-site amenities! There’s an oceanfront heated swimming pool, which is the perfect place for you and your kids to relax and have fun. There’s also a long private pier to fish and enjoy the sunsets. You can find several excellent hammocks dotted around the property too! Finally, the beach is a real treat for all ages, and guests are provided with umbrellas and sun loungers on which to relax. With everything it offers, it’s indeed one of the best family hotels in the Florida Keys!

Hawks Cay Resort

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Another great addition to our list of best family hotels in the Florida Keys is the Hawks Cay Resort. The big draw for families at this luxurious, four-star hotel is the highly roomy guestrooms. The huge multi-bedroom units can sleep up to eight people and complete kitchens that feature modern appliances. Aside from that, there are also living rooms, dining rooms, and upscale bathrooms. Some of the equally attractive smaller units come with pullout couches for those traveling with one or two kids. When your kids are bored, bring them outside! You can bring them to the pirate-themed splash pad and one of the five available swimming pools on-site. There’s also a children’s playground as well as supervised activities for kids to enjoy so that you can take a break!

While there are plenty of attractions at this best family hotel in Florida Keys, the MVP has to be the resort’s large saltwater lagoon! Here, families can partake in a thrilling dolphin encounter experience. This exciting activity allows kids to get up close to these fantastic creatures. Don’t worry; It’s a perfectly safe experience as there’s always staff around. Also worth mentioning is the on-site marina, which offers a variety of watercraft rentals. There’s also a teen lounge and games room, a basketball court, and fishing and snorkeling adventures. Once you book a room at this hotel, you and your kids will never run out of things to do!

Hampton Inn Key Largo

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You can’t talk about the best family hotels in the Florida Keys without mentioning Hampton Inn Key Largo. Many factors make it the best family hotel in Florida Keys, and one of them is its location. Family adventures abound at the famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located just a few minutes’ walk away from this three-star accommodation. This popular park offers plenty of fun activities for kids of all ages, from swimming to snorkeling explorations of its protected reefs. We’re sure your little ones will have plenty of fun there. Other nearby attractions include the Key Largo Undersea Park, Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill, and Blue Fin Rock Harbor Marina.

This hotel’s bright, tropical-themed guestrooms are also an essential factor for most families. Each of them is exceptionally roomy and equipped with standard amenities like a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, coffee-maker, mini-fridge, and microwave. A good breakfast for your whole family is also included with your stay. Need a cup of coffee? Feel free to visit the on-site Starbucks whenever you want! Also, don’t forget to let your kids float on the good-sized outdoor swimming pool. And while your kids are swimming, you can burn some calories at the state-of-the-art fitness center.

Parrot Key Hotel & Villas

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Are you searching for family resorts in Florida Keys all-inclusive? Take a look at the Parrot Key Hotel & Villas! After undergoing an upgrade, it’s easily one of the best family resorts in Florida Keys all inclusive! This revamped waterfront resort boasts 148 bright, airy guestrooms, spacious suites, and luxury villas complete with a private porch. Whether you choose to enjoy a waterfront view or one featuring the verdant tropical gardens, you’ll be at peace throughout your stay at this lovely spot. For families traveling with little kids, we recommend opting for the three-bedroom villa for more space to stretch out.

When the weather is insanely hot, grab your kids and cool off in one of the four on-site swimming pools! Or, you can also swing your worries away on a comfy hammock. When it’s time for some food, you can enjoy a meal at the tropical The Grove Kitchen & Bar. If you’re hoping for some retail therapy, head to Key West, which is only minutes away. Moreover, the resort fee includes access to lounge chairs and towels at Smathers Beach, a shuttle to the beach or Duval Street, poolside drinks, and a discount on the water activities. You can opt for The Full Culinary Key, Dining Inclusive Package to make your stay truly all-inclusive. It includes three meals a day (kids 10 and under can eat for free) and a 50USD food and beverage credit each night!

Tranquility Bay Resort

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Located mid-way down the Keys in the town of Marathon, Tranquility Bay Resort has much to offer those seeking a great Florida family vacation. Spending the night at this best family hotel in Florida Keys is like living in a beautiful villa that allows you to face the water 24/7. What amazes us the most is that this four-star resort has its very own beach, offering safe swimming for your kids! As with other best family hotels in the Florida Keys, there’s plenty of room to spread out and play in the sand, which is superb. Although this resort is a big property, it never feels crowded or noisy, especially as those seeking an escape have their swimming pool. Other notable amenities include a dive center, jet ski, and kayak rentals.

