Disclosure: Margaritaville Beach House Key West hosted my family’s stay. As always, all opinions are my own.
When planning a trip to Key West, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is where to stay. Do you want to be in the heart of the action near Duval Street, or would you rather stay somewhere with easy beach access and a more relaxed atmosphere?
During our recent trip to the Florida Keys, my family stayed at Margaritaville Beach House Key West, a resort located just steps from Smathers Beach. With spacious guest rooms, a lagoon-style outdoor pool, complimentary shuttle service, and plenty of family-friendly amenities, it offered a very different experience than staying in Downtown Key West.
After spending several days exploring the property and the island, I’m sharing everything you need to know—including what we loved, what we didn’t love, and whether I think Margaritaville Beach House Key West is worth booking for your next island vacation.
Table of Contents
- Margaritaville Beach House Key West at a Glance
- First Impressions
- The Rooms
- The Beach
- The Pool
- Dining
- Where is Margaritaville Beach House Key West located?
- Transportation
- Little Touches
- Weddings & Honeymoon
- Is Margaritaville Beach House Key West worth it?
Margaritaville Beach House Key West at a Glance
Before diving into my full review, here are a few quick facts about the resort:
- Located in New Town, directly across from Smathers Beach, the island’s largest beach
- Approximately a 10-minute drive from Duval Street and Old Town Key West
- Complimentary shuttle service to Old Town Key West
- Free parking for guests
- Large guest rooms and one-bedroom & two-bedroom suites
- Lagoon-style outdoor pool and hot tub
- Pool bar and on-site dining
- 24-hour fitness center
- Conveniently located near Key West International Airport & free airport shuttle
First Impressions: A Warm Welcome to Paradise
From the moment we arrived, Margaritaville Beach House Key West embraced the laid-back spirit that Jimmy Buffett fans know and love.
The front desk staff greeted us with welcome drinks—a frozen margarita for adults and frozen strawberry daiquiris for the kids. After traveling all morning via the Key West Express, it was the perfect way to kick off our Key West vacation.
The entire property immediately felt relaxing and inviting. Palm trees swayed throughout the grounds, tropical landscaping surrounded the walkways, and the island-inspired décor set the tone for our stay. It felt like we had officially left the mainland behind and arrived in paradise.
Throughout our visit, the hotel staff were friendly and helpful. Whether we were asking questions about the shuttle schedule or looking for recommendations, everyone we encountered contributed to a positive experience. We were quickly helped any time we needed a band-aid or an extra towel- which you know we needed lots of those with three boys in tow!
The Rooms: Spacious, Comfortable, and Perfect for Families
One of the biggest surprises of our stay was just how large the rooms were.
I’ve stayed in plenty of Florida beach hotels our family ended up feeling cramped. That wasn’t the case here. Our room felt spacious, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed.
The Margaritaville Beach House Key West offers three different types of rooms: standard, one-bedroom suite, and two-bedroom suite. We stayed in a two-bedroom suite that was absolutely perfect for a family of 5. It was so nice to be able to put the kids to bed in their own room.
The guest rooms feature island-inspired décor with fun nods to Jimmy Buffett throughout the space. I especially loved the artwork on the walls. It was playful without feeling over-the-top and helped create the authentic tropical feel that guests expect from a Margaritaville property.
The private bathrooms were roomy, the beds were comfortable, and there seemed to be an endless supply of towels—a small detail that families will definitely appreciate after a day at the pool or beach.
Each room also includes a flat-screen TV, mini refrigerator, coffee maker, and plenty of storage space for longer stays.
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, a family, or even for a honeymoon, the accommodations strike a nice balance between comfort and casual island style.
Smathers Beach: The Resort’s Biggest Advantage
If I had to name the single biggest advantage of staying at Margaritaville Beach House Key West, it would be the location across from Smathers Beach.
Smathers Beach is the largest beach in Key West and offers easy access to swimming, sunbathing, and water activities.
Being able to walk from our room to the beach in just a few minutes was a huge highlight.
During our visit, my son Max found a giant conch shell on the beach, which quickly became his favorite memory of the trip. It’s the kind of simple vacation memory that sticks with kids for years.
Visitors will also find beach rentals, water sports, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re interested in paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply relaxing under the sun, everything is within a short walk of the resort.
For travelers who prioritize beach access, this location is hard to beat.
The Pool Area: A Tropical Oasis
When we weren’t at the beach or exploring Key West, we spent plenty of time around the lagoon-style outdoor pool.
The pool area is one of the highlights of the resort. Surrounded by palm trees and tropical landscaping, it feels like a true escape.
