Driving south of Miami, past Florida City, saw the scenery quickly shifting from suburban sprawl and boxed architecture to the sun, the sea, the sky, and mangroves. 120 mi of slender ribbons of road suspended between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico across a stunning set of islands strung together like a shell necklace. These are the Florida Keys, and just like every Key has its own personality, so do the Marriott stays here. Since we were staying here, we obviously sought out beachfront stays. The best Marriott hotels in Florida Keys on the beach range from luxe, full-service resorts to quietly refined intimate hideaways, much like the Keys themselves.
With Florida Keys being one of the world’s most spectacular sunset locations, what better way to experience it than from the comfort of your own beachfront hideaway? Here are the best Marriott stays in the Florida Keys right on the beach.
Courtyard Faro Blanco Resort
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We began with the Courtyard Faro Blanco Resort, which offered us an excellent beach experience in one of the busiest parts of Marathon Key. This luxurious Key West getaway boasted fabulous views of the Gulf of Mexico, but what we loved the most was the private beach! Even though we really couldn’t swim in it, we did try many of the thrilling water activities that the hotel arranged. These included the likes of jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more.
We could enjoy views of the water even from the digs, and we made sure that we booked the luxurious Bayview Corner Studio Suite. Not only did we have a plush king bed, a luxurious bathroom, and a boatload of mod-cons, but also we had a balcony with amazing and unobstructed sea views!
There was so much to do at the rest of the resort too, like the infinity pool which also enjoyed sublime views of the ocean. When we’d get hungry, we had four restaurants to choose from – a bistro, a poolside grill, a cafe, and a bar/lounge. A hot tub, lawn games, and a 24-hour fitness center rounded up the amenities here.
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Fairfield Inn & Suites Marathon Florida Keys
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Sitting on Crawl Ley No. 2 in the heart of Marathon Keys is the Fairfield Inn & Suites Marathon Florida Keys facing Key Colony Beach and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. We loved the water views at this lovely seaside hotel, especially from both the large outdoor pools. So, we’d enjoy long and languorous swims and then the views from the pool loungers, shaded by the palm trees. What’s more, we could even go snorkeling and hire kayaks and boats to explore the water. The rest of the hotel’s amenities were no less amazing, right from the main restaurant and the Tiki bar serving all meals and drinks to the 24-hour fitness center Check out the activities to do on the official website.
All rooms and suites at this Fairfield outpost were utterly modern and roomy. They all boasted blue and beige color palettes to mirror the seaside vibe, swanky bathrooms, comfy beds, and every mod-con we could think of. What’s more, the best of the lot enjoyed spectacular views of the waterfront, like our King Suite. It not only had a living room and a bedroom but also superb views of the Intracoastal waterway right outside.
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Courtyard Key West Waterfront
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The Courtyard Key West Waterfront was one of the best Marriott hotels in Key West, and it was easy to see why. We loved the great location directly in front of the Gulf of Mexico, very close to the New Town of Key West. So, all the best sights, landmarks, and things to do were close by. However, we especially loved the fact that we were right next to the overseas bridge that led us to Dredgers Key. What could be better?
We loved the boardwalk around the back of the hotel that led to the small but semi-private beach, where we’d lounge to our heart’s content. When we weren’t at the beach, we’d be at the long, sparkling outdoor pool fringed with daybeds, greenery, and palm trees. A hot tub aside, the amenities included laundry facilities, a concierge desk, a 24-hour fitness center and reception area, and the Bistro and the Tiki Bar, from where we’d enjoy cocktails, drinks, and bites by the poolside.
The rooms and suites were as comfy as they were spacious, with even the entry-level rooms being quite roomy. Our chosen King Room not only had all comfy amenities but also sublime views of the waterfront.
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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Key West
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Best value. Fairfield Inn & Suites is Marriott’s affordable chain of stays, and there are two choices in Key West alone. We chose the beachfront Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Key West, which sat overlooking Happy Landings Marina and the Gulf of Mexico. In fact, some of the best rooms and suites on the property overlooked the Marina, including our One-Bedroom Suite. In fact, our living room with a comfy sofa and huge TV had views of the Marina, which meant that we had amazing views at all times of the day. Moreover, all the digs boasted microwaves and small fridges. and modern bathrooms.
We loved the cozy large outdoor pool on the property, complete with poolside cabanas. The fact that it sat surrounded by verdure and not facing the Marina was a huge plus point, as it was secluded and quiet. Free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, concierge service, and a hot breakfast served poolside every day, were amazing, but the poolside tiki bar offering light snacks, cocktails, and frozen drinks was the best.
