"A historic oceanfront hotel that facilitates local experiences—guests can book food tours, golf outings, sailboat cruises, or simply relax poolside—making it a classic choice for a leisurely Keys escape." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A beachfront hotel set on a private beach that recently completed a major $79 million renovation, positioned as an upscale, renovated oceanfront option for visitors seeking resort amenities and direct beach access." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Why book? Casa Marina has been the place to stay for nearly a century. Now a Curio Collection property, this grande dame hasn’t lost any of her luster. Set the scene Casa Marina is located on the southern edge of the island and has its own private beach—something few Key West hotels can claim. This is not your tropical shirt-, flip-flop-wearing crowd. Instead, you’ll find well-dressed, sophisticated couples and families here for the elegant experience. The backstory Casa Marina enjoys a rich history, hosting a roster of celebrities and politicians in its nearly 100 years. At one time it was used by the U.S. Navy and was used as the U.S. Army’s Sixth Missile Battalion during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Today, however, the only battles you’ll find will be over the best spots on the beach or by one of the two pools. The rooms There is nary a tropical print in sight in the 311 rooms and suites, which all share a contemporary-classic décor. Food and drink Breakfast is a big deal, and you can indulge in the Grand Buffet at Flagler’s Ballroom, but don’t worry if a decadent morning meal is not your jam—there’s a grab and go spot, too. Sun Sun Beach Bar & Grill is open for lunch and dinner, and HMF Sidecar is good for watching the game with a beer. The spa The spa offers indoor and outdoor spaces and features the standard massage and facial treatments, but for something a bit more unusual, custom blend an aromatherapy oil to take home with you. The neighborhood/area Despite its tropical island vibe, Key West does not have many stretches of sand, and the ones it does have are public. Casa Marina’s 1,100 feet of private beach make it a standout. The service Expect superior levels of service at a resort where there are beach and pool concierges. For families Nothing out of the ordinary is offered for families Accessibility Yes Anything left to mention? Hone your skills with a sand sculpting workshop." - Nancy DePalma
"Key West doesn’t have many swimmable beaches, but this elegant 1920 oceanfront resort sits on the largest private one in town—an 1,100-square-foot strand punctuated with tall palms. While the shoreline itself is on a rocky shelf, a long dock extends out to the shallows for laps and snorkeling. Just off the beach, two large pools are set into green lawns and lush landscaping in front of the Spanish-style main building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel’s wooden coffered ceilings, arched entryways, red-tile roofs, and other key architectural details recall the hotel’s glamorous heyday, while the clean, refreshed rooms are entirely modern, with sleek wood-framed beds, white linens and curtains, and ocean views. Children under 16 stay for free and babysitting is available for adults who want to take a break at the Spa al Mare, which has an open-air cabana right on the sand for al fresco massages and treatments."
"Casa Marina is located on the southern edge of the island and has its own private beach—something few Key West hotels can claim. It also enjoys a rich history, hosting a roster of celebrities and politicians in its nearly 100 years. At one time it was used by the U.S. Navy and was used as the U.S. Army’s Sixth Missile Battalion during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Breakfast is a big deal here, and you can indulge in the Grand Buffet at Flagler’s Ballroom, but don’t worry if a decadent morning meal is not your jam—there’s a grab and go spot, too. Sun Sun Beach Bar & Grill is open for lunch and dinner, and HMF Sidecar is good for watching the game with a beer. The spa offers indoor and outdoor spaces and features the standard massage and facial treatments, but for something a bit more unusual, custom blend an aromatherapy oil to take home with you." - Nancy DePalma , Terry Ward, Laura Ratliff