Key West suggestions

[+ jeezopete]

I’ve lived in Florida for the last 33 years, and I’ve never been farther south than Ft. Lauderdale. Well, maybe 3 or 4 afternoons at Haulover Beach, and one evening at the Floppy Rooster, but that’s definitely it. I’ve decided it’s time to make the drive to Key West this summer and would like some recommendations. I enjoy very laid back vacations on my own once in a while, relaxing by the pool, reading good books, exploring the area on long walks. So, to those of you who have been there I ask:

What hotels would you recommend?

What restaurants and bars should I absolutely not miss?

Will I ever want to come back home after about a week?

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

[+ azdr0710]

@Benjamin_Nicholas , white courtesy telephone, please!

[Guest]

I remember the drag races being in April, but I couldn't find a date for it this year. Maybe it's cancelled? It was quite a hoot!

https://keywest.floridaweekly.com/articles/drag-races-offer-hell-on-heels-on-duval/

[+ Pensant]

Key West in summer? I hope you like broiling heat and humidity!

[geoffk]

some of my favorite places in key west include: Cafe Sole', Blue Heaven for Lobster Benedict, Banana Cafe, Cafe Marquesa, Ana's Cuban Deli and Southernmost Beach Cafe - small but nice beach here. and theres always Bourbon St. Pub for dancing boys at night.

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

My last visit I stayed at LaTeDa and enjoyed it quite a bit. And Randy Roberts' show there is great. I enjoy going to Camille's for breakfast.

[+ tassojunior]

I always stay at the LaConcha because of convenience, history and elite IHG upgrades. Rooms with patio balconies on the 2nd floor are especially nice.

 

I always mean to stay at the Reach by Waldorf Astoria or one of the others on the beach at the south end of DuVal. Much nicer location and hotel. Avoid all the chains by the airport. Too far out.

 

Food wise expensive. There's a place called Carolines midway on DuVal that's not too bad.

 

There are often decent dancers at Bourbon Pub and available for private room lapdances. The Orleans House gay hotel is connected to the Pub and many gay porn movies are filmed there. Nude swimming pool. But I would not stay there ever. No way.

 

Bicycles are a great way to get around and they rent for under $10 a day. Parking your car is hard and expensive.

Edited March 24, 2019 by tassojunior

[+ HornyRetiree]

some of my favorite places in key west include: Cafe Sole', Blue Heaven for Lobster Benedict, Banana Cafe, Cafe Marquesa, Ana's Cuban Deli and Southernmost Beach Cafe - small but nice beach here. and theres always Bourbon St. Pub for dancing boys at night.

 

OMG! YES!!!!!! - Blue Heaven for Lobster Benedict

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Having been nearly a local in KW for the last 10 years, here are some suggestions:

 

Old Town is where you probably want to be for walkability as well as look & feel of what you'd imagine Key West to look like. New Town has cheaper lodging, great local eateries and all of the hotels there have been redone top-to-tail, but it's a little less quaint.

 

Expect to pay $350+ a night, in-season, if you want to stay in Old Town. I'd recommend The Marker, H2O Suites, Marquesa, The Saint and The Orchid Key Inn. All GLBT-friendly, but not exclusively gay. If you're wanting that, Island House is the frisky way to stay and Alexander House is probably the classiest and best designed spot.

 

There are a ton of great eats in KW. It's become a huge draw to the island. Marquesa, Christopher's at LaTeDa, Sandy's Cafe, Camilles (who recently sold the business, so that's an AYOR suggestion), Antonias, Trattoria (I prefer the newtown location to Duval St), Santiago's Bodega, Firefly (best fried chicken in KW) and Half Shell Raw Bar all have repeatedly done me well.

 

Everyone tends to get a little 'Keys Disease' the first time they go. It's an incredible little place. Sure, it's gone more mainstream in becoming a cruise ship port, but there's still a ton of wacky character left.

[+ Pensant]

I was invited to one of my favorite provider’s 21st birthday at LaTeDa in 2006. What a great time. It was in March, so the weather was awesome.

[bakopanda]

FYI: If you do drive down, beware of the speed limits through the keys. There are sudden drops in the speed limits and the traffic cops are right there to enforce them. I knew about the "speed traps" and still got stopped by a stereotypical "good old boy" officer.

[geoffk]

I always mean to stay at the Reach by Waldorf Astoria

 

The Reach is very nice. The pool is great and they have their own beach which is great and there is bar service at the beach and pool. And it's right by Ana's Cuban Cafe and Southernmost beach cafe.

 

And i agree you definitely don't need a car. I rented one once when they banned ubers but it was a waste; more trouble than it was worth.

[+ tassojunior]

The Reach is very nice. The pool is great and they have their own beach which is great and there is bar service at the beach and pool. And it's right by Ana's Cuban Cafe and Southernmost beach cafe.

 

And i agree you definitely don't need a car. I rented one once when they banned ubers but it was a waste; more trouble than it was worth.

There are a couple places right by the Reach that I forget the name of that may be less. That end of Duval is unique....only beach around the center of town but a private beach.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

My advice to visitors is always this: You don't go to KW for beautiful beaches.

 

They're all man-made, the water quality isn't fantastic and there's a lot of seaweed year-round. It's because of the way the island curves into the ocean. Ft Zach is probably the nicest of the bunch, but don't go expecting Miami Beach or a Caribbean look.

 

My advice is to book an afternoon on the BluQ, have Capt Steve and Mo take you out to a beautiful sandbar, get naked, swim, drink, eat, make some new friends. It's a nice way to spend the day.

 

http://www.bluqkeywest.com/

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

And speaking of the BluQ, they're offering 20% off sailings 5/1-9/30. The offer ends 4/10.

 

Promo code: BluQ33119