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.