Orchid Key Inn

The Orchid Key Inn is a trendy boutique in the heart of Key West's historic district. From the exterior, looks can be deceiving -- with retro-style signage near the entry to the hotel property, guests may think the hotel is dated and in need of a few updates. Quite to the contrary, the lobby, corridors, and rooms are completely renovated in a stylish, understated tropical fashion. The orchid decor theme begins in the lobby with a chic, white flower-shaped lighting fixture, a shiny white wall covered in an abstract floral design, and fresh orchids at the front desk. Continuing throughout the property, orchids and floral artwork can be found on the pool deck and poolside bar.

Orchid Key Inn is located directly on Duval Street in the heart of Key West and close to many restaurants, shops, and nightlife activities. Tours Key West, within a block of the hotel, offers scooter rentals, water tours, snorkeling, and other water sports and tours. Other daytime activities include the Key West Lighthouse and the Ernest Hemingway House and Museum, each two blocks away, or the Key West Butterfly Conservatory and Southernmost Point, both within six blocks. The inn has no on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner, so guests may wish to consider one of several dining options just down the street within several blocks.

Complete with upscale furnishings, tropical design elements, and colorful artwork, rooms at the Orchid Key Inn are more luxurious than nearby competitors. The bathrooms are completely renovated with sand colored tile in the walk-in showers and tiny light blue tiles along the vanity. Two plush robes hang in the bathroom and each room features a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, microwave, coffeemaker, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have spacious patios surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and palm trees. Poolside rooms offer a view of the pool or garden below and tend to be quieter than rooms in the wing closer to Duval Street.

The pool at the Orchid Key Inn is one of the hotel’s most unique design features. The pool itself is shaped kind of like the crest of a crown and the pool deck is covered in a checkered board of different shades of blue tiles. Tucked in a corner, there’s a half circle-shaped hot tub, surrounded by a giant purple orchid mosaic on the wall. Located poolside, Orchid Bar serves free breakfast each morning and offers drink specials and snacks during happy hour. Guests are given vouchers for one free drink during each night of their stay. There isn’t an on-site restaurant serving lunch and dinner, but the hotel is located within walking distance of multiple options. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Nearby parking is available for a fee (discounted for hotel guests) and there is no valet service.