Hotels in Upper and Middle Keys

Because the real beauty of the Keys lies mostly beyond the highways, there is no better way to see this area than by boat. So why not stay in a floating hotel? If you’re traveling with a group, houseboats are not only fun, they can be super economical. You’ll find plenty to rent on both Vrbo or Airbnb but if you go with a full service rental you’ll have someone to turn to if there are problems. We recommend KeySea Houseboats, in Key Largo (tel. 305/394-3096), which has slightly higher rates than you might find online ($970 for 2 nights to $2,485 for 7 nights), but that’s for a boat that can sleep up to six people and includes kayak rental, snorkel equipment, fishing equipment, and your first fill-up of ice. All KeySea boats have flat screen TVs, linens, bath amenities, touch screen GPS, and propane BBQ grill.

Or you could stay below the waves at Jules Undersea Lodge (51 Shoreland Dr., Key Largo; tel. 305/451-2353). Generally booked by honeymooners, and other celebrating events that make the high rates here palatable (they’re $1,350–$1,575 per person). This 2 guestroom hotel was once an underwater research station (it rests on pillars on the ocean floor, now operates as a two-room hotel. To get inside, guests scuba dive 21 feet under the structure and pop up into the unit through a 4 by 6-foot “moon pool” that gurgles soothingly all night long. Food, drink, and unlimited diving is part of the nightly rate here.