Island House Key West — Hotel in Key West

While we've been to the Island House Key West many times, this is the first time we ever visited for Pride. I'm glad we went. It was an action packed week. But first, let's talk about the Island House.|We had an early flight in, so we arrived around 11 AM. Check in was easy-peasy, as usual and to make it even sweeter, our room was ready for us. I know that's not always the case, with guests checking out late, etc., but it was unexpectedly pleasant to do a quick catnap. (We were ready to just grab a locker, go to the pool and chill if our room wasn't ready.)|We stayed in room 102, which has a sliding glass door that faces the pool, but is tucked away near the stairs and outdoor shower. The entrance is in the hallway, which is nice because it offers a bit of privacy as to your comings and goings. It's the perfect combination of being in the center of things but yet having a bit of seclusion when you want. Like all the rooms, it's been nicely renovated and has a small fridge and safe. |The cafe continues to have excellent food and a late night snack bites menu where everything on it is $5.00. That includes delicious conch chowder, savory chicken salad, edamame, flatbread pizzas, etc etc. Of course there is a more substantial menu also available if you want a larger late night plate. And the fully stocked bar is available as well. That's one of the nice things about the Island House is that there's a restaurant right there at your fingertips. Between late night dining or something to eat after hanging out in the pool, the cafe is like the heartbeat of the Island House. (well, it's one of many heartbeats!) |There's a small but efficient gym with equipment that will keep you in shape while you're on vacation. I personally like to work out regularly and planned at least visiting the gym every one of the 6 days we were there. I only made it to their gym 2 times. There was just too much going on elsewhere!|The great thing about staying at Island House is that you can do as much or as little as you want. There's no pressure and no judgment. You want to sit and read a book poolside? Work on your computer while snacking at the cafe? Frolic and meet new friends at the pool? Go off campus sailing, visit attractions or dine elsewhere? It's all your choice. We thought we'd go to Duval Street almost every night of our visit, but we only went 2 nights, opting to continue conversations and camaraderie at Island House with new friends we met throughout our stay.|We traveled to Key West, and the Island House Key West more specifically, to partake in Key West's Gay Pride. There were quite a few events in Key West for Pride, but the best ones (IMO) were at the Island House. Island House hosted some enjoyable pool parties and pride events of their own throughout the week. There was a diverse crowd present and we enjoyed meeting guys from all over the country. One guy and I talked about how great it was that the Island House is staying relevant throughout the years, and he said he was coming down to the Island House for about 40 years when the bar was in the space that the pool now occupies! Pride culminated on Sunday evening with a parade down Duval Street, saving the best float for last--- the Island House float! There was so much love, unity and pride on that float. I know because I was on it. It reminded me, with all the negativity and hate in this current world, that if we lead with love, good things can happen.|We look forward to our next visit to Island House Key West, which is going to be in August! If you are unaware, Island House Key West offers a thank you to their guests who stay 4 nights or more during high season -- three complimentary nights during low season. It's a wonderful deal almost too good to be true. But it is true. It is real. And it is the best thank you anyone can ever get from any establishment.|When you visit the Island House, I invite you to stroll down the hall near room 102 and take in the many, many pictures on the walls of our brothers who were here before us, who believed in a little place called the Island House Key West. They worked hard to have a vision where gay men could get together and escape the pressures of everyday life since 1976 (if I'm correct with the year!). Bobi, Jeffrey, James and all of the Island Mates are working hard to continue the legacy and make Island House Key West a little slice of heaven. Here's to many more years of keeping the...

