Crowne Plaza Key West La Concha

Dating back to 1926, the seven-story La Concha is located in the tallest building in downtown Key West. The original wing is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and plenty of famous guests have stayed there through the years, including Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Harry Truman. Arriving guests should be aware that although the hotel is a Crowne Plaza, the chain name is not displayed on the building. The interior is modern and chic, displaying little of the historic past. Leather banquettes, sofas, and chairs provide plenty of seating for guests who want to hang out in the public spaces, and the restaurant and bar are adjacent to the lobby. Black-and-white photos on the walls show scenes from the hotel's past, adding to its vintage character. With its prime location on Duval Street, this hotel draws all sorts of travelers, including couples, families, groups, individuals, and businesspeople. 

For travelers seeking the touristy, lively Key West experience, this hotel's location is hard to beat. It's perched on the northern end of Duval Street, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options right outside the hotel's doors. A CVS pharmacy also is right next door. However, it takes about 15 minutes to walk to the beach. Attractions within a short walk of the hotel include the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Mallory Square, Key West Aquarium, Truman Little White House Museum, and Key West Cemetery. The Southernmost Point is a little farther away, but can be reached in about 15 to 20 minutes on foot. Key West International Airport can is 15 minutes away by car.

Rooms are fresh and decorated in a contemporary Caribbean-chic style, with bright sea blue ceilings, dark wood plantation furniture, coastal-inspired window shutters, and dark patterned carpeting. Modern art depicts tropical scenes, and vibrantly patterned silk pillows add a glitzy, vintage dash of style to the already sharp spaces. Lots of cream tones and dark browns offset the bolder design choices. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, iHome docks, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and safes. Bathrooms are small, but modern, and feature granite countertops, marble showers and floors, toiletries, and hairdryers. Suites add more space, and some have separate living areas with sofa beds. Certain rooms also have balconies with views of Duval Street or the pool. 

All meals are served at 430 Duval restaurant, a casual yet elegant space with leather sofas and chairs and a large display of silver fish hanging on a black wall. Cuisine is Caribbean-inspired with lots of seafood and gets mostly decent marks. The adjacent Wine-O Bar is a hip space with circular bars under circular chandeliers and red and white bar stools, as well as bright red sofas and chairs. One wall displays wine bottles and another wine accessories. A daily happy hour is offered. There's also a Jamba Juice on-site for smoothies, fresh juices, and healthy snacks. The hotel's heated outdoor pool is small, but lounge chairs are provided on the pool deck and there's a poolside bar that can provide food service as well. Palm trees and the buildings provide shade, but there are no umbrellas. The Top Spa offers a variety of treatments in large rooms with big windows overlooking Key West. The fitness center isn't particularly large, but it does have nice windows for looking out over the island while working out on treadmills or elliptical machines. Towels and water are provided.  There's a compact computer station with printing and the hotel can accommodate meetings and events. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and free newspapers are available in the common areas. A free local shuttle is also available.