The BEST Hotels in Key Largo: Where to Stay in Paradise

If you’re planning a trip to the Florida Keys, Key Largo is probably on your itinerary! The first Key you encounter as you drive from Miami, Key Largo is one of the best Keys to visit because it truly has something for everyone.

Key Largo also has some of the best hotels in the Florida Keys, from casual seaside motels to breathtaking resorts!

In this round-up, I’ll share a list of what I think are the best hotels in Key Largo, including something for every budget and traveler type!

I’ve also included other helpful information like price range, amenities, pros and cons, etc. So whether you’re visiting Key Largo for one night or making it your first stop on an epic Florida Keys road trip, this list has a hotel for you!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you! 

The BEST Hotels In Key Largo, Florida: Where To Stay in the Uppermost Florida Key

Island Bay Resort

Address: 92530 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070
Price Range: Budget
Best For: Budget and Casual Travelers, Small Groups

Island Bay Resort is a casual and quaint property nestled right in between Key Largo and Islamorada in the town of Tavernier. With 5 stars on TripAdvisor, Island Bay is a beautiful property without any crazy frills. If you are looking for a low-budget option while in Key Largo, this is a great place to choose.

With 10 cottages on property, Island Bay is a very small and secluded resort. One caveat of staying here is the cottages only fit 2 people, so large families or groups will need more than one cottage.

Photo Credit: Island Bay Resort from Booking.com

Although it does not have a pool, the resort is right on the bayside and has direct access to the ocean. While staying here, you’ll have access to free kayaks, paddle boards, and paddle boats. The bayside is also shallow and clear and great for swimming or fishing!

Staying at Island Bay Resort allows you to take advantage of various free things to do in Key Largo!

Overall, this is a great place to stay in Key Largo if you don’t want to spend too much money and are looking for a quiet and private resort!

Coconut Palm Inn

Address: 198 Harborview Dr, Tavernier, FL 33070
Price Range: Budget
Best For: Large Groups, Families

Very close to Island Bay Resort, Coconut Palm Inn is a great place to stay if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation. With only 19 guest rooms and suites, Coconut Palm Inn strives to embody “Family Beach House” vibes, and they do it well!

The resort is nestled right on the Florida bayside and is newly renovated. Their website has photos of every single room, which range from garden view, beachside, and bay view cabanas as well as a collection of gorgeous suites.

Photo Credit: Coconut Palm Inn from Booking.com

In addition to some incredible rooms, the resort has a heated pool and marina, and also offers kayaks, paddle boards, and bikes to all guests!

It is a relatively small resort, which means there’s no restaurants or bars on site. However, it’s close to plenty of amazing local spots in Key Largo and Islamorada! It’s also a very popular spot to get married in the Keys!

This is a perfect place to stay in Key Largo if you are looking for a classic Keys resort you can escape to that won’t break the bank!

Kona Kai Resort

Address: 97802 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Price Range: Mid-Range
Best For: Couples, Those Looking for Quiet

My personal favorite casual resort in Key Largo is Kona Kai Resort, Gallery and Botanic Gardens! When you see the pictures below, it’s easy to tell why this is one of the best hotels in Key Largo!!

I had the pleasure of staying here in November 2022 and had the most fabulous time. The resort perfectly embodies the slow and relaxed nature of the Florida Keys. Home to 13 quaint, bungalow-style rooms, Kona Kai doesn’t feel like a traditional hotel by any means.

On site, you’ll also find a botanical garden, an art gallery, a secluded pool and hot tub, plus a gorgeous dock where you can watch some killer Florida Keys sunsets! They also have on-site kayaks, paddle boards, plus a ping pong table on the beach.

If you’re looking for a quiet resort where you can enjoy some downtime, I highly recommend Kona Kai Resort! You can read my full review of the property here!

Baker’s Cay Resort

Address: 97000 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Price Range: Mid-Range
Best For: Hilton Honors Members, Those Looking for a Traditional Hotel, Families

If you’re looking for a more traditional hotel feel, Baker’s Cay Resort is a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in Key Largo that does not disappoint!

This hotel originally opened in 1985 as Hilton Key Largo; however, it was renovated in 2017 and reopened in 2018 as a Curio Collection resort, and it shows!

Photo Credit: Cheeca Lodge from Booking.com

Baker’s Cay is great for couples or families. In fact, there are two swimming pools on property, one for adults only and one that is kid friendly. However, the pools are not one of the hotel’s best attributes (in my opinion).

The resort is right on the bayside and has on site kayaks, paddle boards, and a small beach! It also features two restaurants, plus a poolside bar and a beach bar. The fancier restaurant, Calusa, overlooks the ocean and has a fantastic happy hour!

Overall, if you are looking for a more traditional hotel experience in Key Largo, Baker’s Cay is a good fit! Bonus points if you are a Hilton Honors member.

Playa Largo Resort & Spa

Address: 97450 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Price Range: Luxury
Best For: Couples, Young Adults, Those Looking for Everything in One Place

Moving into the more luxurious category, Playa Largo Resort and Spa may take the cake for the best hotel in Key Largo. Part of the luxurious Marriott Autograph Collection, Playa Largo is an incredible resort with SO much to offer!

To start, the resort has a gorgeous pool and hot tub, plus poolside cabanas for rent and fire pits on the beach. In addition, you can find personal training classes, tennis courts, a basketball court, and a tree-lined jogging trail on property. To top it off, they also have a gorgeous Ocean Spa that offers a variety of tropical treatments.

Photo Credit: Playa Largo Resort and Spa from Booking.com

In terms of food and drink, the resort offers four different restaurants to choose from, which is a lot compared to other Key Largo hotels. The most popular is Sol by the Sea, where you have the option to dine in the open-air upstairs or with your toes in the sand!

I personally can’t wait to go back to this resort. It is definitely special!

The Bungalows Key Largo

Address: 99010 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Price Range: Extreme Luxury
Best For: Honeymooners, Babymooners, Those Looking for All-Inclusive Extravagance!

Last but most certainly not least, the Bungalows Key Largo is the epitome of luxury and relaxation! It’s one of the only all-inclusive resorts in the Florida Keys, and it’s also adults-only. On the property, you’ll find a multitude of beautiful ocean-front and garden bungalows.

While their nightly rate is nowhere near inexpensive, it includes all meals, unlimited dining at 5 restaurants, premium alcoholic beverages, wines, and welcome drinks. On top of food and drink, you’ll also have access to two pools, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkel gear, group yoga classes, bikes, and more!

Photo Credit: Bungalows Key Largo from Booking.com

One of featured areas of the resort is the Zen Garden Spa, which has five outdoor treatment cabanas, sea, rooms, salt treatment rooms, and more.

The Bungalows is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for ultimate luxury during your time in the Keys!

Final Thoughts

That wraps up my guide to the best hotels in Key Largo! As you can see, there are many different types of hotels and resorts in Key Largo, for every kind of traveler!

No matter where you choose, you are bound to have a wonderful time during your stay in Key Largo. Whether you’re just visiting on a Miami to Key Largo Road Trip or taking a week-long vacation in the Keys, Key Largo is absolutely worth the trip!