Party-centric Key West and the word “tranquility” and don’t usually go well together, but The Capitana Key West is an exception to the rule. While the boutique hotel sits right on the busy thoroughfare leading into Old Town, it’s also deceptively nestled along a private beach on the bay.
It’s the kind of hotel that surprises you once inside—a quiet oasis where palm trees sway in the breeze and the Keys’ wild nature and marine life often make an appearance. You may spot a dolphin cruising by or even a small shark hunting along the shoreline from your lounger in the sand (not to worry, it’s not a swimming beach), and when you’re ready to trade peace and quiet for exploring or debauchery, Old Town Key West is just two miles away. Essentially, you’ve got the best of both worlds.
Why stay at The Capitana Key West?
If you want to walk to everything in Old Town, like party-hardy Duval Street, this hotel may not be the place for you. But if you want to experience the wild beauty of the Florida Keys and indulge in some low-key relaxation away from the noise and crowds, The Capitana is your answer.
Even though the hotel was rebuilt after a hurricane and opened as an Opal Collection property in 2021, it feels brand new. It’s also kept shockingly clean in a town where people run around in wet bathing suits and slosh around cocktails. Step inside the front lobby and you’re greeted by a massive underwater mural—a preview of your nature-infused stay—but the most welcomed surprise is the hotel’s tucked-away location along a sandy beach and the bay. While this is not a swimming beach, it’s one of the few hotels in the area with beach access. For guests, this means sunning bayside on a lounger or in a rentable private cabana, dipping in the large pool, and chilling at the bar with conch fritters and a frozen cocktail.
One evening at happy hour, I noticed some activity in the water and ran down to the shore, where it turned out a baby shark was patrolling the mangroves. Guests gathered, excited (especially since no one swims there). Another day, I spotted a huge pufferfish and all sorts of marine life. You truly never know what you’ll see.
Things are kept simple at this boutique property, so don’t expect valet car service. As someone who hates waiting on valet, I loved being able to pull up, unload, and park myself.
You’re about a 12-minute drive from Old Town, and ride shares are plentiful, but the hotel also offers the option to rent bikes, which guests often do during the daytime.
What are the rooms like at The Capitana Key West?
Room variety is another reason The Capitana stands out: there’s something for everyone, from couples to families and large groups. We stayed in a two-bedroom family suite, which includes a king room, a second room with bunk beds, and a full kitchen with a small dining table. Like all Opal Collection properties, the suite was beautifully decorated and spotless.
Having that extra space is a dream on vacation (even if you’re only dog parents like us—the hotel is pet-friendly), and another perk is the hydration stations on every floor, so you never have to call down for extra water. In addition to rooms and suites, there are 11 separate cottages with two king bedrooms overlooking the canal and mangroves, ideal for those seeking extra space and privacy.
What are the best things to eat and drink at The Capitana Key West?
There’s only one restaurant-bar on property, the open-air McKee’s Tiki Bar, which fronts the water. It’s a laid-back option when you don’t want to leave, and everything we tried—from conch fritters to the pan-seared grouper with island rice—was delicious. Again, the resort caters to quiet, and the bar closes by 8 p.m., so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a late-night binger. In the mornings, there’s a complimentary breakfast buffet at El Rubi with everything from fresh fruit to eggs and breakfast meats.
If you want to dine close to the property, I’d suggest the Stoned Crab, a waterfront restaurant that specializes in seafood and Florida stone crabs. Otherwise, head into Old Town Key West for a wide variety of restaurants like Hot Tin Roof, Lola’s Bistro and Louie’s Backyard.
What are the pool and gym like at The Capitana Key West?
The pool is exactly what you want in the Florida Keys: large and inviting, with decorative spraying fountains and a hot tub for a warm soak. (The hot tub is popular, so you may not want to hop in with a crowd.)
The pool is a hit with kids, so as a childless couple, we opted for the quieter loungers in the sand along the bay. One day, we rented a private cabana—a lovely escape when you want alone time. Another favorite area is the expansive green lawn next to the pool, with oversized games and plenty of shady spots under the swaying palms.
The gym is on the smaller side, but it’s perfect for a quick workout. Then again, this is the Keys, so you’ll likely sneak in exercise snorkeling or walking around Old Town.
What is the service like at The Capitana Key West?
Excellent. Even during the busy breakfast rush, you may spot a manager ensuring everything runs smoothly and that guests are having a good stay. That kind of personal attention gives the property its boutique charm. The bartenders were friendly and, in true Keys style, kept the drinks flowing.
What’s the area like around The Capitana Key West?
The hotel sits on a busy thoroughfare, but you can easily rent bikes or grab an Uber to Old Town in about 12 minutes. If I had one complaint, it would be the lack of a shuttle service.
Once in Old Town, wander the Historic Seaport and visit attractions like the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory—a hidden gem of butterflies and natural beauty—and the Ernest Hemingway Home. For swimming beaches, check out Smathers Beach or Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. And one evening, hop on a Fury catamaran sunset cruise, where a local band plays, the drinks flow, and the party is on the water (this is classic Keys people watching at its best).
Why you should book a stay at The Capitana Key West
For the person who wants a truly relaxing stay in rowdy Key West, this is it. You’re close enough to bike or Uber to the action of Old Town, yet far enough away from the noise that you’ll actually leave Key West rejuvenated. And you might even go home telling everyone that you saw a dolphin or a baby shark.
DETAILS
Address: The Capitana, 2401 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West FL 33040
Price per night: Rates start at $199 in low season and $479 in high season
Closest transport: Key West International Airport is 2.8 miles away
Book now: via Booking.com
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