Boutique Luxury and Island Vibes

Written By Jennifer Curnutt

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa

Tucked away in the heart of Old Town Key West right on the waterfront, Hyatt Centric Key West is a true hidden gem. Despite being just blocks away from bustling Mallory Square and the lively bars of Duval Street, this boutique hotel offers a peaceful intimate escape with upscale comfort. It’s perfect for those seeking tranquility without wanting to miss out on the island’s top attractions.

Hyatt Centric Key West captures the unique spirit of the island — laid-back yet refined, vibrant yet relaxing. From its breezy oceanfront setting with views of the Gulf to its pastel-hued architecture, every detail reflects the timeless charm of traditional Key West style.

Whether you're enjoying a cocktail by the poolside bar, exploring nearby art galleries and historic streets, or watching the sunset over the Gulf from your own private balcony, the hotel offers more than luxury. It is an extension of Key West’s vibrant spirit. The design, the warm hospitality, and even the locally inspired cuisine all capture the island’s colorful, carefree charm.

[Special thanks to the staff who works at Hyatt Centric who made my trip so memorable - TJ, Amber, Raj, Jason, Sidney, Phuong, Alena, Anna, and Jon. If I left anyone out, it’s not on purpose. You were ALL incredible.]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Getting There

Key West is tucked away at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys where the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic meet. It’s where Highway 1 collides into turquoise waters and that slow rhythm of island life - nowhere else left to go.

Closest Airport: The closest airport to Key West is the Key West International Airport (EYW) located just a few miles from downtown. The airport is very convenient but also very small so flights can be expensive and limited.

Another popular option is to fly into Miami, rent a car and drive the Keys. The scenic journey down the Overseas Highway (Route 1) is truly breathtaking. The stunning 113-mile route crosses over 40 bridges connecting the islands of the Florida Keys. Much of the journey will be spent surrounded on both sides by clear turquoise water with sweeping panoramic views that are unforgettable. The drive takes approximatley 3-1/2 to 4 hours, but is worth it if you have the time.

Climate and Weather

Key West is typically warm and tropical all year round, which is one of the things that makes it such a popular destination. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Summers can be very humid making the heat feel even more intense. Day time temperatures usually get up into the mid-80s to low-90s.

  • Key West gets quite a bit of rain from June to November, and thunderstorms tend to be common.

  • Winter and early Spring (December through April) are the busy season and crowded thanks to perfect weather - sunny and dry, not too hot.

  • Hurricane season runs from June to November.

Tips for Visiting

Here are some things you need to know before you go to make the most out of your stay:

  • Florida is on Eastern Daylight Time.

  • Standard check-in time is 4 pm, but rooms are often available early. You can sign up for convenient text and email alerts letting you know when your room is ready.

  • There is plenty of on-site parking for a fee, but no valet parking.

  • There are electric vehicle charging stations on site.

  • If flying, consider skipping a rental car despite the hotel having ample parking as parking on the island is limited and expensive.

  • The airport is about 4 miles from the resort. Taking Uber, Lyft, or a taxi is easy. You can also rent bikes and scooters at the airport through third parties that drop them off to you there.

  • The resort features ADA compliant rooms designed for mobility and communication needs.

  • Hyatt Centric Key West allows small dogs (under 50 lbs.) for a non-refundable pet fee. Service animals are exempt from the fee and restrictions.

  • There are refillable water stations throughout the resort with water that tastes great (sometimes that’s a hit or miss).

  • Hyatt Centric Key West offers concierge services including assistance with booking excursions through its trusted partners, most of which are located on site (i.e. jet ski, bicycle and scooter rentals) or who offer convenient on-site pick-up spots (i.e. fishing, diving, and snorkeling charters).

  • Hyatt Centric features several options for on-site dining. You can choose between Four Flamingos, a Richard Blais Key West Kitchen with its elevated coastal cuisine and stunning views, or keep it casual with tropical cocktails and island-inspired bites at Blue Mojito Bar & Grill, located poolside. Both offer daily Happy Hours. There is also the Cafecito coffee stand located next to the bar serving bold coffee drinks and pastries.

  • Room service is available upon request.

  • The hotel offers dry cleaning services.

  • Beach/pool towels are available for guests at no cost in the gift shop.

  • There is a small, yet well-equipped fitness center on-site with state-of-the-art equipment including Pelotons.

  • You can rent bicycles and golf carts on site.

