Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

First opened in 1920, Casa Marina Key West is a local landmark that has drawn dozens of celebrities, politicians, and writers over the years. The property wows with beautifully manicured grounds that include the longest private beach in Key West (according to the hotel), expansive lawns with shrubs and tropical flowers, and stone paths lined with mature palm trees. The cream-colored main building is also grand, with large arched windows, a terra-cotta tiled roof, and an arched gallery running the length of the structure. A long path lined with reflection pools and palm trees leads to the pools and the beach.

The lobby is classic and elegant for the most part, with handsome wooden floors, wood-paneled pillars, exposed wooden beams, and several arched windows. Some elements, however, feel dated rather than classic, including the seating areas, which feature simple wooden furniture with striped or plain blue upholstery. This mix of traditional and old-fashioned can be found throughout the property, which some guests find to be not quite up to Waldorf Astoria standards. The vibe ranges from quiet during off-peak season to busy and slightly loud with families during school vacation. The hotel’s extensive meeting space draws plenty of business travelers as well.

Free shuttle service is available to the hotel’s sister property, The Reach Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, where guests can use the facilities such as the pools.

Casa Marina Key West is located in a quiet oceanfront area on the southern side of Key West. One of the most important aspects of a Keys vacation -- the beach -- is located right on the hotel's property. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is the only local attraction within walking distance (12 minutes), but most other attractions can be found within a five-minute drive of Casa Marina, including Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West Shipwreck Museum, and the Key West Museum of Art & History. The action on Duval Street, the main artery of Old Town Key West, can be reached in about 15 to 20 minutes on foot. Key West International Airport is less than a 10-minute drive away.

Starting at 350 square feet, the hotel’s 331 rooms are spacious and light, featuring big window and glass doors that in many units open onto furnished balconies with ocean views. Room decor keeps with the hotel’s classic vibe but feels somewhat dated now. Heavy wooden furniture is paired with cream-colored seating and bland off-white walls hung with simple prints in basic frames. Units in the historic Flagler Building have wooden floors, but all other units feature plain floor tiles offset by gray carpets, lending spaces a slightly older feel. The hotel offers a range of room types, including oceanfront units with one king or two double beds, and suites with one or two bedrooms, plus separate living areas with sofa beds and terraces. Rollaway beds are not available in any room or suite category.

Though decor-wise rooms are a tad old-fashioned, all are outfitted with a solid range of up-to-date amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, espresso makers, and iHome docks. Bathrooms come with spacious wooden vanities, big mirrors, and walk-in showers.

The Casa Marina Key West resort features a long, sandy beach lined by palm trees and dotted with padded loungers. There are also a few round daybeds placed under umbrellas plus a few cabanas that guests can rent for a daily fee. Seaweed debris can be an issue sometimes, but guest wanting to swim can jump off the hotel’s private pier to sandier bottoms. Motorized and non-motorized water sports are available for a fee on-site. Those looking to relax can also find plenty of loungers around the hotel’s heated pools. They’re both adjacent to the pool and offer ocean views, but while one is lively and child-friendly, the other one is adults-only and somewhat quieter.

The spa offers a wide range of treatments and salon services -- including facials, body wraps, scrubs, and massages -- plus yoga classes for a fee. In-room spa services are provided on request, as are outdoor treatments. The fitness center has a decent range of cardio and strength-training machines -- but no classes.

Sun Sun is a causal restaurant located by the beach, serving up local and international cuisine for all three main meals. HMF Cafe offers coffee, smoothies, and light meals. Snacks are available at the on-site convenience store. RUMba is known for its great selection of rums, and room service is available between breakfast and dinner.

The hotel also features extensive meeting space with audiovisual equipment and high-speed internet access. Outdoor event spaces can also be rented for private functions, and the property is a popular spot for weddings. Pets are allowed for a daily fee, but weight restrictions apply. Nightly room rates do not include the resort fee, which covers Wi-Fi, shuttle service to sister property The Reach Key West, daily activities such as volleyball and table tennis, and cold towel service by the pool. Valet parking is also an extra fee.