Axel's take on Smathers Beach: #4 of 6 in Key West, 5.4/10
Best for beach-first days, not for walking home from Duval. Beach access and better value earn fourth place, but fewer hotel choices, thin nearby dining and transport-dependent sightseeing limit its appeal.
Smathers is the beach-first choice: palms, a long public shore, volleyball and walks along South Roosevelt Boulevard. It suits families mixing sand time with outings into town, and travelers who would rather spend the afternoon by the water than among Duval's bars. The airport is nearby, so don't expect complete seclusion.
The trade-off is a much thinner restaurant-and-evening scene than Old Town, with accommodation spread along a road rather than village lanes. Beach conditions also change with sargassum; don't build the entire trip around guaranteed clear-water swimming. Skip it for a short, nightlife-heavy visit unless you're comfortable arranging rides both ways.
- Best for: families, sports fans, travelers on a budget
- Skip it if: You want restaurants and bars clustered around your doorstep; Guaranteed clear-water beach days are essential
- Getting around: Walk to the beach and bike or ride into Old Town; Key West Rides serves local stops until 8 p.m.; take a taxi from EYW.
- After dark: The beach closes at sunset; plan evenings at your accommodation or in Old Town rather than expecting a beachfront bar district.
- Rates: Typical Axel rate $399 a night
Where to stay in Key West: every neighborhood ranked
Where to look in Smathers Beach
- Smathers Beach near Bertha Street. The sandy public shore and walking path suit beach-first days, volleyball and families happy to travel into town. Hotels here: Margaritaville Beach House Key West Hotel.
- South Roosevelt near East Martello. The airport-side coastal stretch suits practical arrivals and oceanfront walks, not an Old Town evening on foot. Hotels here: Hyatt Vacation Club at Windward Pointe, Key West, Hampton Inn Key West FL.
How to choose
- Choose Hyatt Vacation Club at Windward Pointe, Key West if separate bedrooms, a full kitchen and laundry outweigh airport noise and limited housekeeping.
- Choose Margaritaville Beach House Key West Hotel if you want Smathers Beach across the road, spacious suites and a downtown shuttle.
- Choose Hampton Inn Key West FL if included hot breakfast and familiar comforts matter more than self-catering facilities.
What paying more buys
Rates are closely grouped: Margaritaville Beach House is slightly cheaper than Hyatt Windward Pointe and Hampton Inn. Windward Pointe buys two-bedroom villas with kitchens and laundry; Hampton's case is included hot breakfast rather than extra resort polish. Paying the difference isn't necessary if Margaritaville's suites, pool and beach-across-the-road setting already cover your needs. Typical rates with Axel here run from $378 a night at Margaritaville Beach House Key West Hotel to $399 at Hampton Inn Key West FL (last 30 days).
The best hotels in Smathers Beach, 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.
- Hyatt Vacation Club at Windward Pointe, Key West 8.8/10, mid-range vacation-club resort with two-bedroom villas beside Key West’s airport. Excellent family-sized villas and ocean views, with airport noise and an out-of-town setting. Why it's here: two-bedroom villas with full kitchens, laundry and balconies for longer family stays. Accept: aircraft and road noise; no direct sandy swimming beach. $373 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- Margaritaville Beach House Key West Hotel 8.4/10, relaxed upscale resort across the road from Smathers Beach. A strong pool-and-beach base, provided you’re happy taking the shuttle into town. Why it's here: spacious suites across from Smathers Beach, with a lagoon-style pool and downtown shuttle. Accept: town requires transport; seaweed and mandatory fees need weighing. $327 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- Hampton Inn Key West FL 8.3/10, simple, motel-style chain hotel by the airport. A strong pool-and-breakfast pick, provided you can live with airport noise. Why it's here: included hot breakfast, spacious rooms and complimentary shuttles for an airport-side stay. Accept: aircraft noise, paid parking and crowded shuttle returns. $297 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
