La Te Da — Hotel in Key West

I typically enjoy discovering and appreciating hidden gems; however, this experience did not meet my expectations.||I chose the La Te Da Hotel as the destination for my 2024 birthday vacation. After conducting research and reviewing feedback, I decided to reserve Room #27 due to its private balcony — although I later learned it is not all that private. The path to other rooms passes by this area. There are also lounge chairs in close proximity for guests to enjoy the pool. ||On December 7, 2023, I booked Room #27 for September 12-16, 2024. On February 12, 2024, I was notified that the hotel would soon be renovating the historic building behind the property and guestrooms toward the rear. Consequently, my reservation for Room #27 was changed to Room #25, which I found unacceptable given my specific request for Room #27, leading me to cancel the reservation.||Subsequently, I reconsidered my plans for my 2025 birthday. On December 11, 2024, I rebooked and explicitly requested Room #27 for September 4-8, 2025. However, on August 29, 2025, I received confirmation indicating Room #25. I responded to the hotel, provided last year’s situation, and was assured by the hotel manager Eric that I had been reserved in Room #27, with no mention of ongoing construction. Had I been informed of the renovations, I would have canceled immediately.||When I arrived on September 4, 2025, amidst heavy rain, I was unsure whether I was at the correct check-in area due to ongoing construction. The check-in space was small and covered with heavy plastic sheeting, which created an unwelcoming atmosphere. I was greeted by what appeared to be the hotel manager, along with a female employee. The manager asked if I was checking in alone, to which I confirmed that I was. The female employee remarked that I was checking in alone for my birthday; however, my birthday was the following week and my purpose was simply to relax during a solo trip, not specifically for the celebration. She seemed to have seen my email from a week earlier, as she was aware of my birthday. I later saw her again and she appeared to be sizing me up. I am unsure of her role, as I did not observe her engaged in any other duties.||After check-in, the manager escorted me to my room, which did not inspire confidence. I observed rust on the mini fridge and a bathroom faucet that had been repeatedly cracked and glued. As I had an early start that morning, I planned to rest. The pillowcases were of poor quality and pulled at my hair. When I woke and retrieved items from my suitcase that I left opened, I noticed my clothes were damp. I initially noticed water on the floor upon entering the room but attributed it to rain water from my suitcase, and shoes, especially as the manager was ahead of me when I entered the room. There was a faint leak, most likely had been ongoing. Additionally, the construction which started at 8 a.m. and was disruptive.||The dining options and beverages available were average. Aside from the ongoing renovation, I believe there is room for improvement in presentation and cleanliness, such as replacing stained tablecloths, discarding coffee-stained sugar packets on dining tables, upgrading small appliances like the mini fridge and fixtures, and providing higher-quality pillowcases.||I chose not to use the pool, despite originally planning to, because it was directly visible from the dining area, which I found off-putting. During my stay, I observed only a few guests using the pool, generally one couple at a time. It is a small boutique hotel and if I heard correctly, only 8 rooms were occupied.||Additionally, the room lacked a desk or vanity area for personal grooming or applying makeup.||Overall, while most staff members were friendly, the overall experience has led me to decide not to return to Key West...

My Review on La Te Da:||On a recent vist to this establishment The decor was very nice, service was below subpar. When bread service was brought to our table of 5, we were given 2 baskets, one with 3 small pieces and the other with 3, the bread size was 1"x1". Two of us ordered the Lobster Bisque appetizer which was lacking the appearance of lobster and basically tasted like tomato soup with a hint of seafood in the background, as if the lobster swam through the soup. When brought to the waiters attention he said there are no pieces of Lobster in a bisque! The so-called lobster bisque was not finished by the two of us, so we asked the bus boy for another serving of bread while waiting for our entrees. He brought one additional basket with 4 pieces of bread. When 2 of us ate 2 pieces of the bread, I noticed a wedge of used lemon and 2 opened packs of Splenda underneath the last piece of bread! He apparently served us a left over basket from another table!!! We just consumed some strangers leftover bread!!!! I immediately brought this to our waiters attention. He was embarrassed and apologetic - he brought us a full basket of bread and brick hard butter!!! He said he put this basket together himself so its safe to eat. Two of us ordered the Sauteed Key West Yellowtail Snapper and both were delicious, with a decent size portion. One ordered Spaghettini di Pomodoro, which was also said to be delicious. The remaining 2 of our party ordered the Maple Walnut Salad with additional Shrimp. The salad was very good, the Shrimp was large, grilled, but had a strong fishy odor and taste. For me, this usually wouldn't deter me from my willingness to finish my salad but with the disgusting service of used bread, this made me apprehensive to eat the remaining 3 pieces. We passed on ordering dessert only because we were not in the mood and it was getting late. We asked for our check (no separate checks allowed.) It was noticed on the bill we were being charged for an additional $32 for a 3rd Maple Walnut Salad! When brought to our waiter's attention he said, "Oh, I did notice that but forgot to fix it." Hmmmm, we all thought. This normally wouldn't have been an issue of suspicion but one of our group clearly overheard that our same waiter was overcharging another patron! So overall, we would not return or recommend La De Da's Restaurant. Whomever is reading this, make your own decision but this is a bonafide true and non...

My Review on La Te Da:

On a recent vist to this establishment The decor was very nice, service was below subpar. When bread service was brought to our table of 5, we were given 2 baskets, one with 3 small pieces and the other with 3, the bread size was 1"x1". Two of us ordered the Lobster Bisque appetizer which was lacking the appearance of lobster and basically tasted like tomato soup with a hint of seafood in the background, as if the lobster swam through the soup. When brought to the waiters attention he said there are no pieces of Lobster in a bisque! The so-called lobster bisque was not finished by the two of us, so we asked the bus boy for another serving of bread while waiting for our entrees. He brought one additional basket with 4 pieces of bread. When 2 of us ate 2 pieces of the bread, I noticed a wedge of used lemon and 2 opened packs of Splenda underneath the last piece of bread! He apparently served us a left over basket from another table!!! We just consumed some strangers leftover bread!!!! I immediately brought this to our waiters attention. He was embarrassed and apologetic - he brought us a full basket of bread and brick hard butter!!! He said he put this basket together himself so its safe to eat. Two of us ordered the Sauteed Key West Yellowtail Snapper and both were delicious, with a decent size portion. One ordered Spaghettini di Pomodoro, which was also said to be delicious. The remaining 2 of our party ordered the Maple Walnut Salad with additional Shrimp. The salad was very good, the Shrimp was large, grilled, but had a strong fishy odor and taste. For me, this usually wouldn't deter me from my willingness to finish my salad but with the disgusting service of used bread, this made me apprehensive to eat the remaining 3 pieces. We passed on ordering dessert only because we were not in the mood and it was getting late. We asked for our check (no separate checks allowed.) It was noticed on the bill we were being charged for an additional $32 for a 3rd Maple Walnut Salad! When brought to our waiter's attention he said, "Oh, I did notice that but forgot to fix it." Hmmmm, we all thought. This normally wouldn't have been an issue of suspicion but one of our group clearly overheard that our same waiter was overcharging another patron! So overall, we would not return or recommend La De Da's Restaurant. Whomever is reading this, make your own decision but this is a bonafide true and non...