Island House, Key West

[fosterchow]

i have been going to Key West for many years, but haven't stayed in a guesthouse in quite a while. A friend asked me about Island House, on the corner of Fleming and White Street. I had stayed there years ago, but, of course, it must have changed. Can anyone tell me what kind of place it is, what sort of guests come there, and about the owners? Thanks - I realize this isn't an escort question, but I hope it's okay to post here.

dan

[Bilbo]

Sure, this is an OK question to post here. And I'm certainly not going to bother the monitors with anything right now. But when I say it's a good question for here, I mean the site in general. The Deli, as one might guess from its witty name, is the meat rack, where we do try to keep the questions to talking about the excorts. This question is more suited to the first section of the boards, and might get you more advice quicker if you repost it there. Well, you asked....

[Luv2play]

I can't be too helpful but the only info I have is that it was fixed up some time ago and is better than what it was a decade ago. I stayed there for a week at that time and the pool area was great, one of the best in Key West (large, sunny, lots of deck chaises), BUT the rooms were awful and the bathrooms worse. It did have a hottub and movie room where lots of hanky-panky (putting it mildly) went on. So a mixed bag. It's also a bit further from most of the restaurants and bars than other guest houses but if you like to walk, as I do, it's not bad and the streets are charming, not too many cars.

[Guest msclonly]

It sounds in about the same condition as the one in South Beach is, if they are of the same management!

OLD OLD! with a paint job in the last couple of decades.

Though many Art Deco hotels have been completely remodeled in modern times, many parts of Island House in SoBe escaped!

 

I stayed there in SoBe one nite and could not get into the 1930 bathroom decor or what is left of it, or get out fast enough.

 

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[Luv2play]

In response to the above posting, I've also spent a week at the Island House in Sobe;that was also quite a long time ago, the number one song at the time was "Unbreak My Heart" by Toni Braxton (GOD, am I getting old or what). What I remember is a beautiful Argentinian boy that I met at a disco and hauled back to my room, only to discover he was on Ecstacy and couldn't get a hard-on. But that's another story...

 

As for the Island House, the room was OK, sort of Holiday Inn in decor, and the bathroom was out of the 30's but I like pink and green tile bathrooms.

 

Anyway, the location was great, a couple of blocks from the gay beach so an easy walk (you don't want a car in Sobe) and just a block from Versace's mansion (that was the year he was killed as I recall and the area became even more crowded with gawkers).

 

But the Island House (in both locations) is a bit cheaper than some of the other guesthouses and if you don't stay in your room all day, is quite acceptable.

[Steven_Draker]

With all due respect and having been to both guest houses allow me to correct the above information: those are independent properties and it's difficult to be compared. I didn't stay at the Island House in SoBe since it wasn't what I was looking for. Virtual visit http://www.islandhousesouthbeach.com/welcome.html If you want to stay in a nice gay guest house head straight to Wilton Manors in Fort Lauderdale.

 

The Island house in Key West is a very nice and large property located at the very far end of Fleming street in a nice and quiet residential area. If you like hot action in the hot tub, in the sauna, in the video room this cruisy place is the right place to be. Visitors to Key West can buy day passes. The Island house has a medium-sized gym with good machines (if you like to work out) and an outstanding pool with a nice bar to hang out after dinner. Did I mention good-looking staff. Enjoy the Island House in Key West !

 

Virtual visit http://www.islandhousekeywest.com

(for some reason the site is down tonight)

 

Reviews (courtesy of TripAdvisor) http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34345-d272305-Reviews-Island_House-Key_West_Florida_Keys_Florida.hwoink_html

 

Hope this helps.

 

Steven Draker ~

[Luv2play]

Steven, thanks for the websites of these two hotels. As I stated in my earlier post, it's been quite some time since I stayed in both places and the one thing that has obviously changed is that Island House in Key West has definitely gone "up-market". I thought I had heard it had new ownership and it is evident from the pictures that the decor has been markedly improved. Some features remain the same as you have described (the HOT hottub, video room etc).

 

Of course, it goes without saying that the rates have also gone up-market. Taking into account taxes, etc, they have become a lot pricier than when I stayed there 10 years ago, even taking inflation into account.

 

Bearing this in mind, I would say one thing, based on my experience at staying at these types of resorts, and that is, don't be taken in by their brochures or pictures they show on their websites. As an example, the Key West Island House has many pictures of gorgeous men straight out of a photoshoot using professional models. This is NOT the type of average guy you are going to see registered as a guest at these expensive hotels, unless you see the odd "kept" boy with an older gentleman. You will meet many engaging, interesting men, of all ages, but they are not generally going to look like the men portrayed.

 

One other comment: the SOBE Island House is a lot cheaper, and considering that SOBE itself is not a cheap destination, represents an economical choice for those on a limited travel budget. Wilton Manors is not really an alternative if you want to stay in SOBE and experience the Latin flavour, which is not available in Fort Lauderdale. The two resorts are really quite different. Fort Lauderdale is pure Americana, SOBE a mix of American, Latin American and European.

[JT Brooklyn]

IMHO...Having lived in Key West in the early 80's and having long time friends still living there, who I visit yearly... My take along with others is that Key West, is now probably one of the most Exspensive Vacation spots on the East Coast and only "Gay on Major Holidays"! "Fantasyfest" being the biggest... IF you are traveling with others, it is a great place to visit. BUT Gay, not like it used to be Baby! One Large Dance Bar, the last name was "AQUA" this place changes it's name Frequently. The other "Bourbon Street" Bars never that crowded. One of the Bars, has the drags hangout in front,on Fri and Sat nite to "drag" in some customers. This tired act does not work after all these years. Doesn't help these are the ugliest drags on the planet! As far as the "Guest Houses", that is probably the only place you will find any concentration of Gay People. Most gay guys will just stay in Miami-Ft Lauderdale for HOT times. Driving down on Fri OR Sat nites to K/W is not worth the exspense anymore...So if you are going for a laid back, Plenty of sights to see, the Snorkeling,Fishing Fantastic... But don't count on alot of GAY eye candy or getting laid..Unless you like to just look at alot of Cute Straight guys with their girlfriends, or tons of retirees off of the Cruise ships, overflowing on Duval St.. :+ :+ :+