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Three Waters Resort and Marina, Islamorada, a Tribute Portfolio Resort
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Most versatile. In the northern part of Islamorada sits the Three Waters Resort and Marina, Islamorada, a Tribute Portfolio Resort. Featuring spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, this east-facing Marriott outpost threw open its doors very recently (in 2025). We loved the vibe of this sprawling 15-acre-huge waterfront retreat, which merged the very best of the Middle Keys while also making it possible for us to redeem and earn Marriott Bonvoy points.
The best bit? Unlike many other Keys properties, this has an actual, proper, sandy beach! The grounds were dotted with tiki huts where we could lounge with sea views. When we wanted adventure, a bevy of watersports was right out front, which we could reserve using just a QR code. What’s more, the daily roster of activities here included locally rooted, fun activities such as stories about the Keys’ bootlegging past and rum tastings. Three swimming pools aside, there was even a marina where we could enjoy snorkeling, rent jet skis, and charter diving and fishing boats. Nine restaurants and bars and a plethora of lawn games round up the amenities here.
Choose from multiple rooms and suites across seven buildings. While all have their own architectural flair, the rooms share the same island-inspired design with modern touches. For a truly special experience, check out the rooms on the second or higher floors in Building Two, which boast some of the best views on the property.
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Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
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Best beach. Sitting at the top of the list is Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, which is also one of the most romantic hotels in the Florida Keys. Idyllic was the only word that came to mind when we saw this property, which sat facing west in the heart of Key Largo. It was ideal for us as we wanted to collect Marriott Bonvoy points as well as enjoy the swanky amenities and the predictability of the trusted brand.
“We absolutely loved the “beach” at Playa Largo; it was the most unique beach experience we had in the Florida Keys!”
WOW Travel
We had a choice of many rooms and suites across four three-storied towers as well as 10 vibrant two-story bungalows, aptly dubbed “The Hammocks.” Moreover, all rooms, regardless of size, had seating rooms, fridges, and coffee machines. Our Bay Front Corner Suite was midway between both ends, allowing us to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico views as well as the sleek amenities such as a separate living room.
However, the standout here is the seafront, with the resort having engineered a long sandy beach above the seawall. Access? Via actual steps from the beach right into the Florida Bay! What’s more, we had the choices of freestanding hammocks and beach and water cabanas to lounge at. After a languorous swim and a lounge, the Caribbean-inspired waterfront restaurant, Sol by the Sea, was perfect for a bite. Three other restaurants aside, the resort also had a kids club, a full-service spa, and a colossal zero-entry pool, which was the zenith of waterside lounging — after the beach, of course.
Did we mention that this is also one of the best gay-friendly hotels in Key Largo, Florida? Yes!
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Our Verdict!
Staying at a Marriott property in the Florida Keys sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Is it getting difficult for you to choose from the list? Here’s a specialized list that will help you choose.
- Best beach: Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
- Most versatile: Three Waters Resort and Marina, Islamorada, a Tribute Portfolio Resort
- Best value: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Key West
Where to Stay in the Florida Keys?
Not for nothing is Florida Keys such a sought-after destination. After all, even the Overseas Highway that leads here is one of the world’s most scenic drives. That being said, there are five Keys, so you need to decide where you want to stay.
First, there’s Key Largo, which is sprinkled with kitschy roadside stops, coral reefs, quiet coves, and more. Just beyond Key Largo lies the second key, Islamorada, which is all about those famed sunsets, world-class sport fishing, and freshly caught seafood. Cross the famed Seven Mile Bridge and its 360-degree water views in Marathon Key to get from the Middle to the Lower Keys. The first is the Little Torch Key, which is the jumping point to Little Palm Island, America’s most loved private island escape.
Finally, there’s the end of the land in the form of Key West, which is also one of the best US winter vacation places. Its independent spirit, sun-kissed charm, and anything-goes energy are home to tons of alluring guesthouses and grand resorts, giving it the feel of its own country.
What is the best part of the Florida Keys?
Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon make for excellent relaxing escapes in the Florida Keys.
Which Florida key has the best beaches?
While Key West certainly has the largest number of stunning beaches, Bahia Honda State Park between Marathon and Big Pine Keys is touted to have some of the finest beaches in all of the Florida Keys.
Which Marriott resort in the Florida Keys has the best beach?
That would be Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, which has the best beach amongst all the Marriott properties in the Florida Keys.
Some images in this article are copyrighted by Marriott.
