Key West Guest Houses

Guest houses are the heart and soul of old Key West. When you think of a guest house or bed and breakfast, you probably think of a single historic residence converted into a romantic hideaway with the bath down the hall and croissants served with jam and tea in the morning. Perhaps this is too intimate for you. Of the approximately 100 guest houses in Key West, a few will meet these expectations. Most, however, are actually compounds of historic conch houses that have been renovated and updated to combine the romance of historic Key West with private entrances, pools, and baths, and all the modern conveniences. Something to please each of you.

Not all guest houses serve breakfast. Some resorts and motels do serve breakfast.

We represent a select group of Key West guest houses which will meet all of your expectations for that romantic get-away you have been promising yourself. And we offer special rates not available from other services.

Key West has a very established gay business community and some of the island's finest guest houses are gay owned and/or staffed. While there are gay only properties, most of Key West's guest houses are all welcome. When you call for reservations, please let us know your preference in accommodations.

Knowles House owners Les and Paul started with a traditional five-room guest house located on Eaton Street, walking distance to historic Key West Bight and added three brand new rooms and two baths to create a world-class property. From the quaint front room, walk back through the breakfast/sitting area (open to the secluded garden beyond) and you will find a heated splash pool and a circular stair leading to a romantic tiled roof-top (clothing optional) sun deck. Owners Les and Paul, your hosts, are master inn-keepers. All welcome. Complimentary continental breakfast served poolside.

Ambrosia House and Ambrosia Too are a relatively large six-building complex on Fleming Street that provide not only outstanding accommodations, but lots of variety and options as well. Owner Kate Miano developed Ambrosia several years ago into a world-class B&B. She had her eye, all the while, on another property across the street: the Fleming Street Inn. When the time was right, she purchased this expansive property and renamed it Fleming Street Inn at Ambrosia Too. From poolside rooms to private cottages, nestled among tropical foliage and backing up to Nancy's Secret Garden, Ambrosia just about has it all. And they welcome children and pets!

Located on Angela Street, just steps from the heart of Duval, The Gardens Hotel offers 17 luxury guest suites surrounding one of Florida’s oldest and most respected tropical gardens. Once the largest private estate in Key West, the expansive grounds of The Gardens Hotel comprise over an acre of lush, tropical landscaping. The Gardens is a recipient of World's top 100 best places to stay award & listed in the book 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE. For an upscale and elegant “boutique” hotel with a Key West atmosphere, the Gardens is an excellent choice.

Located at the quiet end of Duval are Robert Marrero's Cuban Club Suites, Douglas House and La Casas De Lucas. Cuban Club Suites was founded by Cuban cigar makers in 1900 as a place away from home to gather and play cards. Fronting on Duval, it is a fully renovated historic landmark. Its suites offer cathedral ceilings tiled kitchens and baths, and spacious rooms for up to six people. Around the corner is Douglas House, a tropical oasis close to all amenities yet tucked away behind the Hemingway Estate. It has 15 rooms and includes spacious one and two bedroom suites. Douglas House is a compound of individual restored conch houses with a central tropical garden two pools with Jacuzzi. (Try the King room on the second floor with private balcony overlooking the pool, stained glass windows and cathedral ceiling.) Each unit has a private bath, AC, TV and telephone. Across the lane from Douglas House is La Casas De Lucas, offering still more choices for quiet, romantic getaways. All three properties share the amenities of Douglas House including a complimentary champagne buffet-style breakfast served each morning by the pool. Later in the day complimentary cocktails are available. 

Notes: we have been representing the Lightbourne Inn on Truman Avenue and the Palms Hotel on White Street for more than thirteen years. We are sad to report that Lightbourne owners Kelly and Scott have sold the property and moved on to other adventures in their lives. The property is currently offline as the new owners turn it into something of their own. Consequently, we are unable to place reservations there. Hopefully we will be able to recommend the Lightbourne at some time in the future. We are also unable to recommend The Palms at this time. 

Brand new for us is Authors Key West Guest House  on White Street near Key West harbor, a compound of historic Conch-style houses, suites, and rooms, hidden beneath trees and colorful tropical foliage surrounding the pool. Authors is a really cute property with a range of accommodations and very affordable rates.

For more information, rates and availability, call us at 800 403-2154