Marathon sits smack in the middle of the Florida Keys, between Key Largo (closer to the mainland) and Key West.
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It’s one of the larger towns in the Keys with a year-round population of around 10,000, and is home to a post office and a Publix store. Still, it tends to suffer from middle child syndrome for first-time visitors. They drive right through Marathon’s 13 islands, stopping to eat or to go on a fishing trip before heading into more remote territory.
Consider this your reminder: Marathon, Florida, is a worthy destination in and of itself. There’s a reason it’s called the Heart of the Keys—no need to head to Duval Street in Key West. You’ll find plenty of Keys magic across Marathon, from Fat Deer Key to Knight Key.
Here’s where to stay while you enjoy the spoils of South Florida, especially if you want those resort-style amenities that make you feel like you’re in the Bahamas.
Resort-style hotels in Marathon, Florida
The resort-lite experience: Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Marathon Florida Keys
Recently renovated in 2020, the Fairfield by Marriott has two pools and an on-site restaurant. There’s also an attached marina for anyone who enjoys watersports. If you’re traveling in a small group, you can also book suite options that fit up to six guests. Just watch out for parking rates—they aren’t always included in room rates.
The full resort option: Faro Blanco Resort Marathon Florida Keys, Curio by Hilton
Faro Blanco is considered the top resort in Marathon. Guests can backstroke in four different pools, then head to the marina for a little fun on the water. There are also two on-site restaurants to choose from. Faro Blanco also has more unexpected offers on the table, including water aerobics classes and fishing charters.
For the skippers & adventurers: Skipjack Resort & Marina
This is a hotel with a 54-slip marina that fits up to 60-foot vessels. There’s also a heated outdoor pool, a poolside tiki bar, kayak rentals, tennis courts, and an on-site restaurant. The resort is also family-friendly and has poolside activities like bucketball hosted by the staff to keep the fun going. In short, it blends traditional resort amenities with all the things a captain could want.
The hotel with room to roam: Seascape Resort & Marina
This boutique hotel spans five acres, letting you drop off the map even in one of the Keys’ busier areas. There are individual rooms, along with multi-bedroom suites—all of which are spacious. The marina is smaller than Skipjack, for example, but you’ll have plenty more to do if you don’t get out on the water. The grounds have BBQ grills, an outdoor pool, and sports equipment rentals, like kayaks and bicycles.
The adults-only pick: Banana Bay Resort & Marina
Looking for plenty of beach time at an adults-only property? Banana Bay Resort & Marina has a private beach, along with a hot tub and private boat dock with rental services. Poolside, you can find a tiki bar—it’s also where complimentary breakfasts are served each morning. Just look out for resort fees and parking fees. They’ll add up for longer trips.
For beach-lovers: Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel and Resort
You’ve got direct beach access to a private stretch of sand at Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel and Resort. There’s a restaurant-bar on-site, plus complimentary bicycles, kayaks, and parking spots. This is another family-friendly hotel, which has also earned high praise for the kindness and helpfulness of resort staff.
Tons of family-friendly amenities: Courtyard by Marriott Faro Blanco Resort
This large resort has four on-site restaurants, a fitness center, a hot tub, and two outdoor pools—which is enough to keep any family busy for days. But the resort also has family-centric offers, including a kids’ play area and a separate game room. As with Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel and Resort, you can expect gold-star service from staff.
For privacy-seekers: Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club
If you usually avoid large hotels, consider Grassy Flats—it’s home to 38 guestrooms that have private balconies. You can also book a bungalow cottage, if you want even more space to yourself. The resort has two outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub, a poolside bar, an on-site restaurant, bicycle rentals and free parking. Your stay also comes with direct access to water activities like fishing, diving, and even canoeing.
The relaxed fit: Gulf View Waterfront Resort
I personally love a hotel that feels like a mom-and-pop project, even if it’s not quite a luxury resort level. If you enjoy the same, check out Gulf View Waterfront Resort. It’s got a relaxing atmosphere with an outdoor pool, free parking, and BBQ grills set in a lovely garden area. There’s also a dock for boaters. Just don’t expect any gold trim in the suites.
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