hotels key west

Question

Silver Palms, Paradise Inn, The Marker or Opal Key resort, Trying to find a nice place with nice pool that is not so expensive.

Answer

Great picks — Silver Palms, Paradise Inn, The Marker, and Opal Key are all very nice options in Key West, but they each have quite different vibes, pools, and cost profiles. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare (particularly if you want a “not-so-expensive but nice pool” kind of place), along with pros and cons.

Silver Palms Inn
- This is a boutique, 3-star hotel in Old Town, very walkable to Duval Street and many attractions.
- They have a heated outdoor saltwater pool with a sun deck — a relaxed, peaceful spot.
- Includes a continental breakfast and has a green-lodging certification.
- Rooms are comfortable and include small fridges/microwaves, which is great if you're cost conscious.
- Value-wise: on Expedia, rates can start in the lower tier for Key West, though prices depend a lot on timing.
- Not pet-friendly, so that’s a consideration if you're traveling with a pet.
Paradise Inn
- This is an adult-only, historic cottage-style inn — very charming and quieter than most big resorts.
- Pool area is very pretty: palm-shaded, peaceful, with a small spa tub.
- They offer a free continental breakfast plus a wine-and-cheese happy hour, which adds good value.
- No on-site restaurant or bar, so you’ll likely walk out for meals (but the location is great for that).
- Some guests note a daily parking fee, which is common in Key West.
- Because it's boutique and historic, you might not get as many “luxury resort” amenities, but that’s part of the appeal.
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
- This is the most “resort” feeling of your list: three pools, tropical grounds, and very good amenities.
- One of those pools is adult-only, so if you're looking for a bit more relaxation (or quieter swimming), that's a plus.
- The pool deck area sometimes has DJs or live music — so depending on when you go, the atmosphere can be fun and lively.
- There’s a poolside bar and restaurant (Starboard) which makes hanging out by the pool super easy.
- Resort fee is not trivial (~$60+ per night), so factor that into your budget.
- Excellent location: right near the historic seaport and walking distance to Duval.
Opal Key Resort & Marina
- Nice waterfront resort with a heated outdoor pool.
- Very central location: steps from Mallory Square, Old Town, and major Key West sights.
- Some guests mention that the waterfront feels very “public” because the marina and cruise ships dock nearby, which can be crowded and noisy.
- Pet-friendly for small dogs (some restrictions apply).
- It tends to be a bit pricier than boutique inns, and the tradeoff is more of a resort feel rather than a peaceful hideaway.

My Recommendation:

If budget is your biggest concern but you still want a nice pool and good location: Silver Palms Inn is probably your best bet. Boutique, centrally located, and more affordable than the bigger resort-style places.
If you want a quieter, romantic or chill stay without big resort crowds: Paradise Inn is perfect — especially if you enjoy laid-back vibes and a smaller pool.
If you want a real resort feel with lots of pool space and social areas, then The Marker is worth the extra cost (resort fee included). Great amenities and pool variety.
If being right on the waterfront matters and you don’t mind the hustle of the marina, Opal Key offers a nice mix of location and resort amenities — just be aware of potential cruise ship activity.

In short: for “nice pool + not super expensive,” Silver Palms Inn or Paradise Inn are probably your sweet spot. But if you're willing to spend more for a resort feel, The Marker or Opal Key are both very good — just choose depending on whether you prioritize quiet or location.

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