The Paradise Inn, Key West

The Paradise Inn is a peaceful oasis, surrounded by enormous palm trees that add to the feeling of exclusivity and privacy, especially around the charming pool area. Guests under 17 are not allowed, and neither are bachelor/bachelorette parties, so the social atmosphere matches the relaxed but sophisticated vibe of the architecture and decor. The property consists of restored, historic cigar-maker cottages and reproductions of Bahamian-style houses, so there's a combination of Southern and tropical influences. Everything is white, bright, and spotless, with plenty of windows to let in the Key West sunshine. There are also numerous terraces, sundecks, and quiet patios amid the palms, making it easy for a guest to curl up with a book, a bottle of sunscreen, or a selection from the afternoon wine and cheese hour. Guests who partake of Duval Street’s fabled nightlife will be happy sleeping it off in a sunny lounge chair by the pool, with a cup of Starbucks coffee or tea from the lobby close at hand. The soothing sounds of the poolside fountain are nap-inducing (in a good way), and guests -- often couples -- will find no rough edges to contend with.

The Paradise Inn is in a great location for Key West tourists. The inn sits in Key West’s Old Town historic district, just a block from the center of the island nightlife scene on Duval Street, which means there are plenty of bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries within walking distance. The beach at Southernmost Point is just a half-mile walk, and Smathers Beach is two-and-a-half miles away, easily reached by bike. The Ernest Hemingway Home is five minutes on foot, and Audubon House is a 15-minute walk. 

Rooms at the Paradise Inn are one- and two-bedroom suites, many with balconies, covered porches, or private sundecks. The rooms feel bright and airy, with thin-planked oak floors, white walls and ceiling fans, wood and wicker furniture, and natural-fiber fabrics in white and earthy beiges. There are some framed floral prints, and the occasional ceramic vase, but otherwise decoration is kept to a minimum, emphasizing the sunlight that floods in through French doors in many suites. Each has a large white desk, and a spacious marble bathroom with a shower/tub combo and designer toiletries. Other standard features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable, coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-fridges, safes, and bottled water. Housekeeping includes nightly turndown service with chocolate. Wi-Fi is free. 

The Paradise Inn has a lovely pool patio surrounded by tall palm trees and tropical flowers, and white lounge chairs for catching rays. There is also a small, outdoor spa tub for steaming out stress. Guests are treated to continental breakfast (including Starbucks coffee) in an airy breakfast room, and an early evening wine and cheese happy hour by the pool. In-room massage is available upon request. There is a lobby computer station and printer for guest use, and free Wi-Fi in most public areas. The inn charges a daily fee for parking, and offers electric car charging stations. Bike rentals are available on-site.