If you feel like going out, you can visit the Dolphin Research Center and enjoy its variety of wildlife experiences. But if you don’t want to, you can pamper yourself in the spacious accommodation! The units offered range in size, from two to three bedrooms. Each of them comes with two bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, as well as a living and dining room. The real treat is the large decks, one on each level of your unit offering great garden and water views. Sunsets are incredible here, and while not all units can witness this daily spectacle directly, there’s a large public patio area that offers excellent views as the sun sets over the water. No wonder it’s also called one of the most romantic hotels in the Florida Keys!

Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa

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The four-star Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa sits on top of this list. Situated in Marathon, this luxury resort boasts a mile of waterfront and is set amid 24 acres of pristine tropical scenery. Plus, this best family hotel in Florida Keys is far enough from the busy Overseas Highway to ensure plenty of tranquility. There are 199 guestrooms and suites in total. Each is spacious, bright, and comes complete with contemporary decor and quality furnishings. Even better, some of them have a terrace where you can chill around. For families, we recommend booking the spacious tow or three-bedroom suites. Sleeping up to six guests, the large two-bedroom units have two full bathrooms. Meanwhile, the even bigger three-bedroom units come with a third full bathroom plus a kitchen.

As one of the best family hotels in the Florida Keys, you can expect nothing but impeccable amenities on-site to keep you and your little ones happy. Highlights include a choice of five outdoor swimming pools, one of which measures a whopping 4,500 square feet! Apart from that, there are plenty of great dining options as well. They include special kids’ menus, build-your-own pizzas fresh from the pizza oven, and a handy marketplace selling fast food and snacks. Families can also have tons of fun on the private sandy beach. A private pier is located on-site, and loaner bikes are also available for those who want to explore the surrounding area. Other amenities worth mentioning are the resort’s full-service spa, the large and well-equipped fitness center, and conference facilities. By the way, did you know that this resort is also one of the top family resorts in Florida Keys all-inclusive?

Where to Stay in Florida Keys

There are plenty of areas that you can consider when you’re in Florida Keys, and one of them is Key Largo. It’s the northern gateway to the Florida Keys and the best choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in the Florida Keys for your first time. There, you and your family can go jet skiing, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

However, if you like adventure and, at the same time, don’t want to splurge, then Islamorada might be the answer you’re looking for. It’s the perfect place for a more laid-back vacation, with access to great restaurants and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy.

Next, there’s Key West. Here, you can experience and enjoy so many different activities. It’s an excellent location for adults and children. Feel free to enjoy the beautiful beaches and sunsets, discover local wildlife and immerse yourself in maritime, literary, and political history.

Lastly, you can consider staying in Marathon. It’s a collection of small islands jam-packed with activities designed to keep the kids occupied. This quaint city is best known for its beautiful beaches like Sombrero Beach.

Recommended Family Restaurants / Bars in Florida Keys

• Snappers Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar – This Key Largo eatery offers views of the Atlantic Ocean with a deck overlooking the marina. It offers fresh seafood, a raw bar, burgers, kids menu, and more. Sauces and chowders are made in house, and fresh fish specials change daily. You can also bring in your fresh catch and this restaurant will take care of the rest.
• Castaway WaterfrontRestaurant & Sushi Bar – Set in Marathon, this waterside haunt serves up steak, seafood, sushi, and more, with over 50 beers on tap aas well as indoor and outdoor seating. Selections from the kids’ menu come with applesauce, french fries, and honey buns, and include fried chicken, popcorn shrimp, and a California roll.
• Hogfish Bar and Grill – This restaurant is hands down one of the best restaurants in Key West! Locals love the old Key West flavor of this locally owned shop. It offers panoramic waterfront views, outdoor dining, strong drinks and fresh seafood.

Recommended Family Activities in Florida Keys

• Key West Conch Train Tour – Together with your kids, climb aboard the Conch Train in Key West and delight to sights and legendary stories of the tropical paradise! Pass Hemingway’s home, learn about Mel Fisher’s lifelong search for sunken treasure, and see Harry Truman’s White House!
• Key Largo Snorkeling Tour – This shallow-water snorkeling tour in Key Largo specializes in creating great snorkeling experiences for first-time snorkelers, kids, and families. Get a fun and comfortable introduction to snorkeling on this tour in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, known for its beautiful reefs and marine life. High-quality snorkel gear is included, so you don’t need to sweat the details.

• Key West Aquarium Tickets – Get a hands-on experience like never before as you and your kids see, feel, and touch amazing animals in the Key West Aquarium. See sharks and turtles being fed, learn about the marine life of the Florida Keys, and discover a rich array of colorful wildlife!