The Marker Key West

TL;DR

• New-build boutique in the heart of Key West
• Luxury vibe without being over-the-top
• Prime waterfront location with resort comforts
• Check prices here

One of the few newly-built boutique hotels in Key West, the Marker does an excellent job of balancing the laid-back spirit of the Conch Republic with the upscale expectations of a luxury resort.

The vibe is intimate, contemporary cool without being too cool, where luxury sits in the corner, relaxing under the shade with a mimosa.

It’s ready to go when you need it, but you’re not being slapped in the face with a Frette logo or anything.

Anything else would feel very un-Key West.

The architecture looks somewhat historic, but you won’t find too much history here. The resort has been translated beautifully, but it’s still a resort.

If you want a one-of-a-kind cheerful old house that’s seen nearly every hurricane and fire the Keys have seen, there are other options.

If you want prime waterfront Key West without sacrificing an inch of creature comfort, the Marker is your place.

What are the rooms like?

• Number of rooms: 96
• Bright and cheerful design with colorful accents
• Spacious layouts starting at 400 sq ft
• Balconies standard in most rooms
• Suites with large verandas and family options
• See all the rooms in detail here

Rooms are bright and cheerful, with the sun bouncing off the white linens and making the colorful touches glow.

It’s a 2014-built hotel, so rooms are spacious and uniform, most carpeted for a hotel-y feel that some might love and others might not.

They offer King and Queen Singles, Queen Doubles, and a selection of Suites for those who want extra space and a smidge more personality.

Almost everyone has a balcony, ensuring your access to that lovely sea breeze.

Suites have large verandas, from Junior to Two-Bedroom.

There are plenty of options for families, and some are even designed for long-term stays.

Whatever you choose, the smallest is 400 square feet, allowing for plenty of closet space, bath/shower combos, and nice large TVs.

What are prices like?

• Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

• Starboard restaurant serves seafood and casual classics
• Poolside cocktails and frozen drinks available
• Three pools including adults-only and late-night
• 24-hour gym with Peloton and Hydrow
• Bikes and water adventures via hotel partners

The on-site restaurant boasts the objectively good name Starboard.

The food matches the vibe, with plenty of seafood and classic, casual dishes that pair perfectly with the island weather.

There’s plenty of attention to drinks as well, with an extensive cocktail list including frozen options and buckets of beers.

Starboard’s service extends poolside, which is the perfect place for a strawberry-peach ‘Frozé’.

There are three different pools on site. One is fully adults-only, another open late-night, offering the perfect getaway for singles and parents lucky enough to snag a babysitter.

Anyone with an exercise regimen will appreciate the 24-hour fitness center, well-equipped with Peloton and Hydrow machines.

Covered parking, a super-rare find on Key West, is a huge draw, though they will make you pay for it.

If you can avoid the car, there are bike rentals through the hotel that will get you around the Key.

The resort has plenty of partners that will help you experience the best of the area, including a long list of water adventures.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

• Prime waterfront location in Key West
• 10 minutes to Old Town
• 5 minutes to Duval Street
• Nearby attractions include museums, Mallory Square, Aquarium
• Trips available for snorkeling, fishing, and sandbar-hopping
• Day trips to Marathon and Bahia Honda

The waterfront location is key, and a bit rare for something intimate and cool in Key West, Florida.

It means you’re a gorgeous walk from just about anything.

Head about 10 minutes south to check out Old Town. Most of the charm involved is just wandering around, soaking in the sun and the ambiance.

Duval Street is roughly 5 minutes away, the spot you’ll want to go to for people watching.

It’s the main thoroughfare of Key West, a spot to drink and eat and party and shop and just generally enjoy life.

Once past it, you’ll hit the sea again, coming on a couple of Maritime Museums, Mallory Square and the Aquarium.

The Key West Amphitheater and Fort Zachary Taylor Park are a little bit further, about a half-hour walk through town.

If you want to dip your toes in the Gulf, this is the spot, though we warn you it might be a bit rocky.

The hotel can organize trips out to see for fishing, snorkeling, sandbar-hopping and more.

A trip to the sandbar, to the fishing area, or out snorkeling are some of the best ways to experience the water.

If you paid the exorbitant parking fee, make use of it by heading along the Keys towards Marathon or Bahia Honda Beach.

It’s a beautiful drive to another fun little town and one of the area’s nicer beaches.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“Very well situated, and we greatly appreciated that there was a separate quiet adults-only pool and garden area….”

“The property was gorgeous, the staff was wonderful, and we loved the location. The pool and daily entertainment were also amazing….”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”The pools were very small, not more than 10 people can stand in there….”

”It was ok. Kids allowed. Our room was beside what sounded like a daycare….”

Read all the reviews right here