Key Largo and the Upper Keys are a place known for its stunning turquoise waters and really fun resorts. We have lots of great suggestions for where to stay in the Upper Keys whether you’re on a budget or just want a little tropical luxury. We’ve got some recommendations and reviews for the best luxury stays and roadside motels in Key Largo and the Upper Keys, because I’ll tell you, the range of accommodations is broad. So whether you’re already planning an awesome getaway or just dreaming about it for a year down the road, read on to see our picks.
If you’re looking for a luxurious and comfortable vacation spot, Key Largo or anywhere in the Upper Keys (Tavernier or Islamorada too) is a great destination. We’ve organized our picks for where to stay in Key Largo by location, and then sorted by level of fanciness or luxury. We aren’t sharing every place we’ve stayed because we don’t recommend every one, but what we’ve listed are solid choices for hotels and resorts in the Upper Keys. If you have any questions or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great Florida Keys vacation.
Key Largo and Upper Keys Stays
I’m a sucker for a luxe stay, especially when it means that there’s plenty of space in addition to nice finishes. These hotel and resort picks in the Upper Keys and Key Largo are sure to fit the vibe of convenience, comfort, and what you expect of top notch Florida Keys stays. Keep in mind that the level of luxury is reflected in the price and the Florida Keys aren’t typically a budget destination. Below we also have our top picks for where to stay on a budget.
Upscale Key Largo Places to Stay
These recommendations for hotels and resorts on Key Largo are quite nice. You’ll see that you have plenty of space, plenty of privacy and just a great setup for a beautiful and fun Upper Keys trip. Whether this is your only destination when you’re visiting the Keys or just a stop on a bigger adventure all the way to Key West, you’ll enjoy staying on Key Largo.
Bakers Cay Resort
I think Bakers Cay Resort is the best place to stay in Key Largo if you have it in the budget. It’s a beautiful property with great rooms. I love the balconies and outdoor spaces. I love the hammocks swinging over the shady sandy beach areas. The swimming area is perfect with kids and there are watersports readily available. Something fun if you’re more of a swimming pool person is the double pool with waterfalls. It’s a nice little escape. And you can’t forget the dining. With a few restaurants on property, you can enjoy a quiet breakfast or sunset dinner. They also do activities and programs with guests if you plan on just hanging out at Bakers Cay Resort. It’s a fun, relaxing place to stay on Key Largo.
Location: southern end of Key Largo on the bay side
Book the Bakers Cay Resort here!
Ocean Pointe Suites
Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo is an excellent option if you want a family-friendly atmosphere. The suites here are large and comfortable, and there are plenty of activities on-site to keep everyone entertained, including a playground, basketball courts, and multiple pools. You can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other gear to explore the waters around Key Largo Upper Keys. And if you want to venture beyond the resort property, you can take a short drive over to Everglades National Park.
Location: Tavernier just at the end of Key Largo on the ocean side
Book your Stay at the Ocean Pointe Suites Here!
Playa Largo Resort
Playa Largo Resort is ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The rooms here are cozy and romantic, with private balconies overlooking the water. Guests also have access to an outdoor pool and a small fitness center. And if you want to explore beyond the resort grounds, you can take a short drive up to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park or south to Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, both of which are really cool to visit and have some gorgeous spots within them (I love the strangler figs at Windley).
Location: southern end of Key Largo on the bay side
Book your Stay at the Playa Largo Resort Here!
Dove Creek Resort & Marina
Dove Creek Resort & Marina in Key Largo Upper Keys is a relaxed hotel surrounded by lush tropical trees and faces the Atlantic Ocean. This resort is a mile from the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary and offers bright rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. More on the Luxury Stays side of things this resort offers upgraded rooms with balconies and ocean views. Suites provide separate living areas and full kitchens. Breakfast, parking, and use of kayaks, bikes, and fishing gear are complimentary. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a private beach area. This resort is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of Key Largo Upper Keys.
Location: southern end of Key Largo on the bay side
Book Your Stay at the Dove Creek Resort and Marina Here!
Kona Kai Resort, Gallery, and Botanic Gardens
Kona Kai Resort, Gallery, and Botanic Gardens is a beautiful hideaway full with natural Florida Keys beauty… and it’s ADULTS ONLY. This secluded beach hotel is made up of quaint cottages surrounded by tropical gardens. The rooms are cozy and cottage-style, with plantation shutters and island decor. The resort’s amenities include a botanical garden, an art gallery, tennis courts, and a private beach with a pool and hot tub. Kona Kai is open to guests aged 16 and over; minimum-stay rules may apply. This is a great pick if you are doing only Key Largo for your trip.
Location: southern end of Key Largo very near Playa Largo on the bay side
Book the Kona Kai Resort here!
Largo Resort
Largo Resort in Key Largo is the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life but still be in the middle of the fun of Key Largo. This private resort is basically a sanctuary and features six spacious bungalow style suites and a Grand Lodge, all nestled in the lush tropical gardens, most with views of the water. The resort also has its private dockage, infinity swimming pool, sunset pier, kayaks and paddleboards, and a meditation garden, making it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Key Largo. With so much on offer, it’s obvious that Largo Resort is one of the most popular places to stay in Key Largo.
Location: mid Key Largo **this is different than the Playa Largo Resort
Book your Stay at the Largo Resort Here!
Key Largo Budget Hotels and Resorts
Not all Florida Keys vacations need to be at the peak of luxury, especially if you’re planning on spending a lot of time out on the water or exploring other islands. These roadside motels are great picks for staying on a budget and having a sometimes more “vintage” stay that you might have planned on a more luxe trip.
