Baked in sunshine and salty breezes, eccentric culture, an abundance of fresh seafood and lively nightlife, a memorable trip to Key West is all about the experiences you have, not necessarily where you stay. But when you add a centrally located hotel with laid-back vibes, impressive local fare (from a Top Chef) and clear-blue ocean views, you’re seriously elevating your beach vacay.
Why stay at Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa?
The oceanside property originally operated as the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa when it opened in 1988, but following a multi-million-dollar renovation, it rebranded under the Hyatt Centric umbrella. The facelift brought in contemporary décor and better amenities while emphasizing the Hyatt Centric brand ethos, “in the middle of everything,” given the hotel’s central location and easy access to authentic local experiences.
When you’re on-site, this is more than evident. You’re within walking distance to Key West landmarks and just a hop and a skip from a pool that overlooks the glimmering ocean. Plus, the hotel’s easy tropical design fits right in with Key West island charm (think: lazing on a shaded hammock, Bob Marley songs strumming away in the background, all while sipping the water from a freshly cut coconut).
What are the rooms like at Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa?
When you walk into one of the hotel’s 120, climate-controlled rooms, the tile flooring is much appreciated since it’s inevitable you’ll track sand in. The furniture is simple, modern and wooden: beds are slightly elevated on a platform, and the headboard features a countertop with lamps and charging stations. The king mattress itself was medium firm with different types of pillows, and instead of nightstands, there are roll-out tray tables for your evening necessities. There are blackout shades to ensure quality rest if you’re not ready to get up with the sun.
You’ll find a closet with two hooded bathrobes (made of cozy sweatshirt material), a safe and a luggage rack. The bathroom has a rainfall shower with aqua mosaic-tiled walls and industrial-size sustainable BeeKind bath products and a toilet with a short wall partitioned from the sink, plus a vanity kit, liquid sustainable hand soap and a Drybar hairdryer.
Across sits a dresser with drawers, a spacious mini fridge, a Keurig coffee maker with pods and a large 55-inch flatscreen TV above. Two recyclable water bottles are an added convenience, especially with several ice machines and water coolers placed throughout the property; there are also Bevi machines that dispense customized still or bubbly water with or without signature flavor enhancers.
The best perk of all is that every single room (no matter the size) has a private balcony. My partial oceanview room had an outdoor table with seating for two, which made for pleasant morning coffee for me while my pup sunbathed. Oh, and the pet fee is a reasonably priced $150 for up to six nights and $300 for longer.
Which are the best things to eat and drink at Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa?
Acclaimed Top Chef winner Richard Blais originally opened the Key West outpost of Four Flamingos in 2023, and it’s since become the signature restaurant. The concept centers around fresh, locally sourced seafood and ingredients, and the food is inspired by his grandmother’s classic Florida coastal cooking, aiming to infuse vibrant colors and flavors into both the ambiance and menu. The dining room has that true island spirit, but if the weather allows, you can’t beat sitting outdoors.
At breakfast time, try the Brazilian-style Acai Bowl with housemade granola, toasted peanuts, banana, berries, pumpkin seeds and locally honey—it’s particularly refreshing on a hot and humid morning. As for lunch, think: ice-cold oysters served with champagne and pineapple mignonette, ceviche of the day and Caribbean-Style Fish and Chips with yellowtail snapper coated in Islamorada beer batter.
However, this place really shines in the evenings. Start things off with either an 1856 Smoked Old Fashioned with Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey, or a Purple Cucumber Collins with butterfly pea flower.
For starters, the Stuffed Avocado is a nice teaser, and comes filled with lump crab salad and black lime. If you’re into raw bar delicacies, from a born-and-raised Floridian, don’t skip the local stone crab claws when they’re in season (mid-October to mid-May)—Blais’s version of the sauce is a delicious creamy honey mustard emulsion. As for the main, Florida Spiny Lobster, which includes two lobster tails (about 8 ounces), Jamaican curry and drawn butter is a fun Caribbean twist, and there’s no better way to end the meal than with a zippy Florida Key Lime Pie.
Outside of Four Flamingos, Keys Coffee Cafecito gives a good jolt with drip coffee, lattes, espresso, iced coffee cubes, juices and pastries, and Blue Mojito Bar and Grill is an open-air option with private beach views, sharable plates, casual eats and frozen cocktails.
What is the service like at Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa?
The staff at the hotel were pleasant and helpful. At check-in, a manager helped me with a luggage cart since there were no bellmen and I had my hands full with my dog. Soon after, I received a text message asking me about my check-in experience and encouraging me to communicate with any other needs during my stay.
For the most part, the staff give you your space (which I appreciate), unless you need something. I opted out of the housekeeping service and didn’t have much interaction with anyone outside of my meals at Four Flamingos, where the servers were courteous and management came to check on me.
At checkout, there was a slight discrepancy with my bill, but it was handled calmly and quickly before I departed.
What are the facilities like at Hyatt Centric Resort & Spa?
I visited Jala spa for a 50-minute treatment, and my massage therapist, Mindi, delivered a thorough and wonderfully deep-tissue experience. Note there are only a few treatment rooms (not a full-scale spa experience with a locker room, sauna and steam room) but plans for an expansion in the near future could be on the cards.
The pool at the hotel is clean and the ambiance is relaxed. The gym is quite compact, but it has the essentials: free weights, resistance bands and cardio (including Peloton bikes and TechnoGym machines).
Coco’s Monkey is the convenience store, souvenir shop and also works as an excursion concierge to book snorkeling trips, fishing, jet skis, parasailing, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, private cruise experiences and land rentals like scooters and electric cars.
What’s the area like around Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa?
The hotel’s location is truly centric—I didn’t use my car at all during my stay, and instead got around exclusively on foot, but you can also pick up the Duval Loop, a free bus that makes 18 stops along Old Town.
If you fancy a stroll around the shops, head straight to Duval Street—it’s got everything from boutiques like Lily Pulitzer to local shops with island attire and more risque adult-friendly stores catering to the eccentric crowd. Round here it’s also the heart of Key West’s nightlife, home to lots of bars with flowing drink specials, DJs and live music.
The hotel is a short walk from Mallory Square, which is known for its sunset viewing spots. You’ll find entertainers performing, bar carts offering cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, and there’s a restaurant if you want to take in the views with a bite.
History buffs should bookmark The Hemingway Home and Museum, Fort Zachary Taylor, Truman Little White House and the official Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A., where the oversized painted buoy is undoubtedly one of the most popular photo pitstops not only in Key West, but the U.S.A.
Why you should book a stay at Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa
While I usually visit Key Largo and Islamorada because they offer quicker commutes compared to the three-plus hours it takes me to get to Key West, the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa was worth the extra mileage. My two nights at the hotel helped me unplug from the chaos of South Florida life and wholeheartedly appreciate being back on the slower, stress-free pace of Keys time. I already miss my partial oceanview room and would book it again without hesitation. Next time I do, I hope there’s a slice of Swiss Meringue-topped Florida Key Lime Pie waiting to greet me on my oceanview balcony.
DETAILS
Address: 601 Front Street, Key West, Florida 33040
Price per night: starting from $458 per night
Closest transport: Key West International Airport (15-minute drive)
Book now: via Booking.com
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