The Saint Hotel Key West, Autograph Collection

Following $22-million renovations, the famous Southern Cross hotel -- one of the oldest on the island -- was re-opened as the Saint Hotel Key West, a member of Marriott's boutique line of Autograph Collection properties. While the exterior looks like a simple bungalow, inside, the decor is eclectic, striking, and swish. The design plays with proportion, shape, and style, mixing trendy and classic elements such as oversized tufted seating, huge candelabras, and wood paneling. In keeping with the hotel's theme of "play naughty, sleep saintly," anything goes here. With a secret side entrance on Key West's party-hardy Duval Street, the hotel attracts out-of-towners here for romantic getaways or those looking to take advantage of the nearby nightlife. The definite adult vibe throughout the property is a pro for some; families might want to look elsewhere for their stay. The secluded Ambrosia Key West is within walking distance of Duval and is family-friendly enough to bring the whole gang. 

Located within walking distance of all of Old Town's attractions, The Saint Hotel Key West is perfectly positioned to explore the island by foot or bicycle. The property is a 10-minute walk from popular sunset-watching spot Mallory Square, a seven-minute walk from the Truman Little White House, and for guests looking for a night out on Duval, there's a hidden entrance and exit that puts them in the middle of the action. Although the hotel is on the quieter side of this main drag, four minutes by foot from boutiques and art galleries, guests can choose from a variety of restaurants within walking distance. Guests can also use the free bike hire the hotel provides to bike to the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, a six-minute ride away. Key West International Airport is a 17-minute drive, while Miami International Airport is three and a half hours away. The hotel offers free parking a few blocks away, and golf carts are available to transport guests from the lot to the hotel. 

The hotel's 36 rooms have an undeniably sexy vibe, decorated with an eclectic mix of wood paneling, damask-patterned carpet, white-tufted headboards, and additional blue and white accents. They certainly play into the property's "play naughty, sleep saintly" tagline, as some rooms have peek-a-boo showers in the bedrooms with or without curtains for privacy. The Petit Rooms have the latter and are tiny, measuring just 150 square feet and looking much like a ship's cabin; they also have just one window. Across the board, the lighting amplifies the romantic mood with generally low-wattage and blue LED lights, however, it can be too dark for some. Lower-category rooms have toilets and sinks separate from the showers, in a space with cool basket-weave tiling. Hairdryers and high-end toiletries are provided. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, closets with in-room safes, bathrobes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Upgrading to a suite will add sitting areas, furnished terraces, or bathtubs.

The standout feature here is the pretty outdoor pool area is small, showcasing two Buddha statues on one end atop a lovely waterfall. The stone terrace is lined with loungers and a couple of daybeds. There's no gym or spa on site, but in-room or poolside massages can be arranged. Breakfast favors quality over quantity, offering a free continental breakfast as well as eight chef-prepared hot dishes at reasonable prices. As of now, there's no proper restaurant, but a bar serves light meals and drinks, plus it has happy hour specials. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.