4 Best Hotels in New Town, The Florida Keys

This property, which definitely has a modern-beach-house feel, features a lagoon-style pool with a waterfall; lush landscaping with pathways, hammocks, and lawn games; and Jimmy Buffet–inspired flair with poolside entertainment and colorful artwork. Rooms—handsomely outfitted with whitewashed accents and reclaimed wood—have kitchenettes with microwaves and mini-refrigerators. Although the hotel is a bit removed from Duval Street, there's a complimentary shuttle bus to all the action, and Smathers Beach is a two-minute walk away. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served on an elevated, covered patio overlooking the pool at the Tin Cup Chalice restaurant, where dishes are often classics with a twist (perhaps pineapple beet salad or curry shrimp). Daily lobby refreshments include LaVazza coffee in the morning and fresh-baked cookies in the afternoon.

You know what to expect from this chain hotel: well-maintained rooms, predictable service, and competitive prices. This one also happens to be on a 7-acre piece of property with ocean views next to the airport. Rooms are bright and modern with palm-frond patterns, crisp white linens, and mosaic-tiled bathrooms. Most have balconies. The palm-shaded pool and tiki bar looks over the Atlantic, and a covered picnic area with a large barbecue grill encourages socializing.

This hotel attracts convention business by offering the biggest ballroom in Key West, but it also appeals to families with its spacious, impeccably and tastefully decorated rooms and one-, two-, or three-bedroom condo units. Designer furnishings reflect the resort's waterfront location. Real china in the kitchens and marble hot tubs add touches of luxury in the suites. Some rooms have spiral staircases down to the gardens and up to the rooftop sun decks. Families enjoy the beach and pool area. Adults enjoy the pool bar and fine on-site dining. Complimentary shuttles take guests to Old Town and the airport.

Rooms here have a crisp, modern look—with beach-cottage chic decor and upbeat pastel color schemes—but this property maintains its old-fashioned beach community feel with picket fences and rocking-chair porches. Mangroves fringe the man-made beach that edges Florida Bay, and the lush 5-acre grounds contain hammocks, four pools, and a sculpture garden. The resort fee covers a shuttle bus to Duval Street and nearby Smathers Beach, where lounge chairs are available for hotel guests.