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The 6 Best Hotels on the Florida Keys

By Chris Boyle

Four Bedroom Cottage Living Space

Whether you want a sumptuous bed, a spectacular view or service beyond compare, choose from our stunning selection

SHORE CLUB

SC.LOBBY

This stunning hotel has become one of South Beach’s most sought-after properties.

Stretching out over an impressive expanse of prime oceanfront real estate with exclusive access to some of the country’s hottest restaurants and shopping, Shore Club is your one stop, high-style vacation destination; the hotel and the accompanying Nobu restaurant and SkyBar are the places to be seen.

TOP SUITE PENTHOUSE

Penthouse , The Shore Club

Why we love it: This incredible triplex suite comes complete with its own private elevator, steam room, sauna and rooftop pool, easily making it Miami’s most impressive penthouse. Two spiral staircases add a sense of drama to the crisp white interiors and ultra-modern furnishings. A 360-degree panoramic view of the ocean and cityscape below adds to this suite’s open, breezy vibe. No luxury is spared for guests staying at this chic suite: from 400-thread count Egyptian linens, to an outdoor shower for post-pool pampering, it’s impossible not to relax in the midst of all this opulence.

  • Square footage: 6,000
  • Nightly rate: $9,000

THE SETAI

The Setai

Located in Miami Beach and with a strong Asian influence, the Setai is one of Miami’s most luxurious hotels.

An impressive and historic building, the Setai originally opened in 1938 (under a different name) and comprises two separate buildings: one an Art Deco masterpiece, the other a glittering tower that is one of Miami’s tallest buildings. Serene and Zen-like, the Setai is an idyllic setting for those looking to relax, and with its beautiful décor, stunning views and a host of fantastic suites, there is ample opportunity to do so. The Setai features an Asian-influenced spa and a host of dining facilities, which include The Restaurant, the premier dining establishment at the hotel. For entertainment, the hotel holds regular food, wine and music events, and is situated near to the beach.

TOP SUITE PENTHOUSE

Penthouse Terrace , The Setai

Why we love it: With a slide of your private key card, your elevator opens directly into the four-bedroom Penthouse that occupies the entire 40th floor of this stylish new property. This suite offers 360-degree ocean/city views, teak and gray granite floors and several terraces, one with an eternity pool and a Jacuzzi. With an updated 1930s Shanghai décor, the services of a butler, a Steinway piano, eight rooms in total and four bathrooms, it’s no wonder the likes of Lenny Kravitz have enjoyed this luxurious Penthouse.

  • Square footage: 2,000
  • Nightly rate: $30,000 high season

Guenter Richter, General Manager

+1 305 520 6000

2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, 33139

www.setai.com

CHEECA LODGE & SPA

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

One of the premier luxury resorts in the Florida Keys, the historic Cheeca Lodge and Spa on the island of Islamorada has been designed with the utmost luxury and comfort in mind.

President Harry S. Truman was one of the resort’s first guests when it opened in 1946, and since then it has counted President George H.W. Bush and celebrities including Kevin Costner, Jude Law and Salam Hayek among its patrons. Tucked away on a ribbon of secluded palm-lined beach, it boasts lush gardens, worldclass restaurants, luxe tiki bar and a lavish spa, making it a top choice for anyone in search of an opulent tropical retreat.

TOP SUITE OWNER’S OCEANFRONT PENTHOUSE SUITE

Owner’s Oceanfront Penthouse Suite, Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Why we love it: This vast West Indian-style suite in the Main Lodge offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the resort’s iconic 525-foot wooden fishing pier from its expansive open-air terrace. Watch the sun sink through the palms from an old fashioned rocking chair on your elegant balcony. The expansive living room and dining rooms are ideal for entertaining, with details such as tropical prints and wicker furnishings. The master bathroom comes complete with an outdoor shower and deep bowl-shaped soaking tub for two, discreetly hidden by tall bamboo.

  • Square footage: 1,500
  • Nightly rate: $3,000

Herbert Spiegel, General Manager

+1 305 664 4651

81801 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036

www.cheeca.com

LITTLE PALM ISLAND RESORT

Spa Hut, Little Palm Island Resort

Only accessible by seaplane or boat, the Little Palm Island Resort lies on the discreet private island of Little Torch Key and offers a secluded slice of paradise to its guests.

