
Blue Flamingo Resort Key West
Best for families and groups who want lively poolside programming, on-site dining, and an easy shuttle into Old Town.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Blue Flamingo Resort Key West is a newly renovated, family-friendly 4-star resort on North Roosevelt Boulevard with two lively pools, tiki bars, and shuttle service to Old Town. The Gardens Hotel is a high-rated boutique 4-star in Old Town—read this if you want a comparison between a social, family-focused resort and a small, highly rated boutique stay close to Duval Street.
Updated · about 3.1 miles apart

Best for families and groups who want lively poolside programming, on-site dining, and an easy shuttle into Old Town.

Best for couples or travelers who want an intimate, highly rated boutique stay within easy walking distance of Duval Street and Key West attractions.
When Blue Flamingo Resort Key West wins: pick Blue Flamingo if you want more on-site activities (live music, arcade, lawn games, karaoke), two pools with cabanas, family-friendly spaces, and resort-style dining and bars.
When The Gardens Hotel wins: pick The Gardens Hotel if you prefer a smaller, quieter boutique property in Old Town with very high guest scores, lush garden grounds, and a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast.
Bottom line: Blue Flamingo is a social, amenity-forward resort better for families and groups; The Gardens Hotel is a compact, quality-focused Old Town option for travelers prioritizing location and a quiet boutique experience.
| Category | Blue Flamingo Resort Key West | The Gardens Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Resort-style, social, family-friendly | Intimate boutique, quiet and upscale |
| Location (to Old Town) | New Town/gateway — resort shuttle to Old Town (about 3.1 miles from Old Town) | Old Town — steps from Duval Street and many attractions |
| Size | 245 rooms | 21 rooms |
| Ages / policy | All ages welcome; family-friendly | Adults-only policy — guests under 16 not permitted |
| Pools | Two outdoor pools, cabanas (surcharge), lively pool programming | Two outdoor pools, quieter garden pool areas |
| Restaurants & bars | On-site: Rum Row (tiki food truck/bar), Toasted Coconut (poolside restaurant), Starbucks plus bars | One restaurant, 2 bars/lounges; complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast |
| Spa & wellness | Hot tub/jacuzzi and 24-hour fitness center; no named full-service spa published | Health/beauty spa listed as nearby (no named on-site spa published) |
| Free breakfast | Breakfast optional; not included in standard rate | Complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast included |
| Parking & transit | Self-parking (surcharge), free shuttle to Old Town included in resort fee | Self parking (surcharge) noted in supplier listing |
| Notable for | Lively events program (live music, karaoke, pool social club) and large event/wedding capacity | Quiet garden setting and high guest rating (9.8) |
Blue Flamingo sits on North Roosevelt Boulevard at Key West’s gateway in New Town.
Blue Flamingo gives easier airport access and parking but requires a shuttle or drive to reach Old Town.
The Gardens Hotel is in Old Town, a short walk to Duval Street and many neighborhood attractions.
The Gardens puts you inside Old Town with most attractions a short walk away.
Blue Flamingo has a wide range of room types across 245 rooms, including ocean- and pool-view suites.
Choose Blue Flamingo when you need more room options, suites, or family-oriented layouts.
The Gardens Hotel offers 21 air-conditioned rooms and a mix of historic and cottage-style accommodations.
The Gardens is for travelers who prefer a compact, characterful room inventory over large resort variety.
Blue Flamingo focuses on poolside, tiki-inspired dining and multiple casual bars.
Blue Flamingo’s dining is casual, daytime-and-pool oriented, and geared toward a social crowd.
The Gardens has a single restaurant and a calmer dining experience focused on quality.
The Gardens suits travelers who want a quieter, more traditional hotel dining experience with included breakfast.
Blue Flamingo’s Backyard Pool & Social Club centers the resort experience around two lively pools and programming.
Blue Flamingo is built around an active pool scene for daytime fun and evening events.
The Gardens Hotel features two outdoor pools set within garden grounds for a quieter experience.
The Gardens provides poolside calm and privacy rather than a party-oriented pool scene.
Blue Flamingo provides 24-hour fitness, a hot tub, and active evening entertainment.
Pick Blue Flamingo if you want on-site fitness plus active evening programming.
The Gardens emphasizes quiet garden grounds and a boutique pace with limited nightlife on property.
The Gardens is better if you want a low-key wellness stay and prefer to find nightlife in Old Town on foot.

Blue Flamingo — two pools, kids' play area, arcade/game room, and family-friendly dining and entertainment.

The Gardens Hotel — steps from Duval Street and Old Town attractions for walking exploration.

The Gardens Hotel — small property, garden grounds, complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and high guest ratings.

Blue Flamingo — Backyard Pool & Social Club with live music, karaoke, lawn games and regular events.
The Gardens Hotel — it’s in Old Town within a short walk to Duval Street; Blue Flamingo requires a shuttle or short drive into Old Town.
The Gardens Hotel includes a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast; at Blue Flamingo breakfast is optional and not included in the standard room rate.
Blue Flamingo Resort Key West — it’s family-friendly with kids’ facilities, arcade, two pools, and a lively activity program.
No named full-service on-site spa is published for Blue Flamingo; The Gardens lists a health/beauty spa as nearby rather than a named on-site spa.
Explore how Blue Flamingo Resort Key West stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·