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Key West, located only 170 miles SW of Miami Beach, will transport you to an island where anything goes! This slice of tropical paradise is the southern most point in the continental US, but really does beat to it’s own drum. As Kenny Chesney said, “no shoes, no shirt, no problem”. Anything really does go on this island where Jimmy Buffet and Alan Jackson say “its five-o’clock somewhere” couldn’t be more true!
Craving an island getaway, I started to plan a trip to Key West on a Wednesday for that weekend. The plan was to do night 1 in New Town and night 2 in Old Town. This would let me experience both and decide what to do for my next trip (and yes, I am already dreaming about going back!).
Night one: Parrot Key Hotel & Villas in New Town. Located 2 miles from Duval Street this hotel really does make you think you are further away from the hustle and bustle surrounded in a lush tropical forest. The resort is made up of several buildings of 3 story town houses ranging from studio to 3 bedrooms. in the center they have 4 smaller pools, with one being adult only. It was very relaxing with greenery, lounge chairs, umbrellas, music and amenity stations at each – towels, water, and Sun Bum SPF 50.
Parrot Key is tucked behind large shopping plazas, with Home Depot and other stores, but once you enter the grounds you completely forget whats outside. I did hear the cars from the road on my balcony so that could bother some, but other than that I really felt like i was in the trees. I had booked a one bedroom King bed room as it was the cheapest option 2 days out, priced at $292 before taxes and resort fees. I will get back to the resort fee subject later as it seems all hotels charge upwards of $50/night! After taxes, valet parking and resort fee, my all in price was $423.
One might be shocked that there aren’t may beaches in Key West, but it’s true! This hotel is set on the water, but there is no ocean access. They have a sandy area with tons of hammocks, chairs, umbrellas and one amazing double hammock swing! I loved this so much that actually purchased one at Key West Hammock Company on Duval street after sitting in this chair.
Room Review: Parrot Key Hotel & Villas Would be great for those looking for more space or families. I booked a King Suite with living room as it was the lowest rate for my stay. The website did note that this was located up one flight of stairs, so I was prepared. The stairs were a bit steep, but the view from both balconies (yes, 2!!!) was better than being ground level. The suite was HUGE at 625 sqft and featured a balcony off the bedroom with water views and one off the living room on the resort side, each with two Adirondack style chairs.
Bedroom:
Living room: next to the couch there was a wet bar area – mini fridge, microwave, sink and keurig coffee maker.
Balconies:
The Grove – onsite restaurant
This was the only place to get food – breakfast, lunch or dinner – even morning coffee. I did grab lunch while waiting for room to be ready and the daily catch tacos were quite good. Food wasn’t too pricey, but morning coffee was! Regular coffee with milk was $5 and a cappuccino $8 with an additional 18% gratuity added on top.
Night Two: Hyatt Vacation Club at Sunset Harbor
Great location right on the west side of the island and walking distance to all of Old Town. Because this was the vacation club, there was no 24/7 front desk but it worked for my one night stay. Location was perfect for exploring Key West by foot! Steps to Sunset Harbor, Duval street, Mallory square.
Room Review: Typical hotel room with one king bed, 2 chairs and an extremely oversized bathroom with soaking tub and shower. The bathroom was almost as big as the bedroom! it came with a mini fridge, microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker, cups, dishes and utensils. I didnt realize they had free Starbucks coffee in the lobby until checkout. Self parking was available at $35/day in the garage across the street. * there were no elevators in the garage, stairs only.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON LOCATION: While I did enjoy the extra space and greenery Parrot Key offered, I still prefer being in the action of Old town. I love being able to explore by foot and walking home. Uber/Lyft were available but pricey – $10-20 to go 2 miles!!
FOOD AND DINING: here are a few of the places I tried – all casual and low key but came highly recommended!
coffee: Cuban Coffee Queen – good coffee with a few locations in Old Town. I went to the one in Mallory Square, right around the corner from hotel.
breakfast: Blue Heaven – I had hoped to get to sample their lunch menu, but only Sunday Brunch was available, which is why I am putting this under ‘breakfast’. I had the pancakes which were just your average pancakes and a slice of their famous key lime pie. Now this was amazing and HUGE!
lunch: Moondog Cafe – blackened local mahi mahi tacos – good portion size and very tasty! they have a large bakery counter too so this would be perfect for breakfast, brunch or dinner too.
dinner: Amigos Tortilla bar – carnitas burito bowl. After reading rave reviews I was slightly disappointed. I wanted to rate this place higher. it was super fast, chill and right in Old Town, but the food lacked flavor. Gauac was extra and almot $5 for a tiny dish.
late night eats: Garbo’s Grill – WOW!!! by far the best meal of my entire weekend. This is a small food truck parked in front of Hank’s Hair of the dog Saloon but OMG it was amazing. Featured on Diners, Drive in and Dives I should have known it was not to miss. The korean BBQ taco was to die for!!!
Bars/drinks:
Willie T’s – I didn’t actually have a drink here, but stopped for the music! Jack Wolf had a great voice and got a large crowd huddled around the front enjoying the music. His rendition of Teddy Swim’s, I loose control was so good! He even does this thing were anyone can come up and sing a duet with him for $100. I’m assuming most have not so great voies, but we happened to see a girl who actually could sing. Very entertaining spot I would go back to.
Hemingway Social Club- instead of a tour at the distillery, I opted for the Social Club next door to try some drinks. Drinks were strong and select ones $10 during happy hour. Being Key West, you can even take drinks to go!
Sunset Pier – great location to catch the sunset and live music. Drinks were just average and overpriced but it was still a great time! The live music lasted several hours and Key west soul legend Robert Albury sang for a while. He really gets the crowd engaged!
What bars, restaurants or lodging should I add to my next trip to Key West? Comment below!
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