This legendary, 125-mile-long chain of sandy beaches and coral reef trails just beyond the Sunshine State’s southern tip includes Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, The Lower Keys, and Key West. While each island community possesses a distinct personality and ambiance, the entire chain offers an array of unparalleled experiences.
“For meetings of up to 100 attendees, the Keys offer the ideal island destination and endless opportunities to extend mid-week business gatherings for pre- or post-leisure stays for families and friends,” says Jack Meier, group sales director of The Florida Keys & Key West. “Our unique facilities and venues provide intimate experiences and fun ways to learn about environmental stewardship. Most feature group experiential activities, such as fishing charters with catch-and-cook meals, boat trips with snorkeling and swimming, and on-land walking or cycling cultural and historical exploratory tours.”
At the Keys’ northern end, the 2,400-square-mile Everglades National Park recently opened a new 75-seat restaurant featuring casual fare, including burritos, wraps, sandwiches, catch-and-cook options, and such desserts as Key lime pie. The park’s newly renovated visitor center is open daily and features a bookstore and interactive nature and art exhibits.
Key Largo’s Ocean Reef Club has 247 guest rooms and 30,000 feet of meeting space, including a dedicated 7,500-square-foot ballroom for receptions of 700. The Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, a Curio Collection by Hilton has meeting space for a capacity of 100 people, while the 117-room Reefhouse Resort & Marina features 12,000 square feet of event space in six meeting rooms. Its 3,000-square-foot ballroom fits 200 for receptions and 125 for classroom seating.
On Duck Key, the 427-room Hawks Cay Resort boasts 20,000 square feet of indoor waterfront meeting space and fits 480 for banquets and 644 seated theater style. Islamorada’s 27-acre oceanfront Cheeca Lodge & Spa features 243 rooms and suites, 11 standalone casitas, and 70,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor event space, including the 9,460-square-foot Islamorada Ballroom, which holds 1,576 for receptions and 788 for banquet dinners. The property recently added 43 new oceanfront guest suites with private balconies and open-air spa tubs.
Upcoming and new accommodations in Islamorada include a new 214-room resort opening later this year under the Islamorada Resort Collection. The destination will feature seven culinary experiences, including an outdoor venue with Central American fare. Other properties include the 110-room Amara Cay Resort and the 52-unit La Siesta Resort & Villas. With the new resort, The Collection will offer 12 dining outlets, 80,000 square feet of meeting space, and a world-class fishing fleet.
The 125-unit Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club on the Overseas Highway in Marathon is rebranding as the Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, Curio Collection by Hilton. Property enhancements already underway include more than 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, a new spa and fitness center, one- and two-story bungalows, and two-story poolside cabanas. The Rhum House, Marathon’s new 80-seat oceanfront eatery at the boutique Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club, offers a menu of local seafood, steaks, shareable small plates, craft cocktails, wine, and beer. The Palm Deck, a new rooftop lounge with views of Hawk Channel and ocean flats, serves seafood specials and Cuban coffee-rubbed meats, such as bone-in strip steak and bison tenderloin sourced from sustainable farms.
The new Cayo Hueso Brewing on Stock Island features a brewery and tasting room with 12 drafts on tap. Hungry patrons can order food from the Roostica Wood-Fire Pizzeria next door.
Guest accommodations and event space on Key West include the 222-room Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel. The hotel contains 10,000 square feet of event space and features a 5,675-square-foot ballroom that accommodates 500 theater style, 440 for dinners, and 600 for receptions. The 216-room Doubletree By Hilton Grand Key Resort has 8,746 square feet of versatile indoor space, outdoor venues, catering, and audiovisual services. La Concha Key West, on Key West’s famous Duval Street, is undergoing renovations and a rebrand to become a Marriott property. The hotel opened in 1926 and has 160 rooms and 14 suites. The first phase of renovations (scheduled for completion later this year) includes lobby, bar, and restaurant upgrades and new premium rooftop suites. Other additions will include Perla for Cuban cuisine and Tropicado for crafted cocktails.
The 311-room Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton recently completed its second phase of extensive renovations and additions to its guest rooms and event space. Opened in 1920, the hotel features approximately 16,000 square feet of event space for groups of up to 500. Additions and upgrades include a new 5,000-square-foot oceanfront event lawn,
the updated 3,100-square-foot Flagler’s Ballroom, the renovated 2,600-square-foot Grand Ballroom, and the renovated 5,000-square-foot Keys Ballroom.
Key West International Airport is increasing airline seat capacity—with larger aircraft delivering visitors—on flights to and from several other major cities, including Washington, D.C., and Houston. The airport’s Concourse A is also expanding to add new restaurants, shops, and bars by the summer of 2025. A planned eighth gate should open by early 2026.
