The road to Key Largo isn’t just a route south — it’s a slow unwinding. City edges give way to open sky, bridges float above turquoise shallows, and suddenly you’re in a place that feels untethered from the mainland. Key Largo isn’t about spectacle; it’s about atmosphere. The water is always near, the horizon always in view, and time seems to soften at the edges.
This is the northern threshold of the Florida Keys, where palm-fringed shores meet calm bays and sun-dappled mangroves. Resorts here are built to frame the setting, not overpower it — places where you wake up to the sound of the tide and end the day watching light fade over the Gulf. Some are elegant and indulgent, others intimate and quiet, but each offers its own way to live the Keys life.
According to our editors, these the six best hotels in Key Largo — each one with its own personality, its own sense of place, and its own way of showing you the magic of the island chain’s first stop.
Looking to further south? Don’t miss our guide to the best hotels in Islamorada.
Bungalows Key Largo
The closest thing to a private island escape in the Upper Keys, Bungalows Key Largo is adults-only, all-inclusive, and quietly extravagant. Spread across a lush, 12-acre waterfront property, the bungalows feel tucked away, connected by leafy walkways that lead to hidden decks and pocket gardens.
Life here is slow and deliberate. Breakfasts unfold on private porches overlooking the bay. Afternoons drift between the pool, the spa, and the shallow waters where kayaks and paddleboards are always waiting. By evening, tiki torches flicker along the waterfront and couples linger over long, unhurried dinners under the stars. It’s romantic, yes — but more than that, it’s immersive. The outside world doesn’t intrude here.
This is where you go when you want to disappear for a few days, to let luxury and nature overlap until they’re indistinguishable.
Plainly, this is the number one hotel in Key Largo, and one of the best in the Keys, period (it’s also the priciest place to stay in Key Largo, just FYI).
Playa Largo Resort and Spa
Playa Largo is the kind of resort that seems to have anticipated every kind of traveler. Perched along a gentle curve of bayfront, it blends modern design with a classic Keys setting — breezy palms, soft sand, and endless water views. The resort is alive with energy: families by the pool, friends gathered at the beach bar, couples tucked into shaded corners.
The rooms and suites are elegant yet comfortable, and there’s a sense of space everywhere — wide lawns, open lounges, and a spectacular sunset-facing shoreline. Activities abound, from paddleboarding to beach yoga, and the spa is a quiet retreat when you need it.
What makes Playa Largo special is its balance. It’s upscale without being stiff, lively without being loud. It’s a place that welcomes everyone and somehow feels personal to each guest.
Most importantly, this is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, making it a great option if you’re looking to book with points.
Baker’s Cay Resort
This hideaway sits tucked between the highway and the water, surrounded by thick mangroves that give it a sense of seclusion. The resort has the soul of the old Keys, with modern polish layered on top.
The beachfront is more of a bayfront cove — calm, protected, perfect for wading or snorkeling. Just know that going in — it’s not on the ocean.
Two pools keep families and couples equally content, and the open-air dining spaces make every meal feel like part of the landscape. There’s a breezy, lived-in elegance here; the kind that makes you want to stay barefoot all day.
Baker’s Cay is for travelers who like a touch of sophistication but don’t need perfection to feel at ease. It’s charming, relaxed, and utterly Key Largo.
Kona Kai Resort & Gallery
Some resorts surprise you not with their size, but their soul. Kona Kai is small, artistic, and quietly beautiful. Set amid lush tropical gardens, its cottages are scattered along pathways that feel more like a private estate than a hotel.
There’s an art gallery on property, hammocks hidden between palms, and a waterfront that feels almost secret. Guests spend afternoons on loungers watching the water shift with the light, or wandering the gardens in search of a quiet corner.
Kona Kai isn’t for those seeking flash or crowds. It’s for travelers who love intimacy, design, and the feeling of discovering something special that most people overlook.
Courtyard by Marriott Key Largo
Not every stay needs bells and whistles. Courtyard Key Largo is about practicality and location. Set near the marina, it’s ideal for travelers who plan to spend their days out exploring — diving trips, boat charters, day drives through the Keys — and want a comfortable, dependable base to return to.
Rooms are simple but well-kept, the pool area is pleasant, and the location makes getting on and off the water effortless. It’s not a resort, but it doesn’t try to be. For many travelers, that’s exactly the point.
Speaking of points, that’s the biggest draw here: a solid, usually low-points Option option.
How to Get There
Key Largo is roughly 60 miles south of Miami International Airport, making it one of the easiest Keys destinations to reach. The drive typically takes just over an hour, following US-1 straight onto the Overseas Highway. From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, expect about 90 minutes. Car rentals are the most flexible option, though private transfers and shuttles are available.
Once you’re here, most resorts are spread along the main highway, making it easy to hop between them or explore the island on a leisurely drive.
Caribbean Journal Staff
2025-09-30 17:31:00