White paths of crushed seashells wind their way through almost six acres of palm-pitted beaches and tropical wilderness— home to exotic birds, bright green iguanas and the endangered Key Deer. Gastronomic wonders await in the signature restaurant, The Dining Room, and guests can indulge in the award-winning spa or take a private stroll along the shores. With a string of accolades, this has been the choice for many of top US dignitaries and A-listers seeking luxury and seclusion.

TOP SUITE THE ISLAND GRAND SUITE

The Island Grand Suite, Little Palm Island Resort

Why we love it: This spacious exclusive suite enjoys some of the island’s most beautiful views from its private deck and vast, richly decorated interior spaces. Crystal chandeliers tinkle above sumptuous living rooms adorned with British colonial touches such as plantation shutters and polished teak furnishings. Bathrooms feature deep claw foot tubs and full length glass doors that open onto the ocean, and the master bedroom comes with its own king sized canopy bed. The suite has its own secluded beach and an outdoor hot tub—perfect for watching the sunset with a glass of the chilled champagne that greets each guest when they arrive.

  • Square footage: 1,000
  • Nightly rate: $2,999

Bill Foster, Director of Sales and Marketing

+1 305 872 2524

28500 Overseas Highway Little Torch Key, Florida 33042

www.littlepalmisland.com

SUNSET KEY GUEST COTTAGES

Four Bedroom Oceanfront Cottage, Sunset Key Guest Cottages

Not many resorts can boast their very own private island, but guests at these cottages on Sunset Key have an entire island as their own tropical playground.

A member of the renowned Starwood Hotels group, these Westin Resort cottages come with a myriad of luxurious amenities including a full-service spa, five-star gourmet restaurant, tennis and basketball courts, and a glorious beach of powdery white sand peppered with tiki hut cabanas. Each cottage has been designed in the traditional Key West style with wooden porches and verandas in soft pastel colors and authentic Victorian-style tin roofs.

TOP SUITE FOUR BEDROOM OCEANFRONT COTTAGE

 FOUR BEDROOM OCEANFRONT COTTAGE

Why we love it: Tucked away amid the lush 27-acre island, this elegant spacious cottage comes with its own private plunge pool, patio and huge wrap-around veranda offering sweeping views of the ocean. Cozy Adirondack chairs and crisp furnishings provide a relaxing atmosphere and a complimentary breakfast basket of freshly baked muffins and daily newspapers of your choice are delivered to your porch each morning, to be enjoyed with freshly squeezed orange juice or champagne.

  • Square footage: 2,500
  • Nightly rate: $2,565 ($3,695 high season)

Shannon Kennedy, Marketing Manager

+1 305 292 5300

245 Front Street, Key West, Florida 33040

www.westinsunsetkeycottages.com

THE MARQUESA HOTEL

King Bedded Junior Suite, The Marquesa Hotel

This small, boutique hotel is the epitome of laid-back luxury in Key West.

In the heart of the historic old town, this complex of four restored conch houses has just 27 rooms hidden between the palms of its tropical gardens, each with its own elegance and charm. Graceful touches such as hand-carved Agathus sleigh beds, planters chairs from the West Indies and custom-made teak tables add a rustic air, while two richly landscaped pools and a sheltered courtyard provide a tranquil sanctuary adorned with waterfalls, antiques and vases overflowing with flowers. Many renowned writers such as Joseph Heller and Tobias Wolf have walked through its doors and don’t be surprised to find yourself sunning by the pool next to Luke Wilson or Courtney Cox.

TOP SUITE KING-BEDDED JUNIOR SUITE

Why we love it: Refined furnishings in teak and light décor in sugary shades of pale blue, green and yellow make this delightful suite a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. The iron four-poster bed and wooden ceiling fans nod to the island life of old Key West and the suite offers splendid views of the hotel pool and gardens from its private terrace. Fresh orchids are placed in the room before each guest’s arrival.

  • Nightly rate: $300 ($520 high season)

Robert Arman, General Manager

+1 305 292 1919

600 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040

www.marquesa.com

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