Families will appreciate having both the pool and hot tub available, while adults can relax with a drink from the pool bar. There were always plenty of lounge chairs available during our stay, and the atmosphere remained relaxed rather than crowded.
One thing I particularly appreciated was how the pool area felt welcoming to guests of all ages. Families with young children, couples on romantic getaways, and groups of friends all seemed equally at home.
Dining at Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Chill
One pleasant surprise during our stay was how much we enjoyed the food at Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Chill, the resort’s on-site restaurant.
We ended up eating two breakfasts and one dinner at the restaurant, and every meal was consistently good. That’s not always the case with resort dining, where convenience sometimes comes at the expense of quality or value. Fortunately, that wasn’t our experience here. And you know I wouldn’t steer you wrong since I do love to eat and drink!
Breakfast was a great way to start the day before heading out to explore Key West. The menu offered a variety of options, and the portions were generous. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast before a day of sightseeing or something lighter before hitting the beach, there are plenty of choices to satisfy different tastes.
The restaurant’s open-air design and tropical surroundings made it an enjoyable place to unwind after a day at Smathers Beach or exploring Downtown Key West. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast before catching the complimentary shuttle downtown or enjoying dinner after a day in the sun, Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Chill is a convenient and worthwhile dining option.
While I still recommend exploring some of Key West’s local restaurants during your trip, I wouldn’t hesitate to eat here again. Having good food available right on the property added to the overall experience and made our stay even more relaxing.
Margaritaville Beach House Key West Location & Transportation
While I loved being close to Smathers Beach, it is important to note that Margaritaville Beach House Key West is not located in Old Town Key West.
Many of the island’s most popular attractions—including Duval Street, Mallory Square, the Southernmost Point, and the Ernest Hemingway Home—require a short drive or shuttle ride.
The resort offers a complimentary shuttle service, and we found the shuttle drivers friendly and helpful. The ride into downtown typically took about 10 minutes. There is also a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport.
The shuttle drops off and picks up from The Waterfront Brewery. It is a great place to hang out and wait for a shuttle. The food was good and the arcade was so fun for the kids.
There are plenty of Lyft drivers in the area too if you want to book your own transportation.
If you’re looking for a quieter resort experience with beach access, the location becomes a worthwhile trade-off.
For our family, being steps from Smathers Beach outweighed the inconvenience of taking the shuttle downtown.
Little Touches That Made a Big Difference
Sometimes it’s the little details that make a hotel memorable.
Every afternoon, fresh cookies were available for guests. It quickly became one of my kids’ favorite parts of the day.
The resort also offers lawn games, board games, and other activities throughout the property. These simple additions helped create a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and gave us something to do between beach outings and sightseeing adventures.
While many resorts focus solely on luxury amenities, Margaritaville Beach House Key West does a great job creating spaces where families can genuinely spend time together. We even roasted marshmallows with a family we met on the shuttle!
For us, those daily refreshments, games, and thoughtful touches ended up being some of the most memorable parts of our stay.
A Beautiful Setting for Weddings and Honeymoons
During our stay, we had the opportunity to watch a wedding taking place on the property.
Even as spectators, it was easy to see why couples choose Margaritaville Beach House Key West for special events.
The palm trees, tropical landscaping, and beachside atmosphere created a picture-perfect backdrop. Watching guests gather for cocktail hour while the sun began to set over the island made me think this would be an incredible destination wedding venue.
In fact, had I been planning a destination wedding years ago, this is exactly the type of venue I would have considered.
The resort also feels like an ideal place for honeymooners. The laid-back atmosphere, spacious rooms, beautiful pool area, and proximity to the beach make it easy to relax and enjoy time together.
Is Margaritaville Beach House Key West Worth It?
For travelers seeking a family-friendly resort near the beach, my answer is yes. While the stay is definitely family friendly, this is also a great spot for people traveling without kids. If you’re looking for the best place to stay that is walking distance to a real beach in Key West, then Margaritaville Beach House Key West is perfect for you!
What I loved:
- Spacious guest rooms
- Direct access to Smathers Beach
- Welcome cocktails for adults and kids
- Afternoon cookies
- Family-friendly games and activities
- Beautiful pool area
- Complimentary shuttle service
- Free parking
Overall, Margaritaville Beach House Key West delivers exactly what it promises: a relaxed island vacation with easy beach access, comfortable accommodations, and thoughtful amenities that make traveling with family easier.
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If you are heading to Key West you will love reading this review of the Key West Express. Check it out before you book your trip!