We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I am excited to write this post because I did something a little out of my comfort zone, and I want to inspire you to do the same! I know that I most often write about family travel and adventures with kids, but this May, I took a solo trip to Key West. Today, I want to share all about what I call my momcation at The Marker in Key West, Florida!

What actually is a mom-cation?

So, you are probably wondering, “What is a Momcation?” and also asking yourselves how you can plan one of your own!

A momcation is a break from motherhood for a short time!

It can come in the form of solo travel, such as I did on this trip, or it can be a girl’s trip or a getaway with your spouse. For me, a momcation is a chance to only worry about myself for a while, recharging my batteries. It’s doing things that I want to do and sometimes checking things off of my bucket list.

I take time to see new things, read my book, eat where I want to eat, and stroll around exploring, taking any route that I want, because again, I am only focused on myself. It can be a big bucket-list trip to Paris, or it can be a staycation at a local hotel and spa. The great thing about momcations is that they can be whatever you want them to be because we all thrive in different ways!

Is taking a momcation selfish?

I sure don’t think so! We travel a lot with our kids, and I love doing it. There were times on this trip to Key West when I wished they were there, but at the end of the day, this was my trip. And I came home refreshed and ready to roll back into my everyday life. I will tell you that this was the vacation that I didn’t know I needed and actually came about in an interesting way!

A year earlier I had won a two-night stay at The Marker Key West, Florida and it was getting close to expiring. We had tried to plan the trip multiple times, but without having family around to help with the kids, it was proving difficult for Matt and me to get away together this Spring.

So, I decided to go by myself and actually tacked this trip onto the end of another one. I left San Juan, Puerto Rico, where I was attending the North American Travel Journalist Association conference and headed to Key West (via Miami). I redeemed my two-night stay paid for a third night and landed in Key West on Saturday, May 7th, 2022.

It really was my strong desire not to lose those two nights that pushed me just out of my comfort zone in order to plan this trip, and I am so glad that I did!

I am actually constantly thinking of other places that I can travel to solo. And yes, it’s out of desire, but it’s also much easier in this season of parenting than trying to plan trips as a family or with Matt. With the kids busy with school and activities and Matt most happy at home on the weekends, it gives me a chance to fulfill some of my wants and needs and continue to fuel my creative outlet with travel writing and travel photography. And travel in general, of course!

I have already written a handful of posts from this trip but today I want to share more about the hotel I stayed at – The Marker Key West. And as I mentioned above, this blog post is not sponsored by The Marker and it really wasn’t a hosted trip, as I won those nights in a giveaway. As always, all opinions and all photographs here are my own!

The Marker in Key West, Florida

Named after mile marker zero, where US1 ends in Key West, this hotel opened in 2014 amid much excitement, being the first new hotel to be built in Key West in over twenty years! The official name of the hotel is the Marker Key West Harbor Resort and this 4-star property is home to 96 guestrooms all with both private balconies and soaking tubs. It’s a chic property, centrally located in Old Town Key West, that is perfect for a family trip, couples trip, or even a solo trip to Key West!

It’s crisp and colorful, as much of Key West is, and complete with lush gardens and flowing palm trees. Without a lot of bells and whistles, it’s a charming place to call home while in Key West, with the pools being what draws people there most often!

Where is The Marker located?

The Marker Key West is situated in the perfect location for exploring all that Old Town Key West has to offer!

The main entrance is located at the corner of Williams Street and Lazy Way and adjacent to the Key West Historic Seaport. And while it is tucked away from the hustle and bustle, it’s just a couple of blocks away from Mallory Square, where you can catch some of the best sunsets in the world, and the famous Duval Street, home of Sloppy Joes — Ernest Hemingway’s favorite little haunt.

So, if walkability is a top priority for you when you travel like it is for me, The Marker is located in a great spot. It was an easy and inexpensive 15-minute Uber trip from the Key West Airport to The Marker, and a car wasn’t needed to get around.

The Marker Key West is located at 200 William St, Key West, FL 33040.

What is The Marker in Key West like?

