Key West has lots of History to visit, from Ernest Hemingway’s House,

the Ship Wreck Museum, Harry Truman’s Little White House, and of Coarse the Casa Marina Resort and Spa. This resort was built by a famous Florida developer named Henry Flagler on Key West’s south shore in 1920, Casa Marina Resort is marked by tropical gardens and sculpted hedges. The main building has a sand-colored exterior with a Mediterranean red-tile roof, and a newer adjacent building which echo the grand resort style of the main resort building from 1920.

On New Year’s Eve, 1920, the Casa Marina Resort, opened its doors as Key West’s most glamorous destination. Conceived by American railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, the resort was intended to accommodate wealthy customers of Flagler’s Overseas Railroad, which spanned from Key West to the Florida mainland.

Although Flagler died before the hotel’s construction began in 1918, architects Thomas Hastings and John M. Carrere – who also designed New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, New York Public Library and the Senate and House of Representatives office buildings in DC – wanted the resort to serve as a monument to the magnate’s memory. The two architects handled the hotel’s interior and exterior, ensuring every detail honored Flagler’s original vision.

Three days after the resort’s grand opening, President Warren G. Harding came to visit, establishing Casa Marina as an exclusive high-end destination. In 1942, the property was bought by the US Navy, and used as officer’s quarters for the duration of World War II. Casa Marina re-emerged as a luxury hotspot in the 1950s, and played host to celebrities such as Gregory Peck, Ethel Merman, Ezio Pinza, Rita Hayworth and Gary Merrill. Today, the Casa Marina is one of the few superior 4 Star resorts on Key West.

This resort offers amazing amenities, 2 outdoor pools, surrounded by lush lawns and tropical gardens, and numerous water sports; You can dine at luscious restaurants, dining options include an open-air grill, a lobby bar, and a coffee shop. The rooms and suites are some of the best in Key West and the Florida Keys. Arrayed along a 1,100-foot private beach, the resort is 1.5 miles from the shopping, dining, and nightclubs of Duval Street.

Amenities

This beachfront resort has two identically-shaped swimming pools with multiple poolside cabanas available for rental. There is also a children’s pool for the kiddies to splash around in. Expansive sundecks that are furnished with padded lounge chairs. An open-air pavilion is between the pools and beach houses a casual bar and grill. The resort provides a pier for entering the water and an offshore sundeck for diving and sunning.

The Casa Marina boast the largest private beach on Key West. This beach has plenty of sand-colored umbrellas and folding chairs, and there are two hammocks, each roomy enough for two. Both are situated in shady areas and are much sought-after for afternoon snoozes, which is on a first come, first served basis.

This hotel works directly with Key West Water Sports, located on the beach – ready to accommodate every need of a guest. There is an easy access to a large selection of exhilarating activities from snorkeling to spectacular sunset cruises. Spend a day at the beach with waverunners, sailboats, or kayaks. Embark on an afternoon adventure with our large fleet of scooters and bicycles. The Key West Dolphin Encounter Trip, which features snorkeling with dolphins in backcountry reefs, including snorkel gear, instruction, and refreshments. Deep Sea Charter Sport Fishing, offshore sport fishing for six people with private charters for half and full day charters. For resort guests, there is an opportunity for you to grab a pole and fish off the Casa Marina’s private pier too.

Set on a private beach at the southeast edge of Key West, Casa Marina Resort s which is two miles from the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, Harry S Truman Little White House, Mallory Square, and Duval Street nightlife.

All these amenities help to attract bridal and business groups. The event space includes two ballroom, each seat up to 500 guests. There is also business kiosks with high-speed Internet access and printing capabilities for these types of groups.

Finally, there are children services & amenities available which includes babysitting services, children’s menus, and cribs and high chairs.

A Deeply Inspired Island Setting Within Our Luxury Key West Spa Resort

Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club introduces Spa al Mare, which offers rejuvenating spa services for guests. From Swedish to Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy to Reflexology – This elegant Key West spa resort provides certified therapists who will transport you to a world of deep relaxation. You can enjoy an Ocean Breeze Massage on the beach – which will soothe your mind and body underneath the calming influence of swaying palms. The spa services will melt away your cares with the help of essential oils like lavender, lemongrass, or wintergreen. This facility has an extensive range of choices at this oceanfront Florida Keys spa resort which includes Massages, Aroma Therapies, Facials, Spa Packages, and Yoga Instructions.

