Book Marquesa Hotel starting at $250 per night
The Marquesa Hotel is my favorite place in Key West. I even seriously considered naming my daughter after it. This boutique resort is made up of a collection of restored historic properties: the main house, or the original Marquesa, and three newly renovated buildings (including a cottage), known as 4-1-4- Marquesa. Situated across the street, they're clustered around a gorgeously landscaped pool and fountain.
All told, the resort offers three pools, which you have access to wherever you stay, and furnishings reflect the environment with antique reproductions, lots of wicker, and airy, colorful fabrics, as well as updated bathrooms.
Although a standard Queen in the main house with a city view goes for as little as $250 in summer, I suggest upgrading to the more private, fresher rooms. A Balcony Deluxe with a King bed, private covered balcony, two lounge chairs, and a table is only $50 more during the same time period. Likewise, the Poolside Standards, on the first and second floors adjacent to the main house, feature either a terrace or balcony.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 6 out of 52 hotels in Key West
Booking.com Rating: 9.4 out of 10
Pros: The on-site Café Marquesa is one of the finest restaurants on the island. Additionally, rooms equipped with bathrobes, wet bars, refrigerators, and modern bathrooms with quality, contemporary fixtures all make for enticing accommodations. Free parking and the Old Town location means that you can leave your vehicle and walk to attractions and the ocean.
Cons: The main house doesn't have elevator access, so if you want to stay in the original building, but stairs are a problem, you're out of luck. While the location is great and only one block from Duval Street and four blocks from Mallory Square, it's very close to the thick of the action during high season, which can mean crowds.