Parrot Key Hotel & Villas

Situated on five acres of lush landscaping on the Florida Bay, the three-story Parrot Key Hotel & Resort was originally a townhouse project that was converted into an upscale waterfront hotel. A brick driveway leads to the main Key West-style building, where there’s a wide front porch and rocking chairs.Inside the lobby, there are finely polished wood floors, expansive blue rugs, and a freshly cut, central display of flowers. The hotel is home to an art collection and sculpture garden featuring works by local Key West artists like metal sculptor John Martini and painter Lisa Remeny. The check-in desk is not staffed 24 hours a day, so guests arriving late in the night will need to contact the resort ahead of time to make arrangements.There are four pools on the property, accessed by either white picket fences or sets of rustic-looking double doors. A waterfront area offers lounge chairs and sand, but it’s not technically a beach. The sand was brought in for aesthetics and guests aren't able to swim because of the seawall. The best way to explore the Florida Bay is to rent water craft from the property.

The hotel is located farther away from the historic district and Duval Street than other hotels in Key West. The property does a good job of hiding among the lushly landscaped grounds, but there are chain stores a few blocks away, like Home Depot and a Publix grocery store. Parrot Key offers a free shuttle to and from Smathers Beach, but not Duval, where the main shopping, dining, and entertainment district draws visitors at all hours of the day and night. (Guests can reach Duval by a short car drive, but it’s a 40-minute walk away.) Parrot Key’s quiet neighborhood, located away from the lively bars, might be a welcome atmosphere for some guests, while others complain that taxis are expensive and parking is hard to come by.

The hotel offers rooms ranging from studios to three-bedroom multi-level suites set up more like townhomes or apartments. The decor is Bahamian-inspired, featuring brightly colored furniture (lime green, pink, turquoise), floral print throw pillows, and tropical art work. With flat-screen TVs among the amenities, rooms vary in size and shape, and not all have water views. Rates can soar during the busy season, which guests aren't thrilled about since the property isn't located within walking distance of Duval Street.

With free Wi-Fi throughout the property, Parrot Key Hotel & Resort has four pools spread out on five lushly landscaped acres. There’s a tropical-style restaurant and tiki bar called Cafe Blue, which serves food and drink throughout the day. For those looking to exercise, the tiny gym features a set of free weights and cardio machines. The hotel’s concierge coordinates excursions for guests that can include boating, kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, tennis, and golf. Parking is limited at the hotel and, quite frankly, limited on the entire island. Taxis back and forth to Duval can get pricey, so many guests opt for bicycles or scooters.