Restaurants

There are many different and delicious cuisines in Key West to choose from and Casa Marina has many-onsite restaurants that can compete with any restaurants on the island. Casa Marina offers a delicious array of cuisines perfectly suited to every taste, from breakfast, which is served each morning on a shaded terrace at Rambler’s Provisions Company. Savor tantalizing seafood and tropical salads at Sun-Sun Beach Bar & Grill – featuring an open-air wood pavilion and an extraordinary view of the sea. You can delight with signature steaks and fresh seafood at the Strip House Restaurant at the Casa Marina sister hotel Reach Resort.

Rambler’s Provisions Company serves light fare throughout the day. This coffee shop near the lobby serving sandwiches, snacks, and coffee drinks is perfect anytime of day. This coffee shop is open from early morning until midday, and from late afternoon until early evening.

The open-air Sun-Sun Beach Bar & Grill offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with ocean views. This wood pavilion bar & grill is located between the pool area and beach. Breakfast options include large buffet and lunch menu of salads, sandwiches, light meals, and tropical drinks. Dinner menu features local seafood, steaks, and chops. This Bar and Grill is open from early morning until late evening.

The Lobby Bar is your ideal place to start your evening at Casa Marina Resort. Gather your party here before you adventure out to the world famous Duval Street. The Lobby Bar offers a Tapas style menu along with your favorite beer, wine or champagne. Or try a taste of The Green Fairy at one of the few Absinthe bars in Key West, which was a favorite drink of Ernest Hemingway.

Enjoy Fine Dining

Strip House, a taste of New York featured at the Reach Resort, Casa Marina’s sister property. An instant classic choice for sumptuous cuisine is the Glazier Group’s popular Strip House. The famed Manhattan restaurant redefines the traditional Key West steakhouse experience with an innovative menu, created by Executive Chef John Schenk, including prime cuts of meat charred to perfection, signature side dishes such as truffle creamed spinach and goose fat potatoes, an extensive wine list, and the famed 24 layer chocolate cake.

The restaurant’s luscious, all-red interior, designed by David Rockwell, is full of dark rich colors and backlit Studio Manasse photographs, balanced by seductive music and soft lighting. The atmosphere and innovative menu excite all the senses. Start off with the lobster bisque, and enjoy a perfectly charred strip steak as your entrée. The signature menu items include Shell Fish Plateau, Rib Eye, Goose Fat Potatoes, Maine Lobster Linguine and many other sumptuous choices.

Treat yourself to a tantalizing, intimate meal at Strip House in the exclusive Private Dining Room that reflects the ambience of the main dining room, this private area can accommodate up to 40 people. This private room is equipped with plasma screens, PC connections, wireless Internet access, and views looking out over the natural beach and Atlantic Ocean. Or for even more privacy, order from the Strip House in-room dining menu daily from 7a.m. until 10p.m.

Exchange Vows In A Legendary Setting

Since 1920, “the house by the sea” has enchanted and inspired dignitaries, business tycoons, and artists have partaken in the sanctity of marriage at this unforgettable Key West wedding destination. Allow the professional staff to meticulously plan every detail – from planning the ceremony to contracting a photographer, crafting the menu to hiring the entertainment. Select from over 22,600 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, for this once-in-a- lifetime event, to make it truly unforgettable at the Casa Marina.

Newly Renovated Rooms

With the completion of a recent $43 million overhaul, this splendid property has been restored to its original grandeur. Each of the resort’s 311 guestrooms have been revamped with sophisticated furnishings and modern amenities, including LCD televisions, iHome docking stations and espresso machines. Eye-catching new event space and outdoor areas completes the renewed atmosphere of refined Floridian splendor, truly delivering luxury for our time.

Bathrooms have showers and LXR bath amenities. Some rooms offer shower/tub combinations (on request, subject to availability). Weekday newspapers and local calls (up to 30 minutes) are included in the daily resort fee. Here are a list of the different rooms that you have to choose from.

Flagler Ocean Vista Room

One king bed. Large picture window with ocean and pool views. Located on the upper floors of 1920s historic building, up to 350 square feet. Nine-feet ceilings and hardwood floors. Wireless Internet access. 26-inch LCD flat-screen television and in-room movies. Clock radio with iPod docking station. Compact refrigerator. Plush bathrobes. Signature bath amenities. In-room safe. Nonsmoking.

Grand Ocean Vista Room

One king bed. Private balcony with oceanfront view. Located in 1920s historic building. 350 square feet. Nine-foot ceilings and hardwood floors. Wireless Internet access. 26-inch LCD flat-screen television and in-room movies. Clock radio with iPod docking station. Compact refrigerator. Plush bathrobes. Signature bath amenities. In-room safe. Connecting rooms available. Nonsmoking.

