The 12 Best Hotels in Key West

"Sunset Key is a private-island splurge that feels worlds away from the mainland. The tropical island comprises private homes and a boutique resort of forty pastel cottages, surrounded by nothing but lush gardens loaded with frangipani, sand, and turquoise blue waters. Spacious cottages are perfectly beachy, but some are more modern than others. At a minimum, each has a living room, pull out sofa, and kitchenette, pre-stocked with complimentary select drinks, snacks, and wine (which can be enhanced with additional items for a fee). There’s a zero-entry pool at the heart of the island, but the best water action is around the beach, where lounge chairs, palapas and a volleyball net await. Latitudes restaurant also offers a front-row seat to the blue waters and can be visited even if not staying at Sunset Key Cottages. To get here, you'll need to take a quick seven-minute ride from the resort's private boat launch on the mainland, located in front of sister property Opal Key Resort & Marina. Boats run twice per hour." - Paul Rubio, Nancy DePalma