Plenty of amenities, nice rooms, I would provide a higher review, but there are a couple major issues for my personal visit. The booking reservation we had caused us to have to swap rooms (not the issue, the front desk staff was very accommodating and extremely friendly) Housekeeping was the issue. As soon as I walked in the room it smelled pretty good I noticed the housekeeper had airfresher in his hand as he walked out. However I looked at the bed and observed semen stains on the front of the comforter. The resort also offers free use of sarongs in the room, the notice left on top of them said they are washed daily and fresh ones put in the room. Again the one I had also had semen stains. The other issue was later when we returned to the room, I discovered the air fresher smell was to mask a piss smell in the room. Honestly I stayed in two rooms the first room I had zero issues or complaints about. Absolutely wonderful two days in the first room, for some that might be reading this, no I didn't leave any semen on the bed. Lol In fairness housekeeping may have rushed to get the room prepared for me and my friend (we didn't rush them). I would have preferred to wait longer to have clean and fragrant free room like the first one. I try not to complain but I did ask the front desk to please change the sheets and comforter which they were happy to and had done immediately this before I noticed the piss smell. The front desks guys were really amazing. I will bump my rating from a 3 star to 4 star. They were friendly and welcoming, they probably would have had the room cleaned even more if I complained about the odor as well. The second major issue I had was at the bar. I am going to start with the good first. Ray is a great bartender, they have this nice and handsome barback, can't remember his name. Then there was Dustin, or Justin whatever his name is who works the happy hour with the amazing Ray completely ignored me, he serviced every customer who came up to the bar but me. That was actually my second encounter with him, the first was my first day at the resort me and two friends sat down ordered our drinks, and 20 minutes later still had no drinks. I returned to the bar (this is when I met Ray) he asked do you need something I said yeah my friends and I ordered drinks 20 minutes ago but never got them. He smiled and apologize and said he probably forgot. (Normally this would an acceptable excuse, that place gets pretty full at happy hour); however this didn't sit well with me for two reasons one the bar was not crowded at the time we ordered our drinks, he came to our table to take the order, it was pretty empty at the time, and the second thing was we were the only 3 African Americans there at the time. Maybe it's just me but something like that stands out and would be difficult for me personally as a service person to forget my only 3 diverse customers gave me an order and I forgot, highly doubtful! Did I also mention during my second encounter with him I was the only African American standing at the bar when served all the other customers even ones who approached the bar after me. After he gave everyone drinks but me he walked in the back without even looking at me or acknowledging me. I didn't complain, Ray had a little line going I just walked to the back of the line and got my drinks. I was definitely pissed tho. The Island House has a 24 bar, all the other bartenders were really nice and attentive. Just that one. In fairness maybe he just didn't like me, but I noticed one of my friends received similar treatment from Dustin. The overall experience was really nice, it's like an adult playground for men. A gym, saunas, two hot tubs indoor and outdoor, a "library", very nice pool, outdoor shower, did I mention the free happy hour, tons of free stuff you would pay at other resorts. Would I stay here again, yes. I would mostly make a few special request...

My partner and I stayed at Island House for the first time in January 2024. We were there for 7 nights. I’ve been going to resorts like this for about 20 years, but decided to try Key West for a change of pace. On the surface there’s plenty of commonality between them all - lots of palm trees throughout the resort, a welcoming staff and friendly and (and mostly naked) guests from all around the world in the pools, jacuzzis, and sun deck, etc. From there, Island House sprints ahead of the pack.

CHECK IN: Quick and easy. The first thing we noticed upon entering the room was a note, hand-signed by the management, thanking us for our extended stay. The note was on top of two high quality personalized luggage tags with each of our names and branded with Island House. There were also two wooden keychains, each with our names etched on one side and the Island House logo on the other. They also gifted us a lovely sarong.

THE ROOM: The room was standard for these types of resorts. The bathroom was pretty basic, except it was equipped with a bidet, which turned out to be so awesome, we searched for it on Amazon and bought one for our house. The bed was VERY comfortable.

THE BAR & CAFE: The food in the cafe was surprisingly good for poolside food. Over the course of our 7 days, we had an opportunity to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From delicious burgers and chicken sandwiches with perfect fries and onion rings to more complex dinner dishes, it was all better than what you’d find in a typical restaurant. I know that’s a bold statement, but the meatloaf was among the best I’ve had (I’m a huge meatloaf lover) and my partner thoroughly enjoyed the chicken cordon bleu entree. For breakfast, the omelets were hearty, the avocado toast heavenly, and the chicken & waffles gets an honorary mention. They serve complimentary coffee, which was kind of weak but serviceable. I did say complimentary right? They have better coffee beverages for purchase.

HAPPY HOUR: Every guest gets 4 free drinks each day during happy hour, which is 5pm to 6:30pm. These are STRONG drinks and nearly all alcoholic beverages are included. Outside of happy hour, you’ll find bartenders taking orders from the pool deck chairs and even while in the pool.

HOSPITALITY: Everyone - and I mean everyone was fantastic and took great care of us. I have to give a special shout out to Zeke and David who constantly went above and beyond for us and everyone else we noticed them interacting with.

RESORT AMENITIES: Heated pool was wonderful. They also had an abundance of lounge chairs around the pool and several more on the sundeck upstairs. Also plenty of pool towels to go around. There’s an outdoor jacuzzi and another one that’s indoors, adjacent to the steam room and the sauna. The gym was fully equipped and NOT clothing optional which was really nice to actually be able to work out and not have it be a cruising area. If you’re looking for action, the play room delivers for those looking to partake.

RESORT FEES: None to be had, which was very refreshing. I found the pricing very transparent up front and no gotcha’s upon check out.

TDLR: Island House claims to be “The Best Gay Resort In the World.” Turns out that is a factual statement....