AMENITIES

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa is a waterfront boutique hotel offering stunning views of the Gulf. Guests can enjoy a range of premium amenities including an upscale on-site restaurant, a lively poolside bar, coffee stand, general store, and full concierge services. The resort also features a full size pool with an outdoor jacuzzi, an electric fire pit with Adirondack chairs, a private dock, and a full service spa.

Accomodations

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa features 120 comfortable, tastefully decorated rooms each with its own private balcony, many of which have an ocean view. The rooms are spacious and private, thoughtfully designed with modern amenities and comfort in mind.

Room Amenities:

  • Private balconies or patios

  • Air conditioning and ceiling fans

  • Mini-fridges

  • Microwaves

  • Keurig coffee makers with pods

  • Daily housekeeping

  • In-room electronic safes

  • In-guestroom Peloton rentals

  • Complimentary water

  • Bath robes and plenty of towels

  • Premium linens and bedding including feather pillows

  • Eco-friendly bath products

  • Hair dryers

  • Irons and ironing boards

  • High speed internet

  • Big screen TVs with streaming capabilities, including Google Chromecast and On Demand

  • USB charging outlets

The Property

Central Pool Area & Jacuzzi - The property boasts expansive outdoor space centered around a full-sized pool and hot tub. Guests can relax by the water in lounge chairs, or unwind in private shaded cabanas available for daily rental. Plastic rafts, noodles and float rings are provided at no charge for guest use, and the resort offers poolside food and beverage service so you can enjoy cocktails and snacks delivered right to you.

Other Outdoor Areas - Beyond the pool area, you’ll find several inviting spots along the Gulf to relax including chaise lounges on the sand and private terrace, additional outdoor seating, and even an outdoor electric fire pit. Take a leisurely stroll out onto the [rivate dock to dip your feet in the water and watch the fish swim below, or unwind in the oversized swing at the end of the dock as you soak in the peacful coastal views.

The hotel also has an outdoor terrace with hammocks, games, and a selection of books for guests to enjoy,

Turtle Sanctuary - Discover the on-site fresh water Turtle Sanctuary at Hyatt Centric Key West - a refuge for sea turtles abandoned by owners who mistakently thought these turtles could live as household pets in fish tanks. Since they were raised in captivity, they require protection from the environment and tending to daily. There is no way for them to return to the wild and survive. The most common residents are Red-eared Sliders named for their distinctive red stripes behind each eye that look like ears.

Restaurants

Dining & Food Options - Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa features several on-site dining options for guests.

  • Four Flamingos, a Richard Blais Key West Kitchen - a stunning waterfront restaurant that offers upscale dining with panoramic views of the Gulf. The open-air design blends modern coastal elegance with warm, inviting tones. The menu highlights a “sea to table” approach with fresh daily catches and coastal classics reimagined with bold island flavors and creative twists. With expertly handcrafted cocktails from their in-house mixologist, a welcoming staff, and front-row seats to stunning sunset views, it’s an unforgettable place to dine.

  • Blue Mojito Bar & Grill - an open-air poolside bar with plenty of outdoor seating, big-screen TVs for catching a game, and waterfront views. The menu is casual with shareable appetizers, fresh salads, burgers, and more - perfect for a quick bite, a relaxed lunch, or casual dinner. Plus, the staff are always friendly and fun to be around.

  • Cafecito - Key’s Coffee Co. has a cute little take-out counter next to the poolside bar at Hyatt Centric Key West with fanastic coffee and pastries. I highly recommend the iced coffee especially on warm island mornings. It’s bold and strong with ice cubes made of frozen coffee so your drink never gets watered down as they melt. Pure genuis in my book!

  • General Store - If there is something you forgot,the general store has you covered. It carries all the essentials you might need - snacks, drinks, toiletries and personal care products, souvenirs, gifts and basic beach essentials like sunglasses, flip flops, hats, and cover-ups. Keep in mind that the rooms have mini-fridges so you can easily store food and drinks. This is also where you will go to grab beach and pool towels, and to book any excursions.

Fitness Center

Fitness Center - Hyatt Centric Key West offers a small yet well-eqiupped fitness center featuring state-of-the-art equipment including two Peloton bikes, treadmills, an elliptical, free weights up to 50 lbs., and more. While the space is compact, it’s thoughtfully designed so that you can get in a sufficient, full-body workout.

TOURS & EXCURSIONS

Hyatt Centric Key West provides full concierge services to assist you in arranging and booking featured hotel experiences as well as excurions with trusted, experienced third-party guides.

Some of the featured hotel experiences include:

  • An Intimate Escape: Your Own Beachside Dinner Experience

  • In Room Amenities - Amour Package (chocolate covered strawberries, champagne and rose petals), Sweet Welcome Package, Beach Treats, Wine, Key Lime Pie, and more.

