You’re looking for the Margaritaville Key West Resort and Marina. I get it. It was the centerpiece of Front Street for years, basically the first thing you saw when the cruise ships docked at Pier B. But if you try to pull up to the lobby today looking for that specific name on the sign, you’re going to be pretty confused.
The place changed.
In a massive branding shift that caught a lot of regular Parrot Heads off guard, the property transitioned. It is now the Opal Key Resort & Marina. This isn’t just a "new management" thing; it was a total identity swap. Most people still search for the old name because, honestly, the Margaritaville brand is burned into our brains when we think of Key West. Jimmy Buffett and the Conch Republic go together like salt and lime. It makes sense. But the reality on the ground at 245 Front Street is different now, and you need to know what stayed the same and what got tossed overboard.
The Identity Crisis of 245 Front Street
Business moves fast in the Florida Keys. The resort was part of a deal where the Opal Collection—a high-end portfolio of luxury hotels—took the reins. They wanted something a bit more "upscale boutique" and a little less "cheeseburger in paradise."
Does it matter? To some, yeah. If you were expecting giant flip-flop statues and lyrics on the walls, you might feel a bit let down. The vibe now is more polished. Think teak wood, crisp whites, and a nautical aesthetic that feels expensive rather than kitschy. It’s still a massive resort. It still owns that prime real estate right next to Mallory Square. But the "Margaritaville" soul has been replaced by a more refined, corporate luxury feel.
The change happened around 2020. Since then, the property has leaned heavily into its position as the gateway to the Gulf. You're still steps from the sunset celebration. You can still smell the salt air and the faint scent of Cuban coffee drifting from nearby stands. But the "wasting away" vibe is gone. Now, it's more about "sipping chilled Rose on a private balcony."
What Actually Happened to the Marina?
The marina was always the best part of the Margaritaville Key West Resort and Marina setup. That hasn't changed, thankfully. It remains one of the only deep-water marinas in the area that can actually handle serious vessels.
If you’re bringing a boat in, you’re still dealing with the same slips, the same easy access to the harbor, and the same proximity to the reef. The marina features 37 slips and can accommodate boats up to 200 feet. That's a lot of boat. Local captains still frequent the docks, and the charter boats still head out from here for backcountry fishing or sunset sails.
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One thing people get wrong is thinking the marina is public property. It’s not. It’s very much part of the resort’s ecosystem. If you’re staying there, you get the perks. If you’re just wandering in off a cruise ship, you’re mostly just a spectator to the mega-yachts.
The Room Situation: From Tropical to Modern
When it was Margaritaville, the rooms had that specific, bright, almost loud tropical decor. You knew where you were. Now? The rooms at Opal Key (the former Margaritaville) have been dialed back.
It’s sophisticated.
We’re talking about 178 guest rooms and suites. Many of them have these incredible wraparound balconies. If you get a room facing the harbor, you have a front-row seat to the sunset every single night without having to fight the crowds at Mallory Square. That’s the real value proposition here. You aren't paying for a brand name; you're paying for the fact that you can see the horizon from your bed.
The suites are huge. Some have multiple bedrooms, which is rare for downtown Key West where space is at a premium. But be warned: the price reflects that. You aren't getting a budget Parrot Head deal here anymore.
Drinking and Dining Without the Brand
This is where the transition hits hardest for fans of the old Margaritaville Key West Resort and Marina. The signature bars changed names.
The "Lizard Bar" and the "Bistro 245" are the staples now. Bistro 245 still does the Sunday Brunch, which, quite frankly, is one of the better ones on the island. They do this spread with prime rib and unlimited mimosas that usually leads to a very long nap by 2:00 PM.
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But is it the same as having a margarita at a bar named after the song? Not exactly.
The food quality actually went up. The Opal Collection tends to have higher culinary standards than the standard Margaritaville franchises. You get better seafood, fresher ingredients, and a menu that feels a bit more "Key West Chef" and a bit less "Tourist Chain."
- Pro Tip: If you’re looking for the actual Margaritaville Cafe, it’s still on Duval Street. Don't get the resort mixed up with the restaurant. They are separate entities. The cafe on Duval is still there, still loud, and still serving those massive nachos.
Location: The One Thing That Never Changes
The reason the Margaritaville Key West Resort and Marina was so popular—and why Opal Key remains popular—is 100% about geography.
You are at "Ground Zero."
You can walk to the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in three minutes. You can get to the Custom House Museum in two. You are literally adjacent to the spot where the sunset is officially celebrated every night. This means you don't need a car. Honestly, don't even rent one. Parking in Key West is a nightmare, and at this resort, it's expensive.
Just walk. Or rent a bike.
The resort sits at the corner of Front and Duval. You have the quiet of the harbor on one side and the absolute chaos of Duval Street on the other. It’s a weird, perfect tension. You can spend the morning watching manatees in the marina and the night watching drag shows and live music a few blocks away.
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Misconceptions and Local Reality
A lot of travel blogs still list the property as Margaritaville. This is lazy writing. It leads to people showing up with vouchers or expectations that don't match the reality.
Another big misconception is that the "Resort Fee" is optional. It isn't. Like almost every major property in the Keys, they tack on a daily fee that covers things like Wi-Fi, the pool towels, and "fitness center access." It’s annoying. Expect to pay an extra $50 or more per night on top of your room rate.
Also, the pool. The pool is nice, but it’s not huge. If the resort is at capacity, it gets crowded fast. Because the resort is right on the harbor, there isn't a "beach" in the traditional sense. Key West isn't really a beach town anyway—it’s a coral island—but newcomers often expect a sandy shore right outside their door. For that, you’d have to head over to Fort Zachary Taylor or Smathers Beach.
Nuance in the Change
Was the rebrand a good thing? It depends on who you ask.
Locals generally prefer the Opal branding. It feels a bit more integrated into the history of the island. The Margaritaville brand, while fun, can sometimes feel like a theme park version of the Keys. Opal feels like a hotel that belongs in a maritime district.
However, travelers on a budget might find the new iteration less accessible. The prices jumped. The "vibe" became more exclusive. If you’re looking for a rowdy pool party, this isn't the spot anymore. It’s more of a "read a book by the water" kind of place.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to stay at what used to be the Margaritaville Key West Resort and Marina, here is how you handle it:
- Check the Name: Search for Opal Key Resort & Marina for the most accurate rates and room photos. If a site is still calling it Margaritaville, the info is at least four years old.
- Book Harbor Front: If you aren't getting a harbor view, you’re missing the point of this specific location. The street-side rooms can get noisy with the traffic and the crowds.
- Skip the Car: Use the resort's proximity to your advantage. Take the "Key West Express" ferry from Fort Myers or fly directly into EYW. Once you're at the resort, your feet are your best transportation.
- Dine Locally: While Bistro 245 is good, you are surrounded by world-class food. Walk two blocks to El Meson de Pepe for authentic Cuban or hit Eaton Street Seafood Market for a lobster roll that will change your life.
- Watch the Sunset from the Pier: Instead of joining the mosh pit at Mallory Square, walk out onto the resort's private pier. You get the same view with 90% fewer elbows in your ribs.
The legacy of the Margaritaville Key West Resort and Marina lives on in the layout and the location, but the era of the Parrothead at 245 Front Street has officially ended. It’s a new chapter now. It’s quieter, it’s more expensive, and it’s a lot more stylish. Just make sure you know which one you’re booking before you put your credit card down.