Duval Inn

Surrounded by a low white picket fence and a lawn filled with palms and tropical flowering trees, the Duval Inn dates from 1895, but its Victorian look has been largely outshined by new wood floors and a slew of interesting artwork. Decor varies from traditional Key West tropical to Asian-inspired, with lamps in some rooms and areas adorned with real, rustic but elegantly placed seashells while others have embroidered pillows featuring monkeys, wooden ornaments, and masks. The pool is small but sunny, and is surrounded by vines, tropical plants, and tribal masks. The courtyard is covered in seashells. There's also a small bamboo bar with a few high tables and umbrellas.

Just a block from the middle of Duval Street, all of old Key West’s most popular restaurants, bars, and shops are within a 10-minute walk. The Ernest Hemingway house and museum is on the next street over, and the Key West Lighthouse is just a bit farther. Fort Zachary park and beach are less than a 15-minute walk away, and the airport is about a 15-minute drive. Miami International Airport is about three hours away.

There are 17 individually decorated rooms at the Inn, along with Cottages and Bungalows. Rooms in the main house are the most ornate and richly decorated, each featuring a variety of nautical prints, artwork, lamps, and antique bed frames, dressers, and chairs. Main house and Cottage rooms all have spacious, private bathrooms with showers, while four of the Bungalow rooms share a bathroom at the end of the hall. Some rooms in the main house include a full modern kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, ovens, and dishes. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, an individual air-conditioning wall unit, a mini-fridge, towels, and a handwritten welcome note.  

The free breakfast is basic -- bagels and fruit -- but the daily happy hour is a treat -- cocktails are free, and are served in the Inn’s lovely, seashell-covered courtyard. Paid parking is available next door but must be booked in advance. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and a small pool surrounded by vines and greenery. Some rooms include full kitchens and others can be adjoined to accommodate families and larger groups. The concierge can book restaurant reservations, tours, and private yacht cruises.