Bed and Breakfasts in Key West

A bed and breakfast in Key West offers a distinctly tropical and bohemian lodging experience. Properties are typically housed in historic "Conch" cottages or larger guest houses, often featuring the famous Key West Gingerbread trim and lush, walled gardens. The architecture is defined by wooden clapboard construction, pastel colors, and expansive verandas. Guests benefit from a host's specialized knowledge of local happy hours, the best snorkeling spots, and the daily sunset celebration at Mallory Square.

The character of a bed and breakfast in Key West is rooted in its unique island culture, tropical climate, and laid-back atmosphere. Many B&Bs in Key West provide specialized amenities that cater to leisure and relaxation. Typical features provided for guests in these charming homes often include:

• A light, tropical breakfast, often featuring fresh fruit, Cuban toast, and local coffee
• Access to a private courtyard with a heated pool, often surrounded by lush greenery
• Complimentary afternoon wine and cheese or a full bar service
• Private bathrooms in most rooms, often featuring unique tilework or modern designs
• High-speed Wi-Fi access for coordinating boat tours and check local event listings
• Guest access to shared verandas or sun decks with hammocks and lounge chairs
• Complimentary maps and guidance for exploring Duval Street and the Old Town on foot

Key West appeals strongly to couples, artists, writers, and travelers seeking a tropical, relaxed, and bohemian environment. It is highly suitable for those who enjoy water sports, history, and a lively nightlife scene. Visitors can spend time watching the famous sunset celebration at Mallory Square, touring the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, or taking a boat trip for snorkeling or fishing. The BnBs in Key West offer an intimate, adult-oriented base, often located within the quiet residential areas of the Old Town. The high season is winter and spring (escaping the cold up north), when temperatures average 25°C and B&B rates are exceptionally high, typically ranging from $250 to $500+ USD per night. Summer is hot and humid, offering the lowest rates, usually from $180 to $350 USD, with strong availability outside of major holidays.

Explore the essential sites that define Key West's unique identity, blending its artistic history, southernmost status, and tropical relaxation.

1. Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
2. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
3. Southernmost Point Buoy
4. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
5. Duval Street

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration

A nightly gathering of street performers, food vendors, and tourists who congregate to watch the sun set spectacularly over the Gulf of Mexico.

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

The former residence of the famous author, now a museum that preserves his life and work, and is famously home to dozens of polydactyl (six-toed) cats.

Southernmost Point Buoy

An anchored concrete buoy marking the southernmost point in the continental U.S., a popular photo opportunity for visitors.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

A large, glass-enclosed habitat where hundreds of live butterflies and exotic birds fly freely, surrounded by tropical plants.

Duval Street

The main thoroughfare of Key West, famous for its restaurants, bars, shops, and lively atmosphere, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.

Key West cuisine is a unique blend of tropical, Caribbean, and Cuban influences, with a strong focus on fresh seafood and famous Key Lime Pie. These three establishments are highly rated by diners:

• Blue Heaven (4.5/5 stars) - An extremely popular, funky outdoor restaurant known for its Caribbean and seafood dishes, live music, and the chickens and cats that wander the patio.
• Santiago's Bodega (4.7/5 stars) - A highly rated tapas restaurant offering a massive variety of Spanish and Latin-inspired small plates in a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
• Latitudes Key West (Sunset Key) (4.6/5 stars) - An elegant, high-end restaurant located on a private island, famous for its gourmet cuisine and spectacular beachfront dining, requiring a short ferry ride.

Key West observes Eastern Time (ET). The Old Town is entirely walkable and bikeable, making a car unnecessary and often a hindrance due to expensive parking. Tipping follows standard U.S. customs. For visitors planning water activities, confirming a bed and breakfast in Key West with outdoor shower facilities is a very practical amenity. Many local B&Bs in Key West are adult-only and offer complimentary happy hours, catering specifically to couples and adult travelers seeking relaxation.