Key Largo’s Waterside Suites – an Affordable All-suites Hotel on the Water

Resorts are always great but when you find a mellow, nice hotel that feels like a great catch, like the Waterside Suites is, it really makes a trip fun. What I like about staying at the Waterside Suites on Key Largo is the fantastic layout of the rooms with lots of space, and even a kitchen. Coming to the Florida Keys is a costly adventure, so having space AND the ability to cook for yourself is a plus.

We’re happy to share all about the Waterside Suites and how we used it for an easy home base to explore Key Largo. If you have any questions about staying here or need more recommendations for your trip, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a trip through the Keys!

Why Stay at the Waterside Suites Key Largo

What stands out the most to me about staying at the Waterside Suites in Key Largo isn’t the perfect location on the water or the swimming pool overlooking the marina, but the wonderful layout of the suites, making for the perfect long stay. It’s an all-suites hotel, similar to the Laureate Hotel in Key West. There are lots of great resorts all through the Florida Keys, but many places feel simply like hotels but not a place that you can fully function for several days. The Waterside Suites has ample space including kitchens, living rooms, and large decks that make it a very functional home base.

While the property itself is quite small, with only 40 rooms, the units give you nearly everything you need. They are stocked with dished and cookwear, you have the ability to unpack so you can actually feel like you’re living there, and there are multiple bathrooms, which is great if you’re traveling with kids or a friend who needs their own space. It’s a good hotel to share.

So here’s the best part of booking the Waterside Suites in Key Largo: it’s the best deal in the Keys. While you might find other places to stay on Key Largo or Islamorada for a little less per night, given the amount of space each of the townhouse suites offers, the pool overlooking the marina, and the ideal location, you cannot get a better value for the cost. The property is very well maintained and very clean, so paired with lots of space it’s likely the best hotel deal on Key Largo.

Book the Waterside Suites here!

Room Options at the Waterside Suites

There are only two room types really, but all the rooms are lofted suites, so you’re getting a very similar setup between units. I think the best unit is the King Loft Suite, which is two floors with the king bedroom and a bathroom upstairs, and then a living room, full kitchen, bathroom, dining nook and deck downstairs. In the living room there is a pullout sofa bed, making it an easy option for families or friends traveling together. I like this setup because it allows you to have good, functional space during the day and evenings, and then you can actually easily accommodate kids or chill adults at night.

The other room type is very similar, but instead of it having a living room, that space has a queen bed and sitting area. I prefer the King Loft suite because it’s more functional, but if you won’t be spending much time at the Waterside Suites during the day, it may not matter to you at all. Book what works for you.

Note: there are also ADA rooms including wheelchair accessible suites and hearing impaired considerations.

Key Largo Waterside Suites Amenities

Who doesn’t love a pool that’s also a vibe. The swimming pool and surrounding patio at the Waterside Suites in Key Largo overlooks the main marina. It’s got plenty of lounge chairs and shaded areas, and there are towels provided at the pool. I enjoyed bringing my beverage and relaxing by the pool watching the boats head out in the afternoons. It’s very Florida Keys. Also onsite, there is laundry available (for a charge) in case you need to use the washer and dryer. The Waterside Suites is also a pet friendly hotel, which is great to find if you’re traveling with a pup.

Dining in Key Largo Near Waterside Suites

One of the great things about planning a stay for several nights at the Waterside Suites in Key Largo is that you have a full kitchen stocked with all the dishware, cookware and utensils you’ll need, and the regular kitchen appliances as well. There is a Publix supermarket about five minutes away, so you can easily plan to save on your trip to the Keys by cooking in your hotel unit for a meal or two each day. Also, the units have a full size refrigerator which is ideal for longer stays.

Nearby, there are lots of dining options. My favorite Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys is actually found just across the marina from the Waterside Suites at Skipper’s Dockside. Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen is always good for lunch, and nearby Buzzard’s has been a favorite of our family’s for years. Another great spot that’s about ten minutes away in Tavernier is Lido 23, which has great Italian food and woodfired pizzas. It’s one of my favorite dinner spots in the Keys.

Waterside Suites Marina and Parking Information

Parking is included when you stay at the Waterside Suites. It’s located at the street level and then you will have stairs up to your unit (there’s a ramp too). If you’re bringing a boat, boat parking is $25 per day (2026) so be sure to talk with the front desk about using docking/marina space if you need it.

The Waterside Suites is located on one of the most-used canals in Key Largo. The Princess Glass Bottom Boat leaves from this marina, as does the African Queen tour and others. This spot is basically THE hub of Key Largo activities.

Activities and Sights on Key Largo

When you come to Key Largo you will never be bored because there are so many fun activities. This is my favorite part of the Keys because it’s got so much to do, both in great weather and when it’s too windy to be on the water. The Waterside Suites is in a great spot because you’re not too far from the state park and there are lots of tours that leave from the marina canal it’s located on. Here are our top picks for fun things to do on Key Largo.

• do a marine-biologist-led snorkeling experience at Marine Lab (so cool!)
• visit John Pennekamp State Park for kayaking and the beach
• do the Pennekamp Glass Bottom Boat tour
• enjoy a swim with dolphins at Dolphin Life or Dolphins Plus (both a great groups)
• stop into the Wild Bird Sanctuary
• go walking at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Botanical State Park
• do a snorkel or dive trip with Horizon Divers (I love them!)

There are lots of other things to do, including some beaches and snorkeling spots you can visit, but this should all give you enough to plan for during your time on Key Largo.