Waterside Suites Key Largo
I have to start with the Waterside Suites in Key Largo because it’s THE best place to stay in the Upper Keys on a budget. The rates are always better than similar accommodations and you get lots of space. Waterside Suites Key Largo is an all-suites hotel with great balconies/decks, free parking, kitchens and a nice swimming pool area overlooking the marina. It’s a fun home base and is really close to Marine Lab and the marina with the African Queen boat.
Location: north end of Key Largo on the ocean side marina canal
Book the Waterside Suites Key Largo here!
Amoray Dive Resort
You don’t have to be a diver to stay at and enjoy the Amoray Dive Resort. It’s a great deal usually and there are lots of room types to suit your needs. I like the pool area and the well manicured outdoor spaces, including the sundeck and jetty. There are dive and snorkeling tours that leave from the Amoray Dive Resort making it one of the best places to stay in Key Largo for an EASY Florida Keys vacation. Also, the snorkeling in the lagoon directly connected to the property is awesome with lots of fish, nudibranchs and seahorses!
Location: north Key Largo on the bay side
Book the Amoray Dive Resort here!
Bayside Inn
The Bayside Inn is perfect for those who want easy access to all the best that Key Largo has to offer. This unique inn is right in the heart of town, so you can easily walk to restaurants, cafes, shops, and parks. You can also rent bicycles from the inn to explore even further. And if you want to get out on the water, there’s no need to go far—the inn has its own private dock where you can go swimming or fishing.
Location: Mid Key Largo on the Bay side
Book your Stay at the Bayside Inn Here!
Marina Del Mar Resort
Located across the canal from the Waterside Suites, the Marina Del Mar Resort is a fun, convenient place to stay on Key Largo. One of the tallest hotels on the island, the Marina Del Mar has some cool views of the community, the palm trees and the marina canal. It’s a great spot to be based for easy access to restaurants (Skippers Dockside is my favorite), activities including the Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat, and is an easy location to access on busier traffic days. The rooms are nice and the property is well maintained.
Location: north Key Largo on the ocean side but on a canal
Book the Marina Del Mar Resort here!
Gilbert’s Resort
Gilbert’s Resort in Key Largo in the Upper Keys is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Florida Keys before you’re really immersed in it. With a private beach, marina, and outdoor pool, there is no shortage of things to do at this laid-back resort on Blackwater Sound. Plus with two bars on site, including a tiki bar with live entertainment, you can always find a place to enjoy a drink without heading into Key Largo proper. Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun or explore the nearby John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Gilbert’s Resort is the perfect spot for your next Florida Keys getaway and it’s a surprising pick if you visit the Keys often.
Location: just before Key Largo on the Overseas Highway, unique location
Book your Stay At Gilbert’s Resort Here!
Holiday Inn Key Largo
This might be a pick you don’t expect to see for the best places to stay in Key Largo, but I really do like the Holiday Inn here. We’ve stayed here multiple times, often using IHG points, which makes it a good option for a lot of visitors. It’s a very standard Holiday Inn and isn’t fancy. The big draws to staying here are the location and the two swimming pools. It’s in a great spot, actually next door to the Marina Del Mar Resort, so you can easily be based here for a few days and be close to all the fun of Key Largo. There are two fun swimming pools with a tiki bar between them, and free parking, so it’s just an easy hotel to choose.
Location: north Key Largo on the ocean side canal
Book the Holiday Inn Key Largo here!
Seafarer Resort and Beach
Seafarer Resort and Beach in Key Largo is the perfect place to stay for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds: picturesque setting on the bay and a nice private beach… usually it’s good on a budget. The resort has various rooms and villas to choose from, all of which are set among beautiful gardens, although this is NOT a fancy place to stay. Seafarer Resort and Beach also offers loaner kayaks so you can explore the nearby waters at your leisure. Whether you’re looking to chill or have fun, Seafarer Resort and Beach is sure to have something for everyone on a budget.
Location: south end of Key Largo very near the REEF Ocean Exploration Center on the bay side
Book the Seafarer Resort here!
Pelican Key Largo Cottages
The Pelican Key Largo Cottages offer views of Buttonwood Sound and they’re pretty close to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The resort comprises of a collection of cottages, each with its unique charm and amenities, but they’re all set up to be comfortable for a few days. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities on-site, including swimming, kayaking, fishing, and exploring the nearby state park. The cottages are also close to many popular boat tours and diving guides in Key Largo, making this the perfect base for exploring all that this beautiful island and its nearby reefs have to offer.
Location: mid Key Largo on the bay side
Book your Stay at The Pelican Key Largo Cottages Here!
Sunset Cove Beach Resort
Sunset Cove Beach Resort offers a mellow island atmosphere with beautiful private beach sunsets. This laid-back beach resort is a 7-minute walk from the Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat and a 7-minute drive from the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. I like the vintage Florida Keys feel of Sunset Cove. The resort offers many complimentary amenities including coffee, juice and pastries (continental breakfast), kayaks, and snorkel equipment. BBQ facilities, picnic areas, tiki huts, and a dock are also available on property. Sunset Cove Beach Resort is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Key Largo and the Upper Keys.
Location: mid Key Largo on the bay side
Book your Stay at the Sunset Cove Beach Resort!
Key Largo and the Upper Keys are a beautiful place to visit, with plenty of activities to keep you busy during your vacation, or you can just chill. When you’re ready to relax, there are plenty of really nice places to stay, each with its unique character and appeal. If you have any questions about our recommendations or are looking for someplace else that we haven’t mentioned, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great Florida Keys trip!
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