Island Vista Bedroom Suite

1 king bed in master bedroom. Sofa bed. Furnished balcony. Located in exclusive suite building. 600 square feet. Separate living room with sectional sofa. Desk. Dining area. Coffee/tea maker. Wireless Internet access. Television – digital service. 26-inch LCD television. High-definition television. ESPN. HBO. First-run movies. On Command Video. iPod docking station. Compact refrigerator. Plush bathrobes. Complimentary toiletries. Hair dryer (on request). Private bathroom. Shower only. In-room safe (accommodates laptop). Iron/ironing board (on request). Wake-up calls. Complimentary newspaper weekdays only. Window opens. Climate control. Connecting rooms available. Guestrooms are all non-smoking.

Island Vista Accessible Rm

One king bed or two double beds. Located throughout resort. Up to 350 square feet. Wireless Internet access. 26-inch LCD flat-screen television and in-room movies. Clock radio with iPod docking station. Compact refrigerator. Roll-in shower with grab bars. Strobe alarm. Signature bath amenities. Plush bathrobes. In-room safe. Connecting room available. Nonsmoking.

Island Vista Room

1 king bed. Up to 350 square feet. Italian ceramic tile. Contemporary dark-wood furniture. Wireless Internet access. 26-inch LCD flat-screen TV and in-room movies. Clock radio with iPod docking station. Compact refrigerator. Signature bath amenities. Plush bathrobes. In-room safe. Connecting room available. Nonsmoking.

Ocean Vista Bedroom Suite

One king bed in master bedroom. Furnished balcony with Atlantic Ocean view. Located in exclusive suite building. 600 square feet. Separate living room with sectional sofa bed. Dining area. Wireless Internet access. Two 26-inch LCD flat-screen televisions and in-room movies. Clock radio with iPod docking station. Compact refrigerator. Plush bathrobes. Signature bath amenities. In-room safe. Connecting rooms available. Nonsmoking.

Ocean Vista 2 Bedroom Suite

One king bed in master bedroom. One king bed in second loft bedroom upstairs. Furnished balcony. View of Atlantic Ocean or tropical pools. Located on top floor of exclusive suite building. 900 square feet. Separate living room. Dining area. Wireless Internet access. Three 26-inch LCD flat-screen televisions and in-room movies. Clock radio with iPod docking station. Compact refrigerator. Two bathrooms. Plush bathrobes. Signature bath amenities. In-room safe. Nonsmoking.

Ocean Vista Room

1 king bed. Balcony or patio with ocean and pool views. Up to 350 square feet. Wireless Internet access. 26-inch LCD flat-screen TV and in-room movies. Clock radio with iPod docking station. Compact refrigerator. Signature bath amenities. Plush bathrobes. In-room safe. Nonsmoking.

Island Vista Room Double

2 double beds. In-room safe. Cable/satellite TV. Premium TV channel(s). Pay movies. Voice mail. Refrigerator. Designer toiletries. Bathrobes. Hair dryer. Iron/ironing board. Electronic check-out. Air conditioning.

Ocean Vista Double

There are no room charges for children 18 years old and younger who occupy the same room as their parents or guardians, using existing bedding.

The following mandatory hotel-imposed fees are charged and collected by the hotel either at check-in or check-out. The Resort fee is US$ 28.13 per room, per night and fee inclusions, Internet access property-wide, Phone calls (local), beach access, use of pool, use of fitness center or health club, Use of sporting facilities or equipment, Use of business center/computer, Newspaper, Use of in-room safe, In-room coffee, Concierge/valet service.

Other fees you need to be aware of Self parking: US$ 15 per day, Valet parking: US$ 20 per day, Pets: US$ 125 per pet, per stay, Late check-out: US$ 50, Early check-out: US$ 75. Since pets are so popular, there are Pet Services & Amenities, which includes 2 Pets allowed up to 25lbs., Dog beds available, and a $125.00 non-refundable deposit required.

