Axel's take on New Town & North Roosevelt: #5 of 6 in Key West, 5.1/10
A practical choice if pool time and driving convenience outweigh historic atmosphere. Solid hotels and better value than Smathers help New Town, but weaker sightseeing access and less distinctive surroundings leave it fifth.
North Roosevelt is practical Key West: shopping plazas, everyday restaurants and waterfront accommodation beside a major road. Stay here if you want errands, easier driving access and time around a pool rather than porch-lined historic streets. The waterfront setting can look inviting, but this isn't a walk-out-and-wander substitute for Old Town.
Visitors split on the compromise: some families appreciate staying outside downtown, while short-stay sightseers regret the separation. Check any lodging shuttle's last return before committing; a late Duval night can mean arranging your own ride back. Choose this for a practical stay, not an atmospheric one, and don't assume every property provides equivalent transport.
- Best for: travelers on a budget, business trips and conventions
- Skip it if: This is a short first visit focused on Old Town; You want spontaneous evenings entirely on foot
- Getting around: Key West Rides serves local stops until 8 p.m.; use a confirmed lodging shuttle or taxi for Old Town, and a taxi from EYW.
- After dark: Visitors describe quieter stays than downtown, but North Roosevelt is still a busy commercial road rather than a hushed residential lane.
- Rates: Typical Axel rate $357 a night
Where to stay in Key West: every neighborhood ranked
Where to look in New Town & North Roosevelt
- North Roosevelt, 3000–3400 blocks. Shopping plazas and a busy waterfront road suit errands, driving and pool days rather than historic-lane wandering. Hotels here: The Laureate Key West, Courtyard by Marriott Key West Waterfront, Ibis Bay Beach Resort.
- Roosevelt Boulevards at Cow Key Channel. The island entrance suits drivers prioritizing access over atmosphere; downtown remains a separate outing. Hotels here: Beachside Resort & Residences, Coconut Mallory Resort And Marina By Kees Vacations.
How to choose
- Choose The Laureate Key West if you want separate living space, a kitchen and laundry access, and will arrange your own downtown transport.
- Choose Havana Cabana at Key West if a lively pool, Cuban food and an included Old Town shuttle matter more than quiet.
- Choose Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Key West at The Keys Collection if you want a cheaper family base with breakfast, complimentary parking and a reservation-based downtown shuttle.
What paying more buys
Fairfield at The Keys Collection is cheaper than most here and includes breakfast and standard parking. The pricier Courtyard Waterfront buys larger-room options, a waterfront boardwalk and no resort fee, but breakfast is usually extra. Beachside's higher rate makes most sense for a kitchen-equipped suite, not its smaller standard rooms; confirm renovation plans before paying more. Typical rates with Axel here run from $285 a night at Hilton Garden Inn Key West / The Keys Collection to $460 at Beachside Resort & Residences (last 30 days).
The best hotels in New Town & North Roosevelt, ranked by Axel's take
Each hotel scored for what it is by Axel's own review; the rate is one stay Axel priced this week, beside the public rate for the same dates.
- The Laureate Key West 8.7/10, mid-range all-suite hotel overlooking the bay across Roosevelt Boulevard. Roomy suites and helpful staff make a strong base away from Old Town. Why it's here: roomy kitchen-equipped suites with separate living areas, balconies and complimentary laundry. Accept: busy road separates bay views; no dining or downtown walkability. $220 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- Havana Cabana at Key West 8.2/10, Cuban-themed 4-star pool resort in Key West’s New Town. A strong pool-first pick, but not for quiet nights or walking to Duval. Why it's here: a lively pool-centered stay with Cuban food and an included Old Town shuttle. Accept: pool music, reported work noise and mandatory extra fees. $334 a night with Axel against $363 a night on Expedia for the same dates and party: $29 a night less (8%). Sign up free to book this rate
- Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Key West at The Keys Collection 8.1/10, motel-style mid-range chain hotel in Key West’s New Town. A practical Key West base with useful extras, but not an Old Town experience. Why it's here: a cheaper family base combining breakfast, complimentary parking and a downtown shuttle. Accept: rooster and neighboring-room noise; resort fee still applies. $185 a night with Axel against $190 a night on Expedia for the same dates and party: $5 a night less (3%). Sign up free to book this rate
- Courtyard by Marriott Key West Waterfront 8.1/10, relaxed 3-star waterfront hotel in Key West’s New Town. A strong pool-and-parking pick, not a walkable Old Town or swimming-beach stay. Why it's here: spacious-room options, free parking and no resort fee for pool-focused drivers. Accept: waterfront isn't swimmable; downtown needs a ride; check renovations. $271 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- Parrot Key Hotel & Villas 8.0/10, tropical 4-star waterfront resort outside Old Town. A strong pool-and-villa pick, with extra fees and restaurant renovations to factor in. Why it's here: spacious villas and four pools for families and groups comfortable using shuttles. Accept: restaurant renovation through December 18, 2026; valet costs extra. $293 a night with Axel against $541 a night on Expedia for the same dates and party: $248 a night less (46%). Sign up free to book this rate
- Beachside Resort & Residences 8.0/10, independent mid-range waterfront resort with hotel rooms and condo-style suites. A good suite-and-pool base, but confirm renovation plans before committing. Why it's here: kitchen-equipped suites and a heated pool for families using the downtown shuttle. Accept: renovation closure timing needs checking; parking and housekeeping cost extra.
- Coconut Mallory Resort And Marina By Kees Vacations 7.9/10, laid-back 3-star condo and timeshare resort with a marina. A good self-catering base for quieter Key West stays, not downtown convenience. Why it's here: cheaper self-catering condos with two pools and a marina away from downtown bustle. Accept: some dated units; no daily housekeeping or walkable downtown.
- Hilton Garden Inn Key West / The Keys Collection 7.6/10, mid-range, motel-style hotel in Key West’s New Town. A solid pool-and-shuttle base, but not the place for walkable Old Town. Why it's here: familiar chain comforts with a pool, hot tub and useful downtown shuttle. Accept: dated rooms, rooster noise and separate parking and breakfast charges. $202 a night with Axel against $226 a night on Expedia for the same dates and party: $24 a night less (10%). Sign up free to book this rate
- Ibis Bay Beach Resort 7.6/10, simple, retro waterfront motel with resort-style extras. Come for the waterfront character and pool, not spacious rooms or a swimming beach. Why it's here: retro waterfront character, hammocks and a seafood restaurant for travelers happy with simple rooms. Accept: cramped bathrooms, no swimming beach and no downtown shuttle. $282 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
