The Garden House — Hotel in Key West

The only good thing about this property is the hospitality of Sammy and the location for walkability. That said about hospitality, the property manager who was there on our last two days canceled out our entire positive experience with Sammy.

Parking was impossible to find within a close distance so once you are there, plan to park your car somewhere on the street and leave it there (very limited) or pay $30 per day at the adjoining church and that's only if they have space for you.

I was aware we booked a tiny queen, but was not prepared for just how tiny it was. There was literally no where to hang or store clothes so we had to keep everything in our suitcases for 5 nights. The small dresser they had was broken (doors would fall down when you tried to open them) and we had to put our suitcases on the floor at night and move them to the bed every morning just to be able to walk around the room. You can barely walk along side the bed to get into bed at night. There's about 6 inches of space on each side of the bed and on the window side you have to navigate around/under a window air conditioner.

There were paint chips on the ceiling, walls and floors. There were only a couple outlets in the entire room between the sleeping and bathroom areas. My husband and I are not large people and we had to take turns going from the sleeping area to the bathroom through the narrow hallway.

I tried to be a good sport about the whole thing until the worst part about our stay was when the refrigerator went out and destroyed our fresh catch that we caught the day before that we were planning to enjoy at a local restaurant. When we brought it to their attention, they did not apologize, offer a discount or any type of compensation. They just sent a maintenance person and told us that someone shut it off, implying it was us.

This place is not worth the ridiculous price (and extra $20/day resort fee). I would not recommend to any of my family or friends. I'm actually shocked by all of the positive reviews that I read...

Maybe we picked a wrong room this time, Room we picked was a king bed and it was a nice bed but it does not fit the room, a queen would been bit tight. Less than 12 inches between wall and bed simply says something wrong. Room not too small but poorly laid out. Was no microwave in this room. We have stayed at this place many times about 10 years ago before John sold it and the late Nancy Gilmore was manager. Loved all the other rooms we had been in the past at Garden House. Booked it on booking.com and said nothing about added resort fees. A very small pool the size of a big hot tub does not make a resort. Parking was a disaster, arrived on Monday and paid for 6 days. Was told we be only charged for 4 but billed for 5. Had to move Wed. morning and not get to return to spot till Friday morning. Defeated reason to park there to begin with. Room was clean. Was no do not disturb sign (first time ever to not have one ) so wife asked for one but told they don't have. She was told by office that they would tell maid no service wanted. Wife returned Saturday night alone and found maid had come again as towels on bed. Problem is door not locked. That could been a disaster. When we are on vacation we want our privacy. We had hoped to enjoy our return visit as been staying at several other places in our many years of staying in KW about 6 times a year. Where loving the Amsterdam Curry Mansion till Patsy and Phil sold it. We miss them as hosts and the mansion. For the above reasons sorry but can't rate it high. Will not...

Let me preface this by saying I am a Mariott Bonvoy Platinum member and I was not impressed with any of the reviews or photos of what I saw of the Mariott locations here in Key West. I’m so glad we opted to stay at The Garden House for my first time to Florida, because I don’t think any large hotel chain could have provided what The Garden House and Sammy and that sweet baby KD did!

The Garden House is JUST far enough (two streets) from everything that is centrally located in Key West. Whether it’s Duval St or the boat docks, you are right in the middle but just far enough away from the night life to get plenty of amazing sleep! Sammy is the bees knees. I can’t stay enough good things about this man. From the time you set foot on the property to the time you leave, he’s got you and all your needs! He makes the best waffles and bagels daily, along with other breakfast items and sides! If you’re not feeling staying in for breakfast, he has plenty of recommendations for all over the Keys and things to do! We came from Ohio and I was as able to have a package rerouted with no issue to The Garden House for my medicine and they were so accommodating!!

The only “minus” and I wouldn’t even call it that, which has nothing to do with The Garden House, I would just call it a culture shock for someone who is from the colder north, LOL is all the tropical bugs!! Make sure you bring bug spray for yourself during the summer months!! Book your stay here!! Get ready to live...