Knowles House B&B

Built in the mid-1800s, the Knowles House B&B is an historic conch-style building, complete with a charming front porch with wicker seating. The house, formerly a one-floor cottage, was in the Bahamian Knowles family for 70 years, and has seen additions of a second floor and rear porch over the years. When the current owners took over in 1996, they modernized the property, though it still maintains a cozy, old-fashioned charm. The inn's pale yellow siding is set off by black shutters and lots of leafy tropical plants, lending a romantic atmosphere that attracts mostly couples. Antique furniture and trinkets -- including a wire bird cage and a wall-mounted horse statue -- combine with beautiful wood floors, richly patterned rugs, historic family photos, and ceiling fans in the lobby. The small, heated outdoor pool is surrounded by a palm-shaded, weathered-wood deck with patio furniture and a hot tub, plus free towels in a woven basket. Near the pool is a collection of colorful rubber ducks, tokens left by former guests from all over the world. A metal, spiral staircase leads to the rooftop sun deck, where there are striped lounge chairs and umbrellas.  

The hotel’s Key West location is three blocks from the waterfront and Key West Bight Ferry Terminal, where guests can begin trips to Ft. Myers Beach and Marco Island. A minute or two down the street from the hotel are Old Town Bakery, the Paseo Restaurant (serving Cuban cuisine), and Eaton Bikes. Guests can reach bustling Duval Street -- with lots of shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries -- and Mallory Square in about 10 to 15 minutes on foot. The Truman Little White House, South Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park are all around five minutes away by car. Driving to Key West International Airport takes just under 10 minutes.

Rooms are on first floor, second floor, or pool wing. Standard features include flat-screen or tube-style TVs, mini-fridges, ceiling fans, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The Caribbean Room has hand-painted furnishings and tropical artwork