Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

"Why book? Casa Marina has been the place to stay for nearly a century. Now a Curio Collection property, this grande dame hasn’t lost any of her luster. Set the scene Casa Marina is located on the southern edge of the island and has its own private beach—something few Key West hotels can claim. This is not your tropical shirt-, flip-flop-wearing crowd. Instead, you’ll find well-dressed, sophisticated couples and families here for the elegant experience. The backstory Casa Marina enjoys a rich history, hosting a roster of celebrities and politicians in its nearly 100 years. At one time it was used by the U.S. Navy and was used as the U.S. Army’s Sixth Missile Battalion during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Today, however, the only battles you’ll find will be over the best spots on the beach or by one of the two pools. The rooms There is nary a tropical print in sight in the 311 rooms and suites, which all share a contemporary-classic décor. Food and drink Breakfast is a big deal, and you can indulge in the Grand Buffet at Flagler’s Ballroom, but don’t worry if a decadent morning meal is not your jam—there’s a grab and go spot, too. Sun Sun Beach Bar & Grill is open for lunch and dinner, and HMF Sidecar is good for watching the game with a beer. The spa The spa offers indoor and outdoor spaces and features the standard massage and facial treatments, but for something a bit more unusual, custom blend an aromatherapy oil to take home with you. The neighborhood/area Despite its tropical island vibe, Key West does not have many stretches of sand, and the ones it does have are public. Casa Marina’s 1,100 feet of private beach make it a standout. The service Expect superior levels of service at a resort where there are beach and pool concierges. For families Nothing out of the ordinary is offered for families Accessibility Yes Anything left to mention? Hone your skills with a sand sculpting workshop." - Nancy DePalma

"Key West doesn’t have many swimmable beaches, but this elegant 1920 oceanfront resort sits on the largest private one in town—an 1,100-square-foot strand punctuated with tall palms. While the shoreline itself is on a rocky shelf, a long dock extends out to the shallows for laps and snorkeling. Just off the beach, two large pools are set into green lawns and lush landscaping in front of the Spanish-style main building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel’s wooden coffered ceilings, arched entryways, red-tile roofs, and other key architectural details recall the hotel’s glamorous heyday, while the clean, refreshed rooms are entirely modern, with sleek wood-framed beds, white linens and curtains, and ocean views. Children under 16 stay for free and babysitting is available for adults who want to take a break at the Spa al Mare, which has an open-air cabana right on the sand for al fresco massages and treatments."

"Casa Marina is located on the southern edge of the island and has its own private beach—something few Key West hotels can claim. It also enjoys a rich history, hosting a roster of celebrities and politicians in its nearly 100 years. At one time it was used by the U.S. Navy and was used as the U.S. Army’s Sixth Missile Battalion during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Breakfast is a big deal here, and you can indulge in the Grand Buffet at Flagler’s Ballroom, but don’t worry if a decadent morning meal is not your jam—there’s a grab and go spot, too. Sun Sun Beach Bar & Grill is open for lunch and dinner, and HMF Sidecar is good for watching the game with a beer. The spa offers indoor and outdoor spaces and features the standard massage and facial treatments, but for something a bit more unusual, custom blend an aromatherapy oil to take home with you." - Nancy DePalma , Terry Ward, Laura Ratliff

"Casa Marina Key West features the island’s largest private beach and has been the hottest hotel in town since opening on New Year’s Eve in 1920. It offers beautiful pools, lush gardens, and genteel guest rooms. Rates this fall are lower than usual, at $280 to $300 per night, and Hilton Honors points redemptions from 77,000 to 82,000 each."

"NJ-based Andrea Adams and Angie Pezzetta got married at Casa Marina in Key West in October 2016. Most of the places we looked at? All of their forms had bride and groom all over the place. We had to clarify that we were two women getting married, which made us realize that while we are legally able to marry, most wedding venues still had some catching up to do. This is why we chose Key West. Not only is it one of our favorite places to vacation but we also have always felt comfortable being us in the town—holding hands walking down the street, having an intimate dinner. It's important to feel yourselves on your day, be comfortable sharing a kiss (or many), and be out in the open."