What it is

The grande dame of Florida since 1920, with spa treatments on the sand, two seafront pools, four buzzing restaurants, and bottomless activities—plus a private beach.

What it isn't

Hands-off. Staffers go above and beyond to pamper guests, with expert concierges, valet parking, dry cleaning and even babysitting available for littles.

What we think

Casa Marina put Key West on the map when it broke ground in 1918, because its founder—visionary and railroad titan Henry Flagler—demanded nothing but the best. To that end, he hired the same architects behind New York City’s Beaux-Arts main Public Library and Metropolitan Opera House to create a showstopping resort and spared no expense. It’s even more glamorous today, thanks to recent revamps; each guest room is outfitted with an espresso machine, iHome docking station, and LCD TV (though, with activities ranging from snorkeling the only barrier reef in the U.S. to WaveRunner rentals, you probably won’t be vegging out on your sofa too much). Ask for one of the 350-square-foot King rooms in the original building for nine-foot ceilings, or, to sprawl a bit, upgrade to an Ocean View Suite with Lanai Patio; it has a separate dining and living space tucked in its 600-square-foot floor plan. While you’re here, don’t miss a locavore brunch at the al fresco, sea-front spot Flagler's Ballroom. On the menu: bourbon pancakes with candied pecans and whipped molasses butter.

You're here because

You want to stay where Gregory Peck, Rita Hayworth and Ethel Merman laid their well-coiffed heads.

The Moment

Your yoga class on the beach this morning was nothing less than transcendent, but it’s your hot lava shell massage in the spa’s oceanfront cabana that makes you feel like you entered nirvana.

Restaurants & Bars

Sun Sun Beach Bar & Grill - waterfront restaurant offering fresh seafood and tropical salads

Flaglers Ballroom - offering a la carte selections for breakfast

Flaglers Cafe - offers grab-and-go breakfast pastries, sandwiches, parfaits and coffee

HMF Sidecar - located just off the main lobby offering beer, cocktails, and a lighter bar menu

RUMba - located in the lobby, offering the most exclusive collection of rum in Key West

Ramblers - offering coffee, breakfast pastries, bagels, salads and sandwiches as well as gelato

Location

A block from Higgs Beach in Key West, and a 20 minute walk from The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum—where the descendents of his own infamously six-toed cats still live.