Where to Stay and Dine in Key West
Video compliments of the Travel Channel
KEY WEST
Video compliments of the Travel Channel
Where to Stay and Dine in Key West
Though Key West has plenty of grand hotels, the unique mix of independently owned bed and breakfasts housed in Victorian houses means that travelers have a range of options for where to stay in the Conch Republic. Most of the action revolves along Duval Street, where casual burger bars lie next to cozy seafood restaurants. Because the island is small, you'll have an easy time exploring the many places to stay or dine that Key West has to offer.
© Hyatt Key West
A posh paradise waits at the Mobil three-star Hyatt Key West (601 Front St., Key West, 305-809-1234; www.hyatt.com). The chic, contemporary rooms have been updated with brightly colored modern furnishings and spa-style rain showers. The vast ocean-view pool provides a prime sunning spot (though at times it can be overrun with families with kids). For a hostelry on a more intimate scale, try Ambrosia House (615 Fleming St., Key West, 305-296-9838; www.ambrosiakeywest.com). This casual spot offers two inns that provide several accommodations from which to choose, including suites, rooms with a view of the pool, town houses and cottages. Enter the rooms' French doors and you'll find private verandas or porches, and quaintly decorated spaces with works by local artists. Bonus: The continental breakfast is served poolside.
© Hyatt Key West
Close to the hip and happening Duval Street, Eden House (1015 Fleming St., Key West, 305-296-6868; www.edenhouse.com) was built in 1924. Choose from semi-private room with shared bathroom, or an apartment with a queen-size bed, sofa and kitchenette. The hotel's outdoor palms, waterfalls and swaying hammocks tempt you to lounge around. (The hot tub doesn't help, either.) The Island City House, the main building on the property, provides 12 parlor suites, 10 one-bedroom suites, and two two-bedroom suites—all done up in an island Victorian style. Stroll through the hotel's large tropical gardens or catch some sun on the deck next to the relaxing pool.
After you check into your hotel, it's time to get a meal. Stop by The Cafe (509 Southard St., Key West, 305-295-5515) for vegan treats—including juicy veggie burgers, salads and soups—that run between $4 and $10. Plop down at one of the few stools and tables at this tiny eatery for a delicious quick bite before hitting Duval Street for shopping and sightseeing. And if you're too full to walk, you can always take a trolley.
For fine dining, head over to Key West's Higgs Beach area, which is home to Salute restaurant (1000 Atlantic Blvd., Key West, 305-292-1117). As you sit in the cozy restaurant's partial open-air dining room, you'll get excellent people watching and a crisp sea breeze alongside with your food. The menu includes typical Italian cuisine, such as bruschetta, panini and homemade pastas, along with fresh-fish daily specials.
When locals want some flavor, they dine at El Siboney (900 Catherine St., Key West, 305-296-4184). The restaurant's blah brick exterior isn't much to look at, but it's the authentic Cuban food that's the draw anyway. Head inside and order the ropa vieja (shredded beef), or if you're with your honey, get the paella Valenciana, which serves two. But be sure to end your meal with a slice of key lime pie—it's required eating in Key West.
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