  • Poolside Cabana Rentals

  • Sunday Yoga

  • Peloton Rentals in Guestrooms

  • Jala Spa treatments

Some of the excursions Hyatt Centric can help you book through their partners include:

  • Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery Experience

  • Bicycle and Scooter Rentals (on-site)

  • Golf Cart Rentals (on-site)

  • Sunset Cruises

  • Fury Jet Ski Rentals (on-site)

  • Diving Experiences (pick you up on-site)

  • Fishing Charters (pick you up on-site)

  • Catch Your Cook (pick you up on-site)

JALA SPA

Jala Spa at Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa offers a sancturary for guests to unwind and relax with spa treatments inspired by the island’s natural elements and beauty. Below are some of the treatments offered all of which require a reservation.

  • Massages - Signature Jala, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Swedish, and more.

  • Facials - Anti-Aging, Pore Detox, Microdermabrasion, and more.

  • Body Treatments - After Sun Rescue Treatment, Island Glow, Anti-Aging, Nourishing, and more.

  • Enhancements like CBD, hot oil scalp massage, eye treatment, lip exfoliation, waxing, and more.

SUSTAINABILTY EFFORTS

Hyatt has always been a leader in sustainability and Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa is no exception. It has been recognized by Green Key Global for its acomplishments in taking significant steps to protect the environment. Here are some ways it strives to be a steward of our planet:

  • The Infinite Bottle Project - the resort serves only Proud Source Water in its infinitely recycleable packaging, and has collection bins throughout the property and in the neighboring community.

  • Refillable water stations throughout the property.

  • Elimination of plastic straws.

  • Meetings and food delivery are single-use plastic free.

  • Using recyclable, biodegradable and/or compostable materials when possible.

  • Bulk amenities to eliminate single use bottles for toiletries.

  • On-Site EV Charging Stations.

  • Energy Conservation - motion controlled lighting and daily reports to effectively control heating/cooling of public spaces.

  • Participation in Food Thoughtfully Sourced, Carefully Served.

  • Active participation in Hyatt THRIVE initiative.

THINGS TO DO NEARBY

Below are just some of the things to do in and around Key West during your visit to Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa. For a more detailed list, read my article Discover Roosters, Rum & Coastal Charm: Your Guide for Getting to Know Key West.

Hemingway House & Museum - Ernest Hemingway called Key West home for nearly a decade and today, visitors can tour his well preserved home including the upstairs loft where he wrote some of his most famous works.

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum - Located in the heart of Old Town Key West, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the world of shipwrecks and sunken treasure.

The Truman Little White House - The winter home of President Harry S. Truman during his presidency and later visited by several other presidents which operates as a museum.

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Museum - Climb 88 steps to the top of an 1800s lighthouse for a stunning panoramic bird’s eye view of the island, then visit its museum honoring the island’s maritime heritage full of historic nautical tools, photos and personal items of the lighthouse keepers.

Duval Street - No trip to Key West is complete without taking a walk down legendary Duval Street - home to some of the most iconic bars in the country including Hemingway’s old hangout, Sloppy Joe’s.

Mallory Square - Set along the waterfront, this iconic square is a vibrant market featuring open-air booths with local artisans selling handmade arts and crafts, along with boutique shops and souvenir stands. It’s a fun spot to watch street performers and catch a sunset over the Gulf.

Key West Aquarium - One of the oldest aquariums in Florida featuring tanks full of tropical fish, sharks, eels, and jellyfish, a hands on touch tank, shark and stingray feedings, and a special exhibit dedicated to caring for injured sea turtles.

Butterfly & Nature Conservatory - a Glas Dome tropical habitat that houses over 50 species of free-flying butterflies alongside exotic birds including pink flamingos.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park - A Civil War-Era fort offering an intriguing look into 19th century military history and architecture.

Ghost Tours - Explore famous haunted spots like the Oldest House, the Key West Cemetery, and haunted inns known for paranormal activity where you will hear chilling stories about restless spirits and legendary figures. There are walking tours, trolley tours and even ghost cruises.

Southernmost Point - Visit the island’s most iconic landmark - the Southernmost Point. This popular photo spot is just 90 miles from Cuba and is the southern most point of the continental U.S.

With its perfect weather, Key West offers an endless list of outdoor adventures and ways to get outdoors and explore including:

  • Fishing charters and cruises

  • Snorkeling and diving

  • Parasailing

  • Jet Skiing

  • Kayaking

  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding

  • Bike and scooter rentals

READ MORE...

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