Chelsea House Hotel in Key West

The Chelsea House is made up of two former estate properties -- the Peter H. Hanlon house, built in 1905, and the George L. Lowe house, built in in 1891. Both were designed in the Victorian Queen Anne architectural style, making this location an aesthetically pleasing place to have a genuine Key West experience. Inside, buildings are intimate and homey with wingback chairs, hardwood floors, ceiling fans, and antique furnishings. Grounds are clean, but because of the buildings’ age, guests have commented on the need for additional maintenance, especially in the guest rooms. There are also a number of factors that make the Chelsea House a noisy one: Roosters are common on the streets of Key West and their calls are unavoidable in the mornings; the hotel is on a main street which can get loud from late night crowds; and the property is pet-friendly, so occasional barking can be heard.

Key West is a walkable island, but different sections of the locale are more appealing than others depending on your interests. Located in the area’s historical district, the Chelsea House is within walking distance of major attractions. Hemingway's House and Keeper's Quarters Museum are just down the block on Truman Avenue. Continuing down the street, visitors will find Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, where they can go picnicking, swimming, and fishing on the beach. At the corner of South Street and Whitehead is Southernmost Point, where a colorful buoy marks the southernmost land point of America.

The hotel is also just a five-minute walk from Duval Street restaurants and nightlife, including Mangoes and Amigos Tortilla Bar. (Expect touristy shops and flashy places that lack authenticity as well.) For dinner, El Meson de Pepe serves Cuban fare within a perfect location right off Mallory Square, where diners can conveniently view sunset celebrations. Key West International Airport is a bit more than three miles southeast.

Guest rooms are stylized in similar fashion with ceiling fans, key lime color schemes, and wooden louver doors. Spaces are reminiscent of an older time that evokes vintage Cuba, but are updated with modern amenities that include flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The truly tiny Economy units are best for those who don’t require much space. The largest rooms are the Junior Suites, which have private porches and kitchens. There are walk-in showers but no soaking tubs available in any rooms, and there have been cases where rooms and bathrooms were found with clogged drains and moldy walls. Other guests have complained of loud AC units, a general mustiness, doors that don't close properly, and (in some rooms) a lack of closet space. Many units, however, are charming and romantic; some have wood floors and elegant chandeliers. Note that upper-floor rooms must be accessed by stairs, as there are no elevators. Units in the back of the building tend to be quieter, though some in the front have balconies. Pet-friendly units are available for an extra fee and must be arranged with management prior to arrival.

Aside from old-school charm, the hotel has a few other offerings that guests will appreciate. An area behind the main building has an outdoor heated pool and sun loungers. In the mornings, a free breakfast is served poolside and includes a limited selection of pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, and beverages. Other amenities include free on-site parking and Wi-Fi.