Blue Flamingo Resort Brings a Fresh, Playful Energy to Key West This July

A new kind of Key West stay is arriving this summer—and it’s not trying to blend in.

Opening in July 2025, the Blue Flamingo Resort takes two of the island’s classic motor lodges and reimagines them as one bold, design-forward retreat. Located at the entrance to New Town, the 245-room property leans into the eclectic spirit of the Keys with bright, modern interiors, two pools, and a full calendar of social events that go well beyond the usual happy hour.

This isn’t Old Town quiet or luxury-for-the-sake-of-luxury. It’s vibrant, a little cheeky, and built for people who want to spend as much time poolside as they do exploring.

Two retro motor lodges meld vintage charm with a cheeky, let’s-not-take-ourselves-too-seriously energy. Think: backyard pool parties, rum-fueled karaoke, and costumes encouraged.

The Vibe: Part Tiki Lounge, Part Backyard Bash

The design is unapologetically bold. Expect sand dune-inspired tones inside the rooms, with ocean, island, or tropical views, all centered around the crown jewel of the property: The Backyard Pool & Social Club.

That’s not just branding. It’s the hub of the action—home to two pools, a lawn dotted with bocce and cornhole setups, fire pits, and enough tiki drinks to warrant a nap in one of the nearby cabanas. The resort even has an Activities Concierge, whose job appears to be making sure your vacation itinerary includes everything from starlit yoga to sound baths to costumed theme parties.

It’s Key West, after all. Why wouldn’t there be a flamingo-themed karaoke Airstream?

Food, Drink, and a 64-Ounce Fishbowl Cocktail

The on-site bars—Rum Row and Toasted Coconut—aren’t trying to reinvent island drinking culture. They’re embracing it. Expect classic tiki cocktails (Pina Coladas, Rumrunners, Spicy Watermelon Margaritas) served poolside, including a “Blue Flamingo Bowl” that clocks in at 64 ounces and comes in a souvenir fishbowl. Proceed accordingly.

Food leans beach-casual: Coconut shrimp, burgers, poke bowls, and a “Big Fish Sandwich” for those who skipped breakfast. It’s unfussy, fun, and built for long afternoons by the water.

Programming That Goes Beyond the Basics

Where the resort seems to really push past typical Key West fare is its lineup of events and partnerships. Weekly themes like “Flamingo Fridays,” rum and reggae nights, and movies under the stars make up the regular programming, while brand collabs—like rosé and frozé parties with La Fête du Rosé and wellness classes from Phat Buddha—add a little boutique hotel edge.

There’s even a costume jubilee night, with prizes for the best-dressed partygoer. If you needed an excuse to pack glitter flamingo sunglasses, now you’ve got one.

Details, Rates, and Location

Blue Flamingo is located at 3820 N Roosevelt Blvd., right at the gateway to Key West’s New Town—close to Duval Street but slightly removed from the 2 a.m. bar crawl. The hotel offers 245 rooms, ranging from standard queens to spacious suites, and early preview rates will start at $159/night.

It’s also just a short hop from Key West International Airport, which makes those group getaways—bachelorettes, reunions, birthday trips—that much easier to coordinate.

The Blue Flamingo isn’t trying to be Old Key West. It’s embracing the quirky chaos of the island, adding a little polish and a lot of personality. Whether you’re there to toast the sunset, belt out ‘80s ballads in a karaoke trailer, or just crash poolside with a drink and nowhere to be, this new addition feels like it knows exactly what kind of vacation you’re after.

And if you don’t? There’s an Activities Concierge for that.