Margaritaville Beach House Key West Review

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Margaritaville Beach House Key West
Flipflop Welcome at Margaritaville Beach House Key West Photo credit: Terri Marshall

If you’ve never stayed in a Margaritaville resort, make the Margaritaville Beach House Key West your first. After all, this is Jimmy Buffett’s home so there’s no better place to catch the true Margaritaville vibe than Key West, Florida. With Smathers Beach just a few steps away from the property, the soft sand and turquoise waters beckon and watersports await. But let’s talk about the fun to be had at the Margaritaville Key West Resort before hitting the beach.

Introducing the Margaritaville Beach House Key West Resort

The fun begins before walking inside the Margaritaville Beach House Key West resort. Pulling into the hotel drive, my granddaughter, Katherine and I immediately noticed a giant flip flop – a reminder that it’s time to kick off your shoes and embrace the tropical fun. The iconic Bamboo Buick parked in front of the hotel further affirms the beachy vibe of Key West, America’s southernmost point.

As we entered the lobby, we couldn’t help but notice the chandeliers made from margarita glasses. At the check-in desk, margaritas are offered as welcome drinks for adult guests and fruit punch is on hand for the kids. Whimsical photos turned artwork adorn the walls of the lobby. One of Jimmy Buffett with a parrot on his head appropriately sets the mood. Fun permeates the resort, making it an ideal place for a family-friendly getaway, especially with tweens or teens. I could see a girlfriend getaway happening there too. Margaritaville Key West is pet-friendly so feel free to bring the furry family members.

Read More: Tips for Planning a Skip-Gen Trip

Exterior of Margaritaville Beach House Key West
The Margaritaville Beach House Key West Photo Courtesy of Hayworth PR

The Hotel

The hotel’s 186 guest rooms branch off from the lobby. Some surround the lagoon-style pool while others line the outdoor walkways. Pool view suites keep you centered around the action. But, if you have little ones that need a quieter room for naps, I suggest one of the rooms away from the pool because as we all know, summer fun in the pool can sometimes be loud. You don’t want the baby’s nap interrupted for a game of Marco Polo! For your nap, look for one of the lounging hammocks dotted around the grounds. The sprawling resort’s outdoor space also includes a garden courtyard with tropical foliage and twinkling lights and a classic palapa or tiki hut which is often used for receptions or special events.

The inviting lobby offers plenty of seating for hanging out with friends and family. Just off the lobby, the gift shop sells clothing, hats and Key West souvenirs. Afternoon refreshments served daily in the lobby provide an extra treat. And, if you must do a bit of remote work, the business center gives you the space and equipment you need.

Welcoming lobby at Margaritaville Beach House Key West Resort
Spacious lobby with chandeliers featuring margarita glasses! Photo credit: Terri Marshall

The Rooms

The Margaritaville Beach House Key West resort features suite-style accommodations decorated with an unmistakable beach design. The 186 suites include standard rooms, one-bedroom suites, two-bedroom suites, mobility access suites and the aforementioned Jimmy Buffett Suite.

Katherine and I shared a two-room suite that provided ample space with two comfy queen beds in the bedroom, pocket doors dividing the bedroom from the living room, a spacious two-room bathroom and a small kitchenette with a retro-style mini refrigerator, microwave, sink and breakfast bar with stools. The suite also featured two flat-screen TVs. Having the doors between the bedroom and living room worked well for us. Katherine turns in early at night and I could catch up on work in the living room without disturbing her slumber. Speaking of disturbing, I especially loved the do not disturb sign that read “License to Chill.”

Living space in a queen suite at Margaritaville Beach House Key West
Living space in our queen suite. Photo credit: Terri Marshall

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a romantic getaway for two, check availability for a King Ocean View Suite. Each suite features a plush king bed and private balcony with endless ocean views of the Atlantic.

Dining at Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Chill

Located just outside the lobby, the Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in an open veranda-style setting overlooking the pool and a tropical landscaped courtyard. It’s a treat to enjoy alfresco dining all day and night. Katherine and I started the day off with breakfast on the veranda. Pancakes made her morning delicious while I chose one of my favorites – huevos rancheros.

The lunch and dinner menus feature a variety of American classics along with surf and turf entrees. Consider fish tacos for lunch and be sure to try the conch fritters — a Key West staple. The Angus skirt steak is a favorite for dinner.

Huevos Rancheros at TIn Cup Chalice Bar & Grill
Huevos Rancheros at Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Grill Photo credit: Terri Marshall

Amenities

If plentiful amenities rank among your resort priorities, Margaritaville Beach House Key West resort delivers. From the pool to lawn games, there’s plenty to choose from. The property’s resort fee includes all of these amenities:

  • Lagoon-style Fins Up pool
  • Lounging hammocks
  • Beach chairs and coolers for complimentary checkout at the Island Gear Garage
  • 24-hour Fins UP fitness center with Peloton Bikes
  • Coffee and tea stations cleverly dubbed the Daily Grind
  • Lawn games and, for the grownups, rum tastings and sip and paint art experiences
  • Daily kids’ activities like fireside s’mores and poolside popsicles
  • Complimentary shuttle service to and from Duval Street and Downtown Seaport Harbor and to the Key West International Airport
  • Concierge services to help you plan your playtime in Key West
  • Free WiFi
  • Self-parking

The resort also offers add-on experiences for an additional fee. For example, you can have breakfast by the pool and kids five and under eat for free. If you’re visiting for that girlfriend getaway, you might like the Boozy Parrot – an in-room bottle of red wine and chocolate pearls. If you book the exclusive Jimmy Buffett Suite, a custom bar-to-balcony pully system allows you to reel in treats like warm muffins, afternoon snacks and drinks right to your balcony. Now that’s room service!

Lagoon style Pool at Margaritaville Beach House Key West
Lagoon style pool at Margaritaville Beach House Key West Photo Courtesy of Hayworth PR

Things to Do Near Margaritaville Beach House Key West

There’s so much to do in the Florida Keys that you’re certain to find something for all your travel companions. Hop on the Conch train for a tour of historic downtown Key West. You’ll learn all about the characters that have called this place home. If you’re up for water adventures, book a snorkeling trip and explore the wonders of the Florida Keys’ living reef.

Take in the Key West sunset from the water on a sunset sailing cruise. Or, join the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square in Old Town.

Sunset sailing in Key West
Sailing into the sunset! Photo credit: Terri Marshall

Final Thoughts on Margaritaville Beach House Key West

Margaritaville Resorts are located in several locations including Orlando, Nashville, Times Square, Pigeon Forge, Palm Springs and the Caribbean. But, I’m delighted that our first experience was at the Key West location. The oceanfront location across from Smathers Beach was ideal. The complimentary shuttle to Old Town Key West eliminated the time-consuming task of finding parking.

We did a road trip from Orlando to Miami, then made our way through the beautiful Florida Keys. Staying at the Margaritaville Beach House Key West gave us the ideal home base for exploring all the attractions and watersports Key West offers. If you’re basing your Florida Keys explorations in Key West, the Margaritaville Beach House Key West resort is a good choice for family-friendly lodging. Check it out!

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