It is easy to get overwhelmed when looking for accommodations in Key West. There are so many choices it can make your head spin. This was my fifth time in Key West, so I already knew the struggle of weeding through all the options. I have stayed at a different property every time I have been, and have been happy with all of them.
My first recommendation when deciding where to stay on this quaint island, would be to have in mind what kind of overall experience you are looking for. If you are booking on a budget, this will be easy, as many of the properties are EXTREMELY pricey. So you may have to stay wherever is available in your set price range.
If you are looking for a party, there are lots of options on the north end of Duval St that will not disappoint. Luxury & pampering sounding like a better fit? The North End of the island away from Old Town has some amazing resorts that are priced well because they are away from all of the action.
This being Chris's first time in the Keys, I wanted a good mix of both. We could NOT have been happier with our decision to stay at La Te Da Hotel, located at the South end of Duval. They came very highly recommended in online reviews, being ranked #9 in Key West on TripAdvisor. We really wanted to stay somewhere authentic, LGBTQ friendly (it was pride month after all!), and with dining and entertainment options onsite. We were not disappointed! From the moment we arrived at the property, everything was as perfect as could be.
The house was originally built in 1892, by Key West’s premier cigar manufacturer Teodoro Perez. The former Perez Residence is now the Hotel Lobby and Piano Bar. Just steps from the Lobby is their world class Restaurant, Terrace Bar and newly renovated guest rooms.
We stayed in Deluxe Room 22, which was poolside on first floor, and we adored it. The location is steps from the pool area and restaurant, but was perfectly secluded in its own unique way. We never felt intruded on, there was no noise issues, and the room got ice cold (you'd think cold AC would be a given, but June in Key West is ROUGH). The pool was a LIFESAVER in the heat of the summer, we used it multiple times through the day in between our adventures and it made the summer heat bearable. The bed was one of the most comfortable we have slept in, and the room in general was very clean and spacious.
Upstairs is the Cabaret at La Te Da, which offers a nightly Drag Show, and it should NOT be missed. Randy Roberts was absolutely fabulous and the show was a highlight of the trip. Afterwards we hung out at the Piano Bar in the Lobby and listened to the band 3Sum. They were one of the most energetic, fun musical groups we have seen in a long time.
I can NOT say enough about how delicious the food at their restaurant was. We ate at the bar before the show, where they offered a full menu plus a bar menu. We had the following:
Baked Brie
With Bacon Maple Jam & Herb Toast
Mediterranean Flatbread
Artichokes, Roasted Red Pepper, Sundried Tomato, Kalamata Olives
Maple Walnut Salad
Mixed Greens, Blue Cheese, Walnuts tossed in a Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
In the end, I would have an EXTREMELY hard time staying anywhere else in Key West, and look forward to visiting the staff at La Te Da again soon!