Hotel choice

Question

First trip to Key West in December, toss up between Southernmost and Hyatt Vacation Club, anybody have any feedback on these hotels.

Answer

Good question! Both Southernmost Beach Resort and the Hyatt Vacation Club (Key West) are solid choices, but they offer very different vibes — here’s a breakdown to help you decide which is better for your December trip.

Southernmost Beach Resort

Location: Right in Old Town Key West, very walkable to Duval Street and other Old Town attractions.
Amenities: Three heated pools, a fitness center, spa, and private (small) beach area.
Rooms: Range from boutique guesthouse-style Victorian “Guesthouses” to more modern “Resort” rooms. Some rooms have ocean‐facing balconies.
Beach & Cabana: They have private cabanas available for rent by the beach or pool.
Service & Extras: Concierge, bell service, and a calendar of on-site resort events.
Trade-offs: Some guest reviews note that the “beach” is quite small and not a typical wide sandy shore; also, in summer months, there can be issues with seaweed (“sargassum”) and associated smells.

Hyatt Vacation Club (Key West)

Resort Options: There are a few Hyatt Vacation Club properties in Key West — including Beach House, Windward Pointe, and Sunset Harbor.
Beach House: Located on the northeastern part of Key West. Offers a zero-entry lagoon-style pool, a dock, and a small private beach.
Windward Pointe: More resort-like, with an infinity-edge pool, hammocks, beach volleyball, and plenty of space to relax.
Sunset Harbor: Very close to Old Town, with harbor or pool views, a fire pit, and villas that feel more like island homes.
Accommodations: Villas are very roomy — 2-bedroom units sleep up to 6, full kitchens, living areas, washer/dryer.
Amenities: Free-form pools, grill areas, concierge, water activity access (kayaks, fishing), and an “Inspired Experiences” program (guided local tours / fun activities).
Trade-offs: The beach is quite small (or rocky) — it's more of a “dock + water access” rather than a broad sandy beach, according to guests. Also, depending on which Hyatt you pick, you may need to Uber / bike into the heart of Old Town for some attractions.

Which Is Better for You?

Choose Southernmost Beach Resort if you want a more “classic resort on the beach” feel with multiple pools, cabanas, and a pretty direct resort-vibe, plus easy access to Old Town. Great for relaxing and enjoying resort amenities.
Choose Hyatt Vacation Club if you want more space, especially if you're staying more than a couple of nights. The villa-style rooms make it very comfortable, especially for families or multiple people. It feels more like a home away from home, and they offer resort-style amenities too.
If you’re okay not having a big sandy beach right outside your door, Hyatt (especially Beach House or Windward Pointe) is a very attractive option. If beach access (or lounging by the water) is a top priority, Southernmost might feel more “resort-beachy.”

Final Thoughts: In December, both properties will likely be very pleasant (less seaweed smell than summer), so it really comes down to how you want to spend your trip — relaxing in a resort, or having a more residential, villa-type stay. Neither is a bad choice — it depends on what kind of Key West experience you want.

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