Customer comments

“Especially loved the staff, they could not do enough for us. I would definitely recommend getting a massage by the water – it was the best!”
“The resort was excellent from cleanliness and condition to the helpful and courteous staff. We could throw a stone from our room to the ocean ( I actually tried it). We had dinner on the beach and the pier … all things we’ve never done at other resorts. Rooms are large and clean. Great time.”
“You can’t beat the beach that is right behind the hotel or the quick walk to dinner at Louie’s Backyard. It would be nice if it was a tad closer to Duval Street, but otherwise, we love everything about this property.”
“The private beach was pristine and raked daily. The location of the hotel is in walking distance of the infamous Duval St., but there were always taxis lined up outside.”
“The SunSun grill at Casa Marina Resort a couple steps from the sandy beach has delicious lunch menu choices and you can watch all the ocean sailing/parasailing activity as you dine.”
“To my knowledge this hotel (and its twin Reach Resort) is the only one of that class in Key West with its own sandy beach.”
“The pool, despite a fair number of guests, always had a few chairs and umbrellas left and never felt overcrowded. The beach-side restaurant has a few tables directly on the sand, in a very romantic setting with candles, under palm trees (avoid the tables on the deck, with very direct and almost blinding deck lighting); food selection is modest, but quality and presentation are excellent. Rocks and weeds right off the beach offer great marine wildlife viewing opportunities, esp. with a mask and snorkel, right there, in waist-deep water (sorry, no sandy bottom except for a few patches). Duval St, where everything in Key West is happening, is 30min walking distance or a $10 cab ride. The concierge can arrange for any activities on the island.”
“If you have a couple nights try louie’s backyard around the corner from hotel, Great food and unbelievable view. Also recommend michaels. We got back late from miami one night and the staff at michaels stayed open late. They went above and beyond for us.”
“the resort, it was perfect. 40 yards from waters edge with hammocks and spa right on the beach.”
“loved the resort….stay in the suite section worth the extra bucks close enough to the water to hear the ocean. Probably 30 yards to the sea from our balcony…beach service was great…rent a bike and check out the island..”
“My husband and I travel a lot and this was one of the most beautiful resorts we have seen. Very tropical and mediterranean style. Loved it! Hammocks were great! “.
“If you want a beautiful hotel, great beach, great service this is the place to be. If you want to do the Duval Crawl, you might be better served in the other end of town. I would not stay anywhere else in Key West.”
“The Casa Marina Resort is an historic,beautiful and romantic escape from the every day grind.”
“Be sure to have the snapper fish&chips at lunch, it will be the best you have ever eaten. We also had dinner there a couple evenings; try the chef’s specials,they truly create some different and tantalizing delights. The coconut-encrusted (snapper? I don’t remember) with cherry buerre was out of this world!”
“There are also TWO swimming pools,and every water sport you can think of right there, from scuba lessons in the pool before it opens, to jet ski and catamaran rentals; if it’s not offered onsite, the concierge will arrange it for you.”
“Duvall Street and the nightlife is fun, but Casa Marina is far enough away to not hear the noise and hubbub, yet still within easy walking distance. Never felt unsafe walking to Duvall Street, not even late at night. Cab fares were reasonable,too.”
“The pros were we had an expresso machine in the room (complementary) that was replenished each day. The servers and bartenders were very friendly. The hotel decor was beautiful, and very well kept.”
“They have a calendar of things they give out each day. We loved the popsicles we were given by the pool each day.”

Negative comments:

“First was the prices at their on-site restaurant went up dramatically and also no longer included sides. Food was very good, but not worth what we paid ($100+ for a burger and a steak). Breakfast buffet was $50 for two. Last year we ate every meal at the resort. This year we ate one.”
“Second was this year there were two weddings. One was on the beach so it was blocked off from guest use, which that was one reason we picked this resort was because it had its own beach. There was a small section available on the opposite side, but it was cramped with every guest. The reception was scheduled to go to 11pm and went until 12:30 and was EXTREMELY loud.”
“The resort was great, being charged for parking was lame, the resort fee is lame, but everything else was awesome. I would reccomend this place to anyone and will definetly be returning.”
“Our only complaint was that our room had no balcony, and none was available until the next day. They should have held a balcony room for us, as we had a prepaid reservation. Having to return to the hotel from town the following afternoon to move to the new room was an inconvenience, but the manager did move us to a nice suite. (they did offer to move our stuff for us, but we had items in the safe and there’s no safety deposit box in the lobby, so we had to be there)”

Conclusion

This property is on this year’s Expedia Insiders’ Select list, an annual selection of the top hotels based largely on traveler opinions as well as value and Expedia expert input. If you are looking for great place to stay and want something special, the Casa Marina Resort and Spa is a great choice!

Where Can I Book My Stay for Casa Marina Resort and Spa?

You can reserved your room on Expedia and expect to get a great rate there. From what I can tell their rates compare to anyone on the Internet. I noticed that this resort sells out quickly, so make your plans early.

Where can you read more reviews for Casa Marina Resort?

The best place for reviews from people who actually use the resort is on Expedia. Click Here to read more

Street where most of the Key West has lots of History to