Staying at a cookie-cutter hotel is always a big no for us, especially when we have so many options to choose from. Key West is one of the places that’s brimming with accommodations. But one that stands out from the rest is The Palms Hotel in Key West. We still remember how excited we were when we stepped into the hotel, or should we say BnB? This hotel effortlessly blends historic charm with modern convenience, and we think it’s a true hidden gem. Unlike other huge, impersonal hotels, this one gave us plenty of stories to tell our friends. Want to hear them, too? Keep reading!
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Since 1880
Even before we stayed at The Palms Hotel, we knew it was a historic hotel. However, we didn’t realize how much history it has. The hotel started as two separate houses built around 1880 for the wealthy Williams family. A painting by David Harrison Wright shows these three homes together. John Sherman Williams, also known as “Pappa Jack,” owned these beautifully designed residences.
Over the years, the property has had many uses. In the 1970s and 80s, it served as a boarding house for visitors to Key West, reflected in various names like Terrell Apartments and Vandegroaff Apartments. The 1980s also saw it transition into a guesthouse, with names like The Palms of Key West Guesthouse (1982) and The Palms of Key West (1988). Finally, in 1993, the establishment settled on its current name, The Palms Hotel. It continues to operate as a hotel, offering a blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
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Perfect location
Aside from its history, The Palms Hotel also shines when it comes to convenience. We loved the location of this hotel. It felt super easy to explore Key West. We were able to easily reach all of Key West’s must-see spots. Not to mention, the airport is just around 6 miles away, and there’s also a shuttle that can take guests to Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
And for any animal lovers in your group, the fact that the dog-friendly Key West Botanical Garden is nearby is a big bonus. We appreciated how The Palms Hotel put us right in the heart of the action but with easy access to some relaxing green space too.
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Lovely suite
The Palms Hotel has so many amazing perks, but what truly sold us was its bed-and-breakfast-style accommodations. We ended up booking the Ash Suite, and it was the perfect decision. There was a living room area with a comfy queen-sized sofa bed that could easily sleep two. This living area shared a full bathroom with a shower/tub combo, which was convenient. We also appreciated having a separate half bathroom off the bedroom, which provided extra privacy.
Our bedroom? It was flawless. It had this queen-sized bed and was immaculately clean. The kitchenette was also great for mornings and late-night snacks. It wasn’t a full kitchen, but it had a microwave, a coffee/tea maker, and a mini-fridge, which was all we needed.
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Dips and drinks
We loved spending time by the pool at The Palms Hotel. This area is arguably the heart of the hotel. It was a great place for us to relax and soak up the Key West sunshine. The saltwater pool was refreshing, especially since it’s heated during the cooler months. Plus, we could easily grab a spot by the pool because the hotel itself is quite intimate.
Another perk? The pool bar! It’s open from Thursdays to Saturdays, which was perfect for our weekend stay. We enjoyed grabbing a drink (or two!) during happy hour, which ran from 3-5 PM. We were able to cool down and chat with other guests. Just keep in mind that the bar hours might change depending on how busy the hotel is.
“Take a dip and enjoy your drink. It’s the formula for the perfect Key West holiday.”
WOW Travel
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Nearby restaurants
One of the things that made us enjoy our stay at The Palms Hotel was its delicious continental breakfast. Better yet, it was free. However, there’s no on-site restaurant. But this wasn’t a problem for us as we could easily explore the surrounding area thanks to the hotel’s bike rentals.
That said, we highly recommend the Oasis Mediterranean Cuisine. It’s only a song away from the hotel. There, you’ll find New York-style pizza. We loved enjoying the pizza at the garden patio, and we especially enjoyed the meat lovers pizza.
We also came across The Best Coffee in Town, a humble Cuban coffee shop that’s perfect for a quick coffee break. You can also find a to-go breakfast menu, which is great if you’re looking for a bite to eat on the go.
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Pros
- The Palms in Key West is located in a quiet neighborhood on the historic area of White Street. This puts you within walking distance of many of the island’s top attractions.
- It offers several amenities, including a complimentary continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, and bicycle rentals.
- This hotel has a unique charm that makes it feel comfy. Despite that, it’s still a budget-friendly option in Key West.
Cons
- The breakfast is continental, which means it’s on the lighter side.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a lovely, historic stay with modern amenities, The Palms Hotel is the perfect choice. Offering bed-and-breakfast-style accommodations, this hotel is relaxing. The Palms Hotel in Key West offers a complimentary breakfast and a refreshing pool, all at a reasonable price point. Plus, its location in the heart of Old Town Key West lets you explore the area by foot or bike rentals from the hotel itself.
Read Also
- 11 Best Bed and Breakfasts in Key West
- Top 11 Gay-Friendly Hotels In Key West
- 11 Best Cheap Hotels in Key West FL
- 11 Best Boutique Hotels in Key West
- 11 Best Hotels in Key West, Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is there to do at the Key West Palms Hotel?
A: The hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere with a seasonally heated pool, complimentary breakfast, and concierge services to help plan your adventures in Key West. They even have bicycle rentals available if you’d like to explore the area on two wheels.
Q: What are the check-in and check-out times at the hotel?
A: You can check in starting from 3 PM and check out until 11 AM.
Q: How far is the hotel from the center of Key West?
A: It’s only a short stroll away from the center of Key West.
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