Hotel Insider: Modern Charm in Old Town Key West at The Marker
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The Marker Resort in Key West. (Photo: The Marker/Facebook)
The hotel: The Marker Waterfront Resort Key West
Location: The Historic Seaport of Key West, Fla.
First impressions: I could almost smell the fresh paint as I walked into this hotel. It’s been open less than six months, and I was one of the first guests to sleep in the crisp clean sheets and take a shower on brand-new tile. Being greeted with genuine smiles from the entire staff made me feel like a queen in her palace. The building itself has subtle and creative design touches — I love turquoise, and the pops of blue everywhere seemed to be welcoming me personally.
A room overlooking the pool. (Photo: The Marker)
The property: This beautifully modern, 96-room boutique hotel sits on the marina, which boasts plenty of restaurants and water activity operators. The convenient location — it’s walking distance to just about everything — makes getting to activities very easy. The rooms surround a courtyard with one of the hotel’s three pools, bar, and cozy restaurant. The sleek but comfy poolside furnishings alone are enough to make you never want to leave the hotel.
Set me up with a white sangria and a lounge chair by the pool, and I’m one happy girl. (Photo: The Marker)
What to do around here: The Marker works with several local tour operators to provide you with the perfect itinerary of activities during your stay. These may include jet skiing or snorkeling with Fury Key West, stand-up paddleboard yoga with Serenity Eco Therapy, a sunset cocktail cruise on the legendary Hindu Schooner, and much more. You can take a walk to the Hemingway House to see the six-toed cats or head on down to the southernmost point of the continental United States.
Related: How I Conquered My Fear of Water by Snorkeling in Key West
The vibe: This was my first trip to Florida, and the hotel felt like it easily could have been in a foreign country, something along the lines of a Caribbean island (without being too literal). Time seemed to move slowly, and even though we packed our schedule full of activities, when lounging at the hotel I still felt like I was given permission to relax. There was an island mentality, one that invites guests to be in the moment and forget what’s happening beyond the doors. This was priceless for me.
What I loved: The bar and restaurant are not to be missed. There are several options for great eats within just a few minutes of the hotel, but the in-house food and drinks are well worth staying in. Within 20 minutes of arriving on my first night, I found myself seated at the bar with the bartender’s special white sangria, eating fresh ceviche out of a coconut. Yes, please.
The Marker’s bar and restaurant, Cero Bodega, a culinary adventure not to be missed. (Photo: The Marker)
What I didn’t love: The marina next door can be a rowdy place; stay on a holiday and you may be setting yourself up for a late night whether you want it or not. If this is a concern for you, simply ask for a room on the opposite side of the hotel and you should be just fine.
Related: The Perfect Game Plan for 3 Islands on the Florida Keys
Who should go: If you’re looking to be in the middle of the action with great service and modernity amid the charm of Old Town Key West, this is your place. You get the best of both worlds between venturing out and exploring the island and relaxing poolside with a classy drink in a setting you won’t want to leave.
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