I can’t recall another instance where a major hotel chain lost all its properties in a destination as popular as Key West, let alone in such a short period of time. But that’s exactly what’s happened to IHG. Not long ago, they had six properties in Key West. Now? Nothing. In fact, IHG doesn’t have a single hotel within 90 miles of the island.
This isn’t just a quiet exit. It feels like a total retreat from the Florida Keys.
La Concha: From Crowne Plaza to Marriott Autograph Collection
For years, the La Concha was one of IHG’s signature properties in Key West. Located right on Duval Street, it was the tallest building on the island and offered incredible rooftop views in the heart of the action. We stayed there several times, often redeeming IHG points for far less than the hotel’s cash rate.
In 2023, the writing was on the wall. Marriott Bonvoy quietly added La Concha to its website under the Autograph Collection brand, pending a $35 million renovation. That transformation is now complete—the property is officially part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, and the hotel’s website now reflects that branding.
So, while it used to be a gem in the IHG portfolio, La Concha now joins the ranks of Marriott’s upscale offerings. It’s a big win for Bonvoy and a major loss for IHG loyalists.
Kimpton Key West? Also Gone.
IHG’s departure wasn’t limited to La Concha. The five boutique Kimpton Key West properties—totaling over 200 rooms—also left the IHG system. The transition occurred with little warning, and worse still, guests who had booked award stays were reportedly left in the lurch, with no alternative IHG properties available for rebooking.
These charming boutique hotels have been rebranded as part of the Key West Historic Inns collection. You’ll still find photos and outdated listings online under the Kimpton name, but those links are no longer active.
We stayed at the Ridley House and absolutely loved it. That option is now off the table if you’re hoping to use IHG points.
What Does IHG Have Left in the Keys?
If you search the IHG website for Key West, the closest property it’ll show is in Key Largo—almost 100 miles away. That’s hardly a viable option unless you’re making a road trip out of it.
It’s a stunning absence, especially considering how much demand exists for quality hotel rooms in Key West.
Meanwhile, the Competition Is Thriving
IHG may have disappeared from the Florida Keys, but Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt are holding strong—and offering a range of options that appeal to both luxury and boutique travelers.
Marriott now counts La Concha as part of its Autograph Collection, following its $35 million renovation. For those who prefer a more boutique-style stay, there’s also The Saint, another Autograph Collection property with just 36 rooms and a stylish atmosphere right off Duval Street. Marriott even covers the basics with both a Courtyard and a Fairfield Inn on the island.
Hilton operates two of Key West’s most well-known beachfront properties: Casa Marina and The Reach, both part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. We stayed at Casa Marina back when it was branded as a Waldorf Astoria—today it feels like a better fit under the Curio banner. Here’s what our visit looked like.
Hyatt offers three solid options in Key West, with the standout being the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa, situated in a prime waterfront location steps from Mallory Square. It’s now a Category 8 property—Hyatt’s highest tier—because the cash rates are so consistently high. Here’s our review.
Pool
Even I Prefer, the loyalty program for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, includes the Oceans Edge Resort & Marina in Key West, giving boutique-minded travelers yet another upscale, point-earning option. You can check it out here.
In other words, while IHG has completely pulled out, its competitors are offering more options than ever, ranging from luxury beachfront resorts to small, stylish boutiques.
Final Thought
While IHG loyalists may be out of luck in Key West, travelers still have plenty of options. Whether you’re booking with Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, I Prefer, or opting for one of the many independent hotels, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations to fit your style.
Independent properties in Key West are especially diverse—everything from charming historic inns and relaxing bungalows, to luxury waterfront resorts like Opal Key Resort & Marina and the exclusive Sunset Key Cottages, accessible only by boat.
But no matter which route you choose—chain or boutique—be prepared to pay. The island’s limited space and constant demand mean that hotel prices are almost always high, and skyrocket during peak season.
IHG may have walked away from the Conch Republic, but the rest of us still want in—and we’re paying for the privilege.
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4 comments
Vacasa! There are roughly 150 properties and many are 1 bedroom making them 15k wyndham points per night (or 13.5k with business card). Pretty sure I’ve seen some of those bungalows that used to be kimptons listed on there.
This seems like a property insurance issue.
Good observation.
IHG is likely working on (or should be) getting at least one IHG-flagged hotel in Key West. The Vignette Collection seems like the most appropriate flag to pursue if it’s going to be a smaller, local setup (as was attempted with the many Kimptons in EYW). Key West aside, IHG overall has a big hole in its offerings as it doesn’t have anything like SLH, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, etc. to expand its reach into the small luxury niche.
IHG is a frustrating chain to deal with. They have certain high-end gems, but they a sparse with the upper-middle segment. Crowne Plaza’s brand seems to be “generic business hotel”, Hotel Indigo feels like a failed experiment, and Kimpton is dying on the vine. Any Kimptons that are actually good get priced as high-end luxury hotels.