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Sometimes, where you unpack your bags on vacation is just as important as the destination. And fortunately for those who travel west, the charm of the bizarre and bizarre island of the tropical escape comes in its entirety with the historic conch-house inn and the captivating B&B. But the flip side of the Conch Republic’s lack of spacious high-rise resorts is that accommodation comes at a premium. If you go to this much sought after locale, you can still find interesting and convenient places to park your suitcase, which is not always cheap but offers a great price and lots of amenities. Here are some of them.
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Located on Angela Street, The Gardens Hotel is within walking distance of Duval Street and in the center of action, but you never know. This tranquil, green garden oasis offers a peaceful break from all outdoor activities. The main building, formerly the Garden Mansion, built in the 1800s, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The botanicals collected by former owner Peggy Mills create a walkway, secluded seating area and two heated pools. Guests (including children 16 and older) can choose from five cottages, guest rooms and suites with access to the private entrance and outdoor veranda. Bahamian plantation-style furniture and locally crafted artwork adorn the rooms. After checking in, guests will receive a card to purchase wine at the site’s D’Vine Wine Gallery, pouring 1-, 3- or 6-ounces. Sip from the 36-wine store from 5-7pm to listen to live piano music in the evening and live jazz on Sundays from 5-8pm. Prices include free WiFi and a poolside breakfast. The property offers a business center, bicycle rental, valet laundry service, concierge services, on-site parking ($ 30 per night), and a pool bar.
Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Key West, Stock Island offers an alternative locale that is a little quieter and less congested, but with great dining options and a beautiful marina. The Oceans Edge Key West, which opened in 2017, is one of the largest resorts in the area with 175 rooms. It is located adjacent to the 165-slip Mariner, with full-service resort facilities. Daily $ 45 resort fee covers key west and shuttle services from there; Two hours per guest using paddleboard, kayak and bicycle, every day; 24-hour gym access; Resort activities such as yoga, SUP classes, poolside movies and lawn games (such as giant chess, Connect Four and ping pong); And high speed wifi. Examine the weekly schedule for an hour-long marine science eco-experience, engaging live animals with animated topics and led by marine scientists. All guestrooms have contemporary furniture as well as a furnished veranda, mini fridge and coffee maker. The property provides temperature-controlled pools with six saline water, poolside services and towels. Yellowfin Bar & Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the bar is open daily from 3-6 pm and live music from Thursday to Sunday evening 6-9 pm. Ocean Edge Cafe is the perfect place to have coffee, smoothies or quick bites at 8-11am.
Also on Stock Island, the Perry Hotel is located on a 40-acre campus, stepping out of an onsite 288-slip marina, the largest deep-water marina of all Florida keys. Check in at the 100-room boutique property with a complimentary glass of champagne. The guestrooms have contemporary furnishings and a veranda (with some open air fountains) from which the views of the pristine island can be soaked. Hotel amenities include free WiFi, parking and access to Old Town Key West; Two waterfront pools; Rental of golf carts, bikes, scooters and 3-wheel key West Arsimoto (all-electric utility vehicles); Add salute to the event on the event lawn, a fully equipped F45 training gym and access to the boot camp on the event lawn. On-site restaurants include Mats Stock Island Kitchen & Bar, Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill and Sloppy Joe’s Dockside. The next two host a daily happy hour with discounted drinks. Sloppy Joe’s live music every Friday and Saturday evening from 6-9 p.m. Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company serves direct coffee, smoothie and baked goods for farmers with indoor / outdoor seating.
Located in the heart of Old Town Key West on Truman Street, several blocks from Duval, the Kempton Winslow Bungalow has three private pools, a pool bar and a tropical garden. Eighty-five comfortably furnished guest rooms, including two deluxe suites, are located in several blocks and several in Key West architectural style. The 35 35 daily guest amenity fee includes parking, first-come, first-served Lonar bikes, first-come, first-served, continental breakfast, WiFi, a boozy welcome beverage, use of a snorkel kit of property and press reader access to your smart device (choose from Over 7,000 newspapers and magazines). Although many key waste properties are pet friendly, Winslow’s bungalows allow pets regardless of size, weight or pedigree without any additional charges, no loss deposit required.
Located in three separate structures on either side of Caroline Street in downtown Old Town, Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion offers 28 air-conditioned guestrooms, each uniquely furnished, and a pool and a deck area, where breakfast and cocktails are served. The original palace was built in 1869, the home of William Curry, who was considered the first self-built Florida millionaire. His son demolished most of the house in 1901 and rebuilt the Georgian Revival Mansion that stands today. Many reports agree that “Aunt Sally” invented the key lime pie in this kitchen, a dessert served across the Key West. Guest rates include free parking; A full breakfast with made-to-order omelette; A two-hour cocktail party each evening with open liquor bars, beer, wine, snacks and live music; A hairdresser; Use a computer and printer; WiFi; Use of a washer, dryer and laundry supplies, and a self-guided tour of the palace, including the Attic’s historic treasures, which carry panoramic views of Key West up to Widow’s Walk.
Alexander’s, an adult-only LGBTQ-based guesthouse, welcomes guests to a safe, inclusive location listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This three-story Key West conch house on Fleming Street was built in 1902 and still retains the original pine wood floor. Guests can choose from 17 well-appointed, tropically decorated guestrooms spread across three renovated homes (1902-1904). Prices include an extended continental breakfast, which includes a poolside serving of eggs, muffins and fruit; Local newspaper Daily Poolside Happy Hour from 4: 30-5: 30pm; WiFi; Full door-to-door service; A borrowed library of books in the lobby; A pool and jacuzzi; And two costume optional pool decks.
A short drive from the Old Town on Roosevelt Road, the Havana Cabana expresses Cuban charm and character, influencing classic cars in front and Cuban artwork. Many of the contemporary rooms have pool or sea views, some have bunk beds for family stays. The hotel boasts of Key West’s largest pool and the action here focuses on weekly pool parties featuring a DJ, pool games and food and drink specials (1-4pm every Saturday and Sunday). At 4:30 pm on Sunday, join a traditional lottery game (a Latin game like Bingo) where the winning teams receive special prizes. Mojito’s Pool Bar hosts a daily merry-go-round with discounted Bloody Merris and Draft Beer from 10 a.m. to noon. Order more than 15 kinds of Mojito and other Cuban-inspired drinks throughout the day. Guests will be able to enjoy a complimentary smoothie at noon, popsicles at 2pm and churos at 4pm. The Florida food truck delivers Cuban fare all day in the open air. A complimentary shuttle takes guests from the Old Town.
Tagged: Florida, Key West
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