Consistently rated one of the best hotels in Key West, The Marker is a wonderful blend of upscale, yet welcoming at the same time. And while it’s well-appointed, it is not pretentious and exudes the laid-back vibes that Key West is known for. It has everything you need without a lot of added fluff, and the highlights for me (other than location) were the spacious rooms, each with its own balcony, and the pool areas.

And I would highly recommend The Marker Key West to any of my friends!

You’ll feel right at home when you enter the front doors and help yourself to a welcome drink — usually something bubbly. The concierge and front desk is located at the top of a very short flight of stairs (elevator also available).

The lobby is colorful and coastal chic, with a cigar case and a whimsical grandfather clock greeting you on both sides.

The front desk staff was very helpful, and while I didn’t use the concierge since my trip was already pretty jammed-packed, there is one available who can help you make the most out of your vacation in Key West, Florida.

The lobby is quaint and cozy with bright and welcoming artwork adoring the walls!

The Rooms at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort

When booking you can choose between a Classic Room (King or 2 Queen) which does not have a pool view, or a Pool and Garden View Room that overlooks one of the three pools which I really enjoyed. They also have rooms available with Harbor Views and larger rooms, including one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. There are pet-friendly rooms as well, for a small fee.

As I mentioned above, all of the rooms at The Marker have a balcony! During my trip, I stayed in a Pool and Garden View Room with a Balcony, and it was perfect for me! I absolutely loved being able to see what was going on at the pool and the best part was that my first full day coincided with the last day of the Key West Singer Songwriter Festival and Jess Meuse was performing down by the pool mid-day.

As I slid open my balcony door to see what was going on, she sang out, “And so I wake in the morning And I step outside…” and I had to smile and knew that I was going to like it there. I took a seat in a nearby chair and enjoyed her performance for a while until I rallied myself to head down to the pool for an even better seat.

And so while the private balcony was my favorite part of the room, other guests rave about the soaking tub complete with a luxury handmade bath bomb and Key West aloe products andof course the spacious rooms.

The Pools at The Marker in Key West

The pools are one of the main reasons people book a stay at The Marker Key West! They exude the casual charm that the backyards of Key West are known for but also feel sophisticated and chic at the same time. One thing is for certain, it is the place to be during the daytime, especially on Sunday when The Marker host’s it’s Reggae Sundays from 1 pm – 4 pm.

The main pool deck, which many of the rooms face, has two adjacent swimming pools that welcome all ages. Nestled at the west end of the hotel among the lush gardens along Elizabeth Street, you’ll find the adults-only pool, which is a nice little retreat when you want some true rest and relaxation.

The pool deck had plenty of seating when I was there, along with a number of fun pool games. The poolside Starboard Bar serves up frozen concoctions to help you hang on.

Is There a Restaurant at The Marker?

Speaking of Starboard, this poolside restaurant and bar at The Marker Key West serves up breakfast, lunch, appetizers, salads, and pizzas, too. You can often find happy hour specials from 4 pm – 6 pm and a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. Chances are you’ll grab a bite or two here while staying at The Marker, as you can’t beat the convenience while you are poolside. That said, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and enjoy all of the other great restaurants nearby in Key West.

In fact, step across Lazy Way, and you’ll find the Key West favorite Schooner Wharf Bar, complete with live music almost all day, every day. I loved having this place so close and ended up there three times during my stay, sampling a new appetizer each time while enjoying a cold drink and local artists. For me, to say that this little place is a Key West gem is an understatement. Take the words of famed treasure hunter Mel Fisher, who was a frequent visitor, often calling it a treasure while others often refer to it as a last little piece of old Key West.

I also really enjoyed the Fisherman’s Cafe next door on Lazy Way. I was able to grab a quick coffee and chocolate croissant on two mornings as I set off by foot to explore the island!

Is The Marker in Key West Kid Friendly?

Because I typically write about family travel, I felt it necessary to answer this question. The answer is yes – The Marker Key West is family-friendly.

Children are welcome at The Marker Key West, and there were several children there when I stayed. There are fun games out on the pool deck and the rooms are plenty large enough. The hotel does make kids feel welcome but as a conscious traveler, I do think it’s important to understand the clientele.

