
Casa Marina Key West
Best for beach access, watersports, and resort-scale amenities including a full spa and larger event spaces.
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Casa Marina Key West is a large oceanfront resort with private beach, multiple pools, and full-service spa — good for families, beach-focused travelers, and groups. The Gardens Hotel is an intimate, garden-front 4‑star boutique hotel steps from Duval Street — read this if you want a quieter, central Key West stay with a boutique feel.
Updated · about 1.2 km apart

Best for beach access, watersports, and resort-scale amenities including a full spa and larger event spaces.

Best for a quiet, walkable stay near Duval Street in an intimate garden setting with boutique-service touches.
When Casa Marina Key West wins: choose Casa Marina if you want direct private beach access, multiple oceanfront pools (including an adults-only pool), on-site watersports and a full-service spa with beachfront cabana treatments — plus large event and wedding venues.
When The Gardens Hotel wins: choose The Gardens Hotel if you prefer a smaller, elegant boutique hotel close to Duval Street and major Key West sights, quiet gardens, two small outdoor pools, and a highly rated guest experience.
Bottom line: Casa Marina is the pick for beach-and-activity-focused stays, families, and groups needing event space; The Gardens Hotel is the pick for adults or couples seeking a walkable, central Old Town base with boutique character.
| Category | Casa Marina Key West | The Gardens Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Grand oceanfront resort, historic landmark scale | Intimate 4‑star boutique set in tropical gardens |
| Location (town) | Beachside, about a mile from Duval Street and Old Town attractions | Central Old Town — steps from Duval Street and within a short walk of Hemingway House |
| Size | 311 rooms and suites across multiple floors | 21 rooms (supplier listing shows 21 air‑conditioned rooms) |
| Who can stay | All ages welcome; family-friendly with dedicated adults-only pool | Adults-only property (guests under 16 not permitted) |
| Pools | Two refurbished oceanfront pools (one adults-only, one family-friendly) | Two outdoor pools (small property pools) per supplier listing |
| Beach access | Private beach (~1,100 feet) with chaises, umbrellas, cabanas and watersports | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple outlets including Dorada (oceanfront Baja‑Med), Flagler's Restaurant, The Canary Room cocktail bar, Morrison's Market | On-site restaurant plus 2 bars/lounges and complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast |
| Spa & wellness | Spa al Maré with massages, facials, beachfront cabana services and fitness center access | Not published |
| Known for | Largest private beach in Key West, historic 1920s resort character, event/wedding capacity | Quiet tropical gardens and very central access to Duval Street and Hemingway Home |
| Parking / transport | Self- and valet parking available (fees); shuttle to sister property The Reach; under three miles to EYW | Self parking (surcharge) and secured parking available onsite; closest airport Key West Intl. Airport (EYW) listed |
Casa Marina sits on Key West’s largest private beach, a short trip from Old Town attractions.
Choose Casa Marina if you want beach-front time while remaining within reach of key Old Town sights.
The Gardens Hotel places you steps from Duval Street in a gardened boutique setting.
Choose The Gardens Hotel when you want to be in Key West’s walkable Old Town core.
Casa Marina offers a wide selection of rooms and suites, including oceanfront and multi‑bedroom lofts.
Casa Marina suits groups and families who need a wider variety of room configurations and oceanfront options.
The Gardens Hotel is much smaller with 21 air‑conditioned rooms and a mix of garden cottages and rooms.
The Gardens Hotel is for travelers who prefer boutique rooms and a quieter property with garden-facing accommodations.
Casa Marina provides multiple dining venues from beachfront to a historic ballroom setting.
Pick Casa Marina for more on-site dining variety and oceanfront meal options.
The Gardens Hotel offers an on-site restaurant and two bars/lounges with daily cooked-to-order breakfast included.
The Gardens is convenient for breakfast-included, walkable dining and easy access to Old Town restaurants.
Casa Marina centers on its private beach plus two newly refurbished oceanfront pools.
Casa Marina is the clear choice for guests prioritizing beach time and multiple pool environments.
The Gardens Hotel lists two outdoor pools and a garden orientation as key on-site features.
The Gardens works well for guests who want garden pools and a relaxed, central stay rather than beachfront activities.
Casa Marina has a full-service Spa al Maré and a large fitness center plus scheduled beach yoga.
Choose Casa Marina if you want spa services and on-site fitness alongside beach-based activities.
The Gardens Hotel emphasizes quiet garden grounds and a short walk to Duval Street nightlife.
The Gardens is a good base for evening outings into Old Town without hotel-driven nightlife.

Casa Marina — private stretch of sand, watersports, and two oceanfront pools make it the obvious choice for beach-focused stays.

The Gardens Hotel — steps from Duval Street and major Old Town attractions, ideal for sightseeing on foot.

Casa Marina — multiple ballrooms, a large oceanfront event lawn and high guest capacity for weddings and conferences.

The Gardens Hotel — small property, highly rated by guests, set in tropical gardens for a quieter stay.
Casa Marina — it offers roughly 1,100 feet of private beach with beach amenities and watersports launching from the resort.
The Gardens Hotel — it’s steps from Duval Street and within a short walk of the Hemingway Home and other Old Town attractions.
No — the supplier listing notes The Gardens Hotel is adults-only and does not permit guests under 16.
Casa Marina has Spa al Maré with published treatments and beachfront cabana services; The Gardens Hotel’s listing references a health/beauty spa nearby but does not publish an on-site full spa menu.
Explore how Casa Marina Key West stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·