The hype
Travelers love the pool and the staff, but the rooms feel a bit dated compared to the lobby.
Doubletree Grand Key Resort
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a reliable, family-friendly resort pool and don't mind taking a shuttle bus to reach the actual Key West nightlife.
Why People Love It
- Zero-entry pool with a proper tiki bar vibe
- Free shuttle saves you $40/day in Old Town parking
- Warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in (the DoubleTree classic)
Quick Take: It’s a standard suburban resort that happens to be on an island—you could be in Orlando if you didn't look at the palm trees.
Reviewed by @Elholmes: I stayed here to save on those crazy Key West prices and it was such a win. The rooms are huge and modern, and the shuttle made getting to Duval Street so easy without the parking headache. Definitely grab a bike to explore the island!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'frequent' shuttle is a pain point—if it's full, you're stranded until the next one or forced to pay for a taxi.
- You are a Hilton Honors member chasing points
- You have a rental car and plan to explore up the Keys
- You prefer a quiet pool day over a rowdy Duval Street bar crawl
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is generally reliable, though some guests report missed dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are clean but dated; grout lines show age but no active mold outbreaks reported recently.
- Maintenance: The property is aging; expect some scuffs on furniture and occasional loose fixtures.
- Linens & towels: Standard Hilton white linens—crisp, clean, and replaced regularly.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like cookies; rooms are generally neutral, though some older 'musty' complaints exist.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Jet engine noise from nearby EYW airport
- Thin connecting doors between rooms (hear your neighbor's TV)
- Hallway noise due to gaps under doors
Before you book
Good to know
- The shuttle drops you off near the marina/Old Town, not right in the center of Duval.
- Self-parking is around $20/night; valet is not always available.
- Check-in is at 4pm, and they are strict about it during peak season.
What to pack
- Earplugs for the airport noise
- A refillable water bottle (hydration stations available)
- Small bills for tipping the shuttle driver
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top floor Pool View rooms (quieter, better view)
- Corner suites for slightly more buffer from hallway noise
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms with connecting doors if you aren't using them (sound leaks)
- Ground floor rooms near the parking lot (headlights and foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a top-floor room facing the pool, away from the elevators. Please ensure it is NOT a connecting room if possible, as I am a light sleeper.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the shuttle really free?
Yes, it's included in your resort fee, but it runs on a schedule and capacity is limited.
Can I walk to the beach?
Smathers Beach is about 2 miles away. It's a long, hot walk—better to bike or drive.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the pool is heated and generally comfortable year-round.
Are there hidden fees?
Yes, a daily resort fee of ~$33.75 plus tax, and parking fees of ~$20/night.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, for a fee of ~$75 per stay (max 75 lbs).
Is breakfast included?
No, unless you have Hilton Honors status or booked a specific rate. The buffet is around $20/person.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Gumbo Limbo' Tiki Bar food is often better and faster than the indoor restaurant.
- ✨
Ask for a room in the main building if you want easier access to the lobby/coffee; outer wings can feel like a hike.
- ✨
There is a secret 'adults prefer' area of the pool deck—look for the cabanas furthest from the zero-entry slope.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'resort view' might just be a view of the top of the HVAC unit.
💡You can hear the housekeeping carts rumbling on the tile walkways in the morning.
💡The shuttle stops running earlier than the bars close—don't get stranded at 2am.
💡The 'balcony' in some rooms is barely big enough for two chairs.
💡It's a popular spot for wedding parties, so weekends can get rowdy at the pool.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Doubletree Grand Key Resort is located and what's nearby.