Being a more boutique-style hotel, the guests seemed to include a lot of couples and adults traveling together. So, it is a good place for children; just keep tabs on them. I actually really enjoy taking our kids to luxurious properties like this in addition to the very kid-oriented hotels because it also gives them a chance to relax and recharge, which they need just as much as I do!

So, yes, I would plan a trip to The Marker Key West with my kids in a heartbeat and hope to have the opportunity, too! I just would provide a little pep talk first that this isn’t the place to be racing down the halls and those cannonball competitions. The Maker is not an uptight place though, so really is a great retreat for anyone looking to relax and unwind both young and old.

What Should You Do on Your Trip to Key West?

There is so much to do and see in Key West, Florida, whether you are traveling with kids or solo. In fact, everything that I did, were things that my own kids would have enjoyed. We haven’t been to Key West as a family since they were little, and now that they are 11 and 13, I think Key West is actually a really great destination for travel with teens and tweens. There are so many great ways to spend a day!

I packed a lot into my trip, from riding the Conch Train to petting the 6-toed cats at the Hemingway House. I took in many of the iconic Key West landmarks and even got out on a catamaran – twice! I wrote several blog posts about each of my outings while visiting Key West and you can click here to read those in-depth, but here are some of my best recommendations!

Get Out On The Water

When traveling, I get out on the water any chance I can! So, on this trip, I set out aboard the Marquesa with Sebago Watersports for both a daytime snorkel tour and an evening sunset cruise. Their tours include everything from kayaking the mangroves to parasailing and so much in between. The best part is that Sebago Watersports is located right next to The Marker Key West, making the outings incredibly convenient!

Head on over to my Sebago Key West: Sunset Cruise & Snorkeling Sail blog post to read more!

Old Town Trolley Tours

Another must-do while in Key West, Florida, is the world-famous Conch Train and the hop-on hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour. I always recommend doing this on the first full day of your trip as it allows you to really get a lay of the land and help determine what you want to do and see over the remainder of your visit.

Both the Old Town Trolley Tour Key West and the Conch Train are available with either 1 or 2-day ticket options, and I encourage you to read my latest blog post titled Why the Old Town Trolley Tour Key West is a Must Do to learn more!

Hemingway House

This is my favorite place to visit while in Key West! I find the Hemingway Home to be an almost poetic experience. As you stroll through the various rooms containing so many of his personal artifacts and so much iconic memorabilia tucked behind bars or on the other side of rope and stanchions, you can’t help but smile as you notice the cats (many of them 6-toed) who are allowed to have free reign over the home. The history here is rich, and I just find it to be one of the most interesting dynamics of any place that I have ever visited.

Are you thinking about visiting the Hemingway Home?

In my recent story, Should You Visit the Hemingway House Cats in Key West? I do my best to help answer that question for you!

Stroll Duval Street

Duval Street in Key West is the center of it all! Walk just three blocks west from The Marker and at the corner of Green St and Duval St you’ll find yourself at Sloppy Joes. Probably the most iconic bar in Key West, that is if you don’t ask Captain Tony, this not-so-much-of-a hole in the wall, is usually at the top of anyone’s Key West bucket list!

From there, you can head north to stroll for a few minutes toward Mallory Square and Sunset Pier. Or you can head south on Duval. It’s here that you will likely hear live music coming from the bars and restaurants at most any time of the day. Pop into Margaritaville and enjoy a cheeseburger in paradise.

Did you know that Jimmy Buffett is another icon who found his place there in Key West? I am currently reading A Good Life All The Way about his life, and when I hear about the places and faces from his time here, I can’t help but smile and remember seeing some of them myself while at the same time kicking myself for not appreciating some of the humble places I may have walked right on past, not knowing their stories.

Catch a Sunset at Sunset Pier

After I touched down in Key West on that first Saturday night, I quickly checked into The Marker, threw down my bags, and hustled to Sunset Pier to catch the sunset. And it was MAGIC! As I sat there with several hundred of my new closest friends and watched the sky put on its nightly show, I heard a familiar voice.

And I looked just a few feet to my right and noticed that the musicians busking at Sunset Pier was none other than Murphy (or Blind Boy Music), who was one of my favorite recent contestants on American Idol.

It was such a treat, and I stayed there until he finished, missing the first half of Riley Green’s set on the main stage at the Key West Singer Songwriter Festival. But, guess what, I was on a momcation. So, I got to do whatever the heck I wanted to! That is the essence of a momcation. It’s finding things that make me happy, moving at my own pace and without any added distraction.

Walk Around, Eat Food, and Listen to Live Music

If you find yourself in Key West and are anything like me, you would probably find yourself quite content just walking around, eating great seafood, and listening to live music just about everywhere! And don’t forget to grab some Key Lime Pie too!

And chickens – they are everywhere too! I love to admire the charming picket fences and the bright Bourgenvilla that grows around every corner! It instantly puts me in a good mood.

Truman Little White House

While younger kids may not find this to be the most interesting place, adults and even old kids will likely find the Truman Little White House Key West to be an interesting stop! I am a big fan of weaving educational opportunities in with our travel and I enjoyed my recent visit to the Truman Little White House in Key West! This Old Town Trolley Tour stop is short and sweet and is actually Florida’s only presidential museum.

Visit the Shipwreck Museum Key West

But the Shipwreck Museum, that is a great place for kids (and kids at heart) of all ages! The Florida Keys are home to countless shipwrecks, and this museum has so many stories to tell! Visitors can admire actual treasures and interactive exhibits that help tell the tales.

The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is located right next to the Conch Train and Old Town Trolley Tour stops. So, from here, you can set out on your Conch Train Tour or head into the Shoppes at Mallory Square to cool off a bit!

Flying into Key West

I mentioned above that I flew directly into Key West for this trip, which was a first for me! We typically visit Key West while on Florida Keys road trips so have never had a need to use that airport. However, now I have experienced how easy it is, I know that we are going to be able to visit Key West a lot more frequently.

The Key West International Airport is a small airport serviced by American Airlines, Delta, United, Silver Airways, Jet Blue, and Allegiant. It offers daily nonstop flights to or from cities all over the Eastern United States (and beyond), including Miami, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dallas, Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, New York, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Houston, Newark, Boston, St. Petersburg, Asheville, Indianapolis, Sanford, Nashville, and Cincinnati.

I had so much fun on this trip that I want to plan another trip to Key West for the whole family! Local friends in Dothan, Alabama, if you are flexible you can find flights from Dothan to Key West (via one stop in Atlanta) for in the $200s making a quick trip SO EASY. For example, here is one I found on Google Flights in just a month.

To find flight deals from Dothan or your neck of the woods, I recommend using Google Flights! First, click here. Enter your home airport and EYW as the destination. Then, click on the dates and click RESET. Then you should be able to see a calendar with dollar amounts on every date and also change the duration of the trip!

My Thoughts On Solo Female Travel

Thanks for reading about my momcation at The Marker Key West! It was a really fun, whirlwind trip for me, and while it was a little out of my comfort zone, it really inspired me to do this again.

And I am not the only one, there is an entire travel sub-culture devoted to solo female travel with countless creators sharing amazing stories of travels far and wide. And while I think that is incredibly inspirational, it also sometimes feels out of reach, especially for me, raising middle schoolers with busy schedules. That is why I think it’s important not to write off or discount the option to travel solo. It doesn’t have to be big.

My trip to Key West was 3 nights and left me feeling really good and re-energized. So, keep your mind open and see if there is a window of time for you to get away and think about where you want to go. A momcation can look very different for all of us and doesn’t have to involve traveling solo. You can grab a best friend and take a girl’s trip!

However, traveling alone to Key West gave me a chance to devote 100% of myself to myself which is why I believe that I came home feeling so inspired! And I want to inspire you to step outside of your comfort zone and plan a momcation too! And if it feels overwhelming, start small. Pick a city or specific hotel not too far away and plan a short getaway.

Happy traveling!

FOLLOW

OurLittleLifestyle on Instagram

OurLittleLifestyle on Facebook

OurLittleLifestyle on Twitter

OurLittleLifestyle on YouTube

A Momcation at The Marker in Key West, Florida