For those guests traveling from outside South Florida, the most convenient way to get to Key West is by flying directly into Key West International Airport (EYW). American Airlines, Delta, Jet Blue and United provide non-stop service to/from many major airports, including Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Dallas (DFW), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH) and New York (LGA and JFK). Key West International Airport is conveniently located right in Key West. Once you arrive, it's a 5-minute Uber, Lyft or taxi ride to most hotels and rentals on the island.
You can also choose to fly into Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) or Miami International Airport (MIA) and drive to Key West via the Overseas Highway (US 1). More on the drive below.
For those guests traveling from South Florida or flying into MIA or FLL airports, you can drive to Key West. This scenic drive down the Overseas Highway (US1) from Miami to Key West has been ranked as one of the most scenic drives in the country. The 113 miles of roadway from Key Largo to Key West include an astonishing 42 bridges, creating a breathtaking series of arches over the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and Gulf of Mexico.
Plan 3.5 - 4.5 hours for the drive, as traffic can be unpredictable and, at times, move slowly.
Walking or biking is often the easiest way to get around the small island, especially if you are staying in the historic heart of the island, known as "Old Town Key West". There are bike rental locations available throughout the island as well as directly at many hotels.
Golf carts and scooters are a fun and fantastic way to explore the island. Both can be rented for the duration of your stay from several spots around the island, with prices varying based on the rental type and duration. Please note with golf carts you will still have to find and pay for parking as you explore the island.
Uber, Lyft and taxis are readily available at all hours of the day and night and are an easy way to get around the island. These are your best transportation options to get to the wedding events if you are staying outside of the Old Town Key West area of the island.
Key West is four miles long and two miles wide, so we do not recommend renting a car unless you are driving from Miami / Fort Lauderdale. Parking is limited on the island and can be hard to find most times.
Key West offers a variety of lodging options - resorts, boutique hotels, bed & breakfasts and vacation home rentals (Airbnb / VRBO). Accommodations located in the historic Old Town Key West area will generally be within walking distance of all wedding events. More affordable lodging options can be found in the "New Town" Key West area, which is just a short Uber, Lyft or taxi ride to the wedding events. We have provided a few suggestions below, but there are many other options available to fit your needs, budget and vacation style.
The Lighthouse Hotel is located directly across the street from the wedding ceremony and reception venue, the Ernest Hemingway Home, a very convenient option for guests. The hotel offers an outdoor heated pool, complimentary continental breakfast, and on-site bar.
Clayton and Camilo will be staying at the Lighthouse Hotel and have secured a room block for those of you who would like to stay here as well. To book with the room block rate, please book using the "Ratliff & Velez Wedding Room Block" link below. The link will only allow bookings Friday-Sunday but the Lighthouse Hotel is happy to extend your stay at our reduced rates if you contact them. You can book two nights using the link and then reach out to the reservations desk at (305) 294-9588 or at reservations@Lighthousehotelkeywest.com to add additional nights, or you can just call or email the reservations desk directly to make the booking. You should also call or email if you would like to upgrade your room to a suite. Make sure and mention the "Ratliff & Velez Wedding Room Block" to receive the reduced room block rate.
Ratliff & Velez Wedding Room Block
The Marquesa Hotel is a boutique hotel conveniently located in the center of the historic district of Old Town Key West. The Marquesa compound - with its two locations across the street from each other - offers three sparkling pools and lush interior gardens. Children 14 years and older are welcome at the hotel. The Marquesa is a 10 minute walk to the wedding event locations.
Casa Marina Key West, part of Hilton's Curio Collection, is a historic 1920s resort offering two oceanfront pools, onsite bars and restaurants, spa, small beach area and typical resort-style amenities. Casa Marina is situated on the Atlantic side of the island. Wedding events will be a 20-30 minute walk or 5-10 minute car ride from the resort.
The Reach Key West, also part of Hilton's Curio Collection, is located next door to the Casa Marina and is another resort-style option offering an oceanfront pool, onsite bar and restaurant, small beach area and shares spa facilities with the Casa Marina. Wedding events will be a 20-30 minute walk or 5-10 minute car ride from the resort.
Southernmost Beach Resort is another resort option on the Atlantic side of the island. This resort features resort-style amenities and a small private beach. Wedding events will be a 15-25 minute walk or 5 minute car ride from the resort.
Located directly on Duval Street in Old Town Key West, La Te Da welcomes adult guests only. This boutique historic hotel offers a pool, restaurant, bar and nightly drag cabaret shows. La Te Da is located less than 1000 feet from the wedding ceremony and reception venue, the Ernest Hemingway Home. If you want to experience some of Key West's vibrant and unique culture, La Te Da may be just the place for you.
The Mermaid & The Alligator is an intimate, adults-only bed and breakfast with nine unique rooms in a Victorian Home tucked away in the heart of Old Town Key West, Florida. A full breakfast is served each morning, along with an afternoon happy hour. The B&B is located just 3 blocks off Duval Street, with wedding events a 10-15 minute walk away.
The Ocean Key Resort & Spa is a waterfront resort-style hotel located at the end of Duval Street on the Gulf of Mexico side of the island. In addition to the typical resort-style amenities of pools, restaurants and bars, this resort features the Sunset Pier bar with spectacular sunset views. The resort is also conveniently located adjacent to Mallory Square. Wedding events will be a 10-20 minute walk or 5-10 minute car ride from this resort.
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort is located adjacent to Key West's historic seaport. The resort offers 96 rooms, three pools and onsite restaurant and bar. The resort is a 1 minute walk from the welcome sunset sail and a 20 minute walk or 10 minute car ride from the Ernest Hemingway Home.
This hotel is located in the "New Town" area of Key West on the Gulf of Mexico. Wedding events will be a 10-15 minute car ride from this hotel.
The Hilton Garden Inn Key West is located in "New Town" Key West and offers a large outdoor pool, restaurant, outdoor pool bar and available downtown shuttle service. Wedding events will be a 15-20 minute car ride from this hotel.
This Key West Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott hotel is located in "New Town" Key West and offers a large outdoor pool with poolside cabanas, a daily hot breakfast, and free WiFi. Wedding events will be a 15-20 minute car ride from this hotel.
Renting a house or condo may be more conducive to your vacation style. Key West offers plenty of home and condo rental options in both Old Town and New Town Key West. Please see the websites below:
https://www.airbnb.com
https://vrbo.com
https://vacationhomesofkeywest.com/ https://www.rentkeywest.com/