Key West, New Town Hotels

Question

We will be staying one night in Key West for the Seafood Festival. We will need to stay in a Marriott or Hilton property and New Town is our only option at this point. We are looking at Marriott Beachside, Hampton Inn, Double Tree, Hilton Garden Inn, Fairfield Inn. I know we will need to drive to the festival. Are any of those within walking distance to the beach? Which ones have better pools and amenities? Thanks for the help~

Answer

New Town in Key West is generally a more residential and commercial area compared to Old Town, where most of the historic attractions, restaurants, and beaches are located. Staying in New Town means you’ll likely need to drive to reach the main beach areas and festival locations, but the properties there tend to offer good amenities, modern rooms, and easier parking.

Here’s a breakdown of the Marriott and Hilton options you mentioned:

Marriott Beachside:
- Located near the eastern edge of New Town and closest to Smathers Beach, making it the most convenient option for beach access.
- Has a large outdoor pool and poolside bar, plus direct beach access.
- Offers resort-style amenities including water sports rentals and a fitness center.
- Would still require a short drive (5–10 minutes) to Old Town or festival locations.
Hampton Inn & Suites Key West:
- Modern property with a rooftop pool and fitness center.
- Not directly on the beach, but a short drive or bike ride can take you to the nearest beach.
- Complimentary breakfast and reliable Hilton standard amenities.
DoubleTree by Hilton Key West:
- Mid-range property with a pool and standard hotel amenities.
- Location is inland in New Town, so a car is needed for beach or festival access.
- Often praised for friendly staff and comfortable rooms, but no direct beach access.
Hilton Garden Inn Key West:
- Offers an outdoor pool and modern rooms.
- Not on the beach; driving is necessary to reach either the festival or the main beach areas.
- Good for a short stay with standard Hilton amenities like on-site dining and fitness center.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Key West:
- Smaller outdoor pool and limited amenities compared to the Beachside Marriott.
- Not on the beach; requires driving to beach or Old Town attractions.
- Offers complimentary breakfast and parking, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Summary recommendations:

If direct beach access and pool quality are your priorities, Marriott Beachside is the best option in New Town.
For modern, comfortable rooms with good amenities but willing to drive to the beach, Hampton Inn or Hilton Garden Inn are solid choices.
For a shorter stay with convenience and parking, DoubleTree or Fairfield Inn offer decent pools and typical chain amenities.

All of these properties will require driving to reach the Seafood Festival or most of Key West’s beaches, as New Town is not within walking distance of the main event areas. If you want to minimize driving, consider planning your arrival time and parking in Old Town near the festival.