Best Florida Keys Resorts Compared
Isla Bella vs Hawks Cay vs Casa Marina vs Ocean Key and more
Choosing between the top Florida Keys resorts comes down to what matters most to you: beach, family activities, walkability, fishing, luxury level, or marina access. This page compares the top-tier resorts head to head.
The best Florida Keys resort depends on your travel style. Isla Bella Beach Resort is best for a true beach experience. Hawks Cay Resort is best for families and activities. Casa Marina is best for historic beachfront in Key West, while Ocean Key is best for walkability and luxury near Duval Street. Choose based on location first, then amenities.
Feature Comparison Table
| Resort | Region | Best For | Beach | Family | Luxury | Walkable | Marina | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isla Bella Beach Resort | Marathon | Beach / Couples | Yes | Moderate | High | No | Yes | $$$ |
| Hawks Cay Resort | Marathon | Families | Lagoon | Best | Mid-High | No | Yes | $$$ |
| Casa Marina Key West | Key West | Historic Beach | Yes | Moderate | High | Moderate | No | $$$$ |
| Ocean Key Resort & Spa | Key West | Walkability | No | Low | High | Best | No | $$$$ |
| Cheeca Lodge & Spa | Islamorada | Fishing / All-Around | Yes | High | High | No | Yes | $$$$ |
| Playa Largo Resort & Spa | Key Largo | Key Largo Luxury | Yes | High | High | No | No | $$$$ |
| Baker's Cay Resort | Key Largo | Eco-Luxury | Limited | Moderate | Mid-High | No | No | $$$ |
| Opal Key Resort & Marina | Key West | Marina / Harbor | No | Moderate | High | High | Yes | $$$$ |
| Little Palm Island | Lower Keys | Ultra-Luxury | Yes | None | Ultra | N/A | No | $$$$$ |
| The Gardens Hotel | Key West | Boutique / Adults | No | None | Boutique | High | No | $$$$ |
Best Resort For...
Best for Families
Hawks Cay Resort
Dedicated kids' camp, saltwater lagoon, dolphin encounters, and full-service marina activities
Best Beach Resort
Isla Bella Beach Resort
One of the few Florida Keys resorts with a real sand beach, plus private fishing pier and marina
Best Walkable Luxury
Ocean Key Resort & Spa
Steps from Mallory Square and Duval Street — luxury without needing a car
Best Boutique
The Gardens Hotel
Private botanical garden, adults-only, quiet luxury in the heart of Old Town Key West
Best Marina Resort
Opal Key Resort & Marina
Full-service marina in Key West harbor with resort amenities and sunset views
Best All-Around
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Beach, fishing, spa, golf, family programs, and marina — everything in one Islamorada resort
Best Ultra-Luxury
Little Palm Island
Private island accessible only by boat or seaplane, adults-only, Relais & Chateaux
Best in Key Largo
Playa Largo Resort & Spa
Largest full-service resort in Key Largo with multiple pools, beach, and waterfront dining
Head-to-Head Matchups
Isla Bella vs Hawks Cay
| Feature | Isla Bella Beach Resort | Hawks Cay Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Beach | Real sand beach | Saltwater lagoon |
| Family | Moderate | Best in the Keys |
| Luxury Level | Higher-end | Mid-luxury |
| Vibe | Relaxed, upscale | Activity-focused |
| Marina | Yes, 33 slips | Yes, full-service |
| Dining | Multiple on-site | Multiple on-site |
Isla Bella Beach Resort — best for: Couples, beach lovers, and travelers who want a quieter luxury experience with a real beach
Hawks Cay Resort — best for: Families with kids who want built-in activities, a kids' camp, and dolphin encounters
Verdict: Choose Isla Bella for a true beach and quieter luxury. Choose Hawks Cay if you want a full-service family resort with built-in activities and a kids' program.
Casa Marina vs Ocean Key
| Feature | Casa Marina Key West | Ocean Key Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Beach | Largest private beach in KW | No beach |
| Location | South side, quieter | Mallory Square, harbor-front |
| Walkability | Moderate (10 min to Duval) | Best in Key West |
| Luxury Level | High | High |
| Vibe | Historic, relaxed | Lively, social |
| History | 1920s Henry Flagler landmark | Modern luxury |
Casa Marina Key West — best for: Travelers who want a real beach in Key West with historic character and a quieter setting
Ocean Key Resort & Spa — best for: Travelers who want walkable luxury steps from Duval Street and Mallory Square sunset
Verdict: Choose Casa Marina if you want a beach and historic atmosphere. Choose Ocean Key if walkability and being in the center of Key West action matters most.
Playa Largo vs Baker's Cay
| Feature | Playa Largo Resort & Spa | Baker's Cay Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Beach | Private beach | Limited |
| Setting | Manicured waterfront | Hardwood hammock forest |
| Luxury Level | High | Mid-high (eco-luxury) |
| Family | Strong | Moderate |
| Dining | Multiple restaurants | On-site restaurant |
| Nature | Moderate | Excellent — native habitat |
Playa Largo Resort & Spa — best for: Travelers who want a full-service luxury resort experience in Key Largo with beach and pool
Baker's Cay Resort — best for: Nature lovers and eco-conscious travelers who want a resort embedded in natural landscape
Verdict: Choose Playa Largo for polished resort luxury with a beach. Choose Baker's Cay for a nature-immersed eco-luxury experience.
Cheeca Lodge vs Isla Bella
| Feature | Cheeca Lodge & Spa | Isla Bella Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Beach | Private beach | Real sand beach |
| Region | Islamorada | Marathon |
| Fishing | World-class (marina + guides) | Good (fishing pier + marina) |
| Spa | Full-service | Full-service |
| Family | Strong (Camp Cheeca) | Moderate |
| Price | $$$$ | $$$ |
Cheeca Lodge & Spa — best for: Anglers, families, and travelers who want the complete Islamorada resort experience
Isla Bella Beach Resort — best for: Beach lovers and couples who want a newer resort with a real beach at a slightly lower price point
Verdict: Choose Cheeca Lodge for fishing, family programs, and Islamorada's dining scene. Choose Isla Bella for a better beach and a newer, more modern resort feel.
Opal Key vs Ocean Key
| Feature | Opal Key Resort & Marina | Ocean Key Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Key West harbor | Mallory Square |
| Marina | Full-service marina | No marina |
| Walkability | High | Best in Key West |
| Luxury Level | High | High |
| Sunset Views | Excellent | Excellent (Mallory Square) |
| Price | $$$$ | $$$$ |
Opal Key Resort & Marina — best for: Boaters and travelers who want a marina-forward luxury resort with harbor views
Ocean Key Resort & Spa — best for: Travelers who want the most walkable luxury in Key West with sunset celebrations steps away
Verdict: Choose Opal Key if you want a marina and harbor-front resort. Choose Ocean Key if walkability to Duval Street and Mallory Square is your top priority.
Hawks Cay vs Cheeca Lodge
| Feature | Hawks Cay Resort | Cheeca Lodge & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Marathon | Islamorada |
| Beach | Saltwater lagoon | Private sand beach |
| Fishing | Good (marina charters) | World-class — marina + flats guides |
| Family Programs | Best — Camp Hawk, dolphin encounters | Strong — Camp Cheeca |
| Dining | Multiple on-site | Multiple on-site + Islamorada scene |
| Price | $$$ | $$$$ |
Hawks Cay Resort — best for: Families who want built-in kids' programs, dolphin encounters, and a full activity schedule
Cheeca Lodge & Spa — best for: Anglers, couples, and families who want world-class fishing alongside a complete luxury resort
Verdict: Choose Hawks Cay if family activities and a lower price point matter most. Choose Cheeca Lodge if fishing is a priority and you want a more upscale, Islamorada-based experience.
Quick Decision Guide
If you want a real beach → Isla Bella Beach Resort
If you want family activities → Hawks Cay Resort
If you want walkability → Ocean Key Resort & Spa
If you want luxury + privacy → Little Palm Island
If you want boutique charm → The Gardens Hotel
If you want fishing + resort → Cheeca Lodge & Spa
If you want a marina → Opal Key Resort & Marina
If you want historic character → Casa Marina Key West
If you want the best in Key Largo → Playa Largo Resort & Spa
If you want nature + eco-luxury → Baker's Cay Resort
Top Resorts by Region
When NOT to Choose Each Resort
Isla Bella: Not ideal if you want tons of built-in activities or nightlife. It is a quieter, beach-focused resort.
Hawks Cay: Not ideal if you want a quiet, romantic escape. It is activity-heavy and family-oriented.
Ocean Key: Not ideal if you want a beach. It is harbor-front, not beachfront.
Casa Marina: Not ideal if walkability to Duval Street is your top priority. It is a 10-minute walk from the action.
Cheeca Lodge: Not ideal if you are on a tighter budget. It is one of the most expensive resorts in the Keys.
Little Palm Island: Not ideal for families or anyone who wants to walk to restaurants and bars. It is adults-only and accessible only by boat.
The Gardens Hotel: Not ideal for families with kids. It is adults-only with no pool activities or children's programs.
Summary
The best Florida Keys resort comes down to matching your travel style to the right property. Isla Bella and Casa Marina offer the strongest beach experiences, Hawks Cay leads for families, Ocean Key dominates for walkability, and Cheeca Lodge provides the most complete full-service resort experience in Islamorada. For ultimate luxury and privacy, Little Palm Island stands alone. Choose your region first, then match the resort to what matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Florida Keys resort has the best beach?
Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon has one of the best resort beaches in the Florida Keys — a real sand beach, which is rare in the island chain. Casa Marina Key West has the largest private beach in Key West. Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada also has a well-maintained private beach.
Is Isla Bella or Hawks Cay better?
It depends on your priorities. Isla Bella is better for couples and beach lovers — it has a real sand beach and a more upscale, quieter atmosphere. Hawks Cay is better for families — it has a dedicated kids' camp, dolphin encounters, a saltwater lagoon, and more built-in activities.
What is the most luxurious resort in the Florida Keys?
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Lower Keys is the most luxurious resort in the Florida Keys. It is a private island accessible only by boat or seaplane, adults-only, with thatched-roof bungalow suites starting at $2,500 per night. It is a member of Relais & Chateaux.
Which resort is best for families in the Florida Keys?
Hawks Cay Resort in Marathon is widely considered the best family resort in the Florida Keys. It offers a dedicated kids' camp (Camp Hawk), dolphin encounters, a saltwater lagoon, multiple pools, and a full-service marina with family-friendly boat rentals.
Are there all-inclusive resorts in the Florida Keys?
No — there are no true all-inclusive resorts in the Florida Keys. Most resorts offer room-only or bed-and-breakfast rates. Some, like Hawks Cay and Cheeca Lodge, bundle activity packages, but none include all meals, drinks, and activities in a single rate like Caribbean all-inclusives.
Which Key West resort is best for walking to everything?
Ocean Key Resort & Spa is the most walkable luxury resort in Key West. It sits directly on Mallory Square at the foot of Duval Street. You can walk to every major restaurant, bar, and attraction without a car or cab.
Is Cheeca Lodge worth the price?
Yes — if you want a complete resort experience in Islamorada. Cheeca Lodge offers a private beach, world-class fishing with marina and guides, a full spa, golf, family programs (Camp Cheeca), and multiple restaurants. It is one of the few Florida Keys resorts that genuinely covers every travel style in one property.
Which is better, Casa Marina or Ocean Key?
Casa Marina is better if you want a beach and a quieter, more historic setting on the south side of Key West. Ocean Key is better if you want to be in the center of the action — walkable to Duval Street and Mallory Square sunset. Both are luxury tier.
Related Guides
Bottom Line
For a real beach, choose Isla Bella. For families, choose Hawks Cay. For walkable luxury in Key West, choose Ocean Key. For fishing and a complete resort, choose Cheeca Lodge. For historic Key West beachfront, choose Casa Marina. For ultimate luxury and privacy, choose Little Palm Island. Your trip style determines the right resort — not the star rating.