Perched where Duval Street meets the water, Ocean Key Resort & Spa has long held one of the most iconic addresses in Key West: Zero Duval. Overlooking the point where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic, the resort blends the energy of Old Town with the ease of an oceanfront escape—something it has become known for among luxury travelers to the Florida Keys.
Now, with the debut of a newly redesigned lobby, bar and lounge in late 2025, the property is introducing a refreshed first impression—one that leans further into the color, character and layered charm that define Key West itself. It’s chic, fun and a little retro in all the best ways.
A redesigned lobby sets the tone
The renovation, led by Noble House Hotels & Resorts, reimagines Ocean Key’s entry as what designers describe as a “destination within a destination.” The goal: create a space that immediately immerses guests in the spirit of the island while maintaining the polish expected of a top-tier resort.
The new look is bold but still welcoming. Once inside, you’re met with a sculptural fountain, custom wallcoverings with tropical flora and birds, and mosaic pink tile archways.
Just beyond the lobby, the new Sweet Bird bar, with an indoor/outdoor service window, and Marina View Lounge open up to harbor views and ocean breezes. That seamless transition between indoors and out is something that feels essential in Key West.
A stay rooted in place
Beyond the lobby, Ocean Key continues to build on its identity as one of the most vibrant luxury stays in the Keys. The property includes 100 guestrooms and suites, many with private balconies overlooking the water, along with a series of recent updates that extend through its accommodations and dining spaces.
My third floor spacious king suite faced the ocean, and the balcony allowed me to take in the sunrises and sunsets from the privacy of my room.
The setting itself does much of the work: Positioned between Key West Harbor and Mallory Square, the resort places guests within walking distance of the island’s most recognizable landmarks while still offering a sense of retreat above the activity. If you want to have a more energetic time, you can certainly hit the town’s nightlife with ease (you’re on Duval, after all), or if you, like me, are in town for work or looking for more leisure time, the hotel provides that haven.
Dining at the water’s edge
Food and drink remain central to the Ocean Key experience. The resort is home to Hot Tin Roof, a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant known for its island-inspired menu and panoramic ocean views. I enjoyed fresh tuna tartar and a perfectly grilled catch of the day dish. Even though the restaurant is plenty upscale, it’s relaxed enough to be inviting after a long day spent out in the sun.
Sunset Pier offers a more casual, open-air setting, with live music and front-row seats to Key West’s famously colorful sunsets. For guests looking to unwind, the LIQUID pool and bar and the resort’s SpaTerre round out the experience with a balance of energy and relaxation.
Extending beyond the resort
Looking for some cultural experiences? Stop by The Studios of Key West, where rotating exhibitions, performances and rooftop views offer a sophisticated counterpoint to the island’s more casual galleries. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum offers a peek into the history and literary legacy of the area. This Spanish Colonial-style home was where Ernest Hemingway lived in the 1930s, and where he wrote some of his most notable works.
Or, for a dinner that’s just about 15 minutes walk away in Old Town, visit Noble House Hotels & Resorts’ sister property. It’s one of the Keys’ most sought after fine dining destinations: Café Marquesa in the Marquesa Hotel.
Café Marquesa feels like old-school Key West luxury in all the best ways, and the lobster tail I had was phenomenal.
Getting There
Flights from Charlotte to Key West (and yes, they run direct!), typically range between $200-350 and you’re there in two hours flat. The resort is an easy 10-15 minute Uber from the airport.
The best time to visit Key West is generally March to May before the temps skyrocket, or November to April for warmer and dryer conditions. Personally, I love a winter visit as well. Even though it’s not a far trip from Charlotte, the weather on the islands in January and February is a wonderful escape from winter.
A refreshed sense of arrival
With its redesigned lobby and continued investment in guest spaces, Ocean Key is leaning into what has always set it apart: a sense of place that feels both distinctly Key West and elevated in its execution.
The update doesn’t change the essence of the resort: From the moment guests step inside, the experience is designed to feel perfectly tied to its surroundings. It’s also designed for your ease: eat breakfast in your room, pop down to the pool, stroll the nearby shops, and have an evening cocktail at Sweet Bird.
At the edge of Duval Street, where the island opens to the sea, Ocean Key continues to position itself not just as a place to stay, but as a front-row seat to much of Key West’s most appealing properties. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to that Caribbean vacation without actually leaving the states.
