Florida Travel Reviews & News

Whether flying in or driving to Key West you’re certain to find this festive and charming town at the Southern most point in the US has a spirit one cannot resist. This is clear every night at the Sunset Celebration. Where else can you go and find a celebration every evening? This is just one of the festive events you can join throughout the year in Key West!

One of the best kept secrets we discovered while in Key West was the exceptional selection of quaint Hotels, Bed & Breakfast and Inns. Yes, you could stay at one of the grand resorts, yet when it comes to the over-all experience nothing compares to staying in a lovely home where you feel welcome the moment you walk through the door.

The accommodations available are as diverse as the events and attractions to enjoy in Key West. Many have pools, wide airy porches perfect for relaxing on or catching up on your reading, others offer spas treatments, and exclusive events just for guest, and then there is the food that always delicious and inviting.

The hosts who staff and often own these accommodations are fun and interesting Characters of the Keys themselves. They know where to find the best fishing holes, or when is the best time to visit the local clubs, and can offer directions to all local attractions. Among our favorite places to stay is the Old Town Manor at 551 Eaton Street. The Manor has a lovely shaded court yard with fountains that makes an ideal resting spot as walking around town.

The rooms are comfortable, which is especially true with the bed. It did not take us long after returning from a nearby clubs to fall asleep. Rooms are tasteful decorated and not over-dressed with antiques. And, most have beautiful private balconies, perfect for sipping tea or a glass of wine with a loved one. The Old Town Manor has a classic elegance and charm, and offered everything we needed as well as a huge selection for breakfast. Each time we came in we were greeted with a smile, and any time we need directions or advice someone was always there for us.

Other great places to stay while in Key West are The Island City House, The Lighthouse Court, and The Gardens Hotel, which also host Jazz Sunday, and is home to the Helio Gardens Gallery. Each offers unique settings, tastefully decorated accommodations, and friendly hosts on-hand to assist you. Many of the beautiful homes that are not Inns or Hotels are gated like The Gardens Hotel, and until you step beyond the gate you have no idea that there’s is a private piece of paradise hidden within. This is one of the beauties of staying in Key West; you can go out and have a blast, then return to the quite solitude of a beautiful home-style setting.

During our visit we we woke early and wandered down the street to get coffee. Around us, most of the city still slept, with the exception of the street cleaning crews and the chickens. Yes, chickens run the roost so to say in Key West; you’ll find them everywhere. Early mornings were our favorite times of the day. It’s cool, and we have the whole place to ourselves, so we could wander around and get a feel for what we wanted to do that day.

Just a short walk from the Old Town Manor is Camille's Restaurant, located at 1202 Simonton Street. It's a great funky restaurant that is ideal for breakfast. Think of a Chic Soho Cafe, mixed with a welcoming neighborhood restaurant that has served the community for over 20 years. Locals love it and they have some great Key Lime Pie as well as a wide selection of menu choices.

When thinking about dinner visit El Siboney that has won the award for Key West's Best Cuban Restaurant every year since 1993. El Siboney serves authentic Cuban food and buttered Cuban bread with every meal. This is the place to sample a taste of Cuba in a lively family-style restaurant. The food is great, and the serving are huge, so plan on sharing a meal unless you’re really hungry!

Another great choice for dinner is the Conch Republic Seafood Co., which has wonderful seafood, plus a raw bar, and more than enough selections on the menu for everyone to enjoy. While you’re there try some conch fritters and cracked conch, or grilled dolphin, the fish, not the loveable cousin of Flipper. With so much to do it’s hard to do everything Key West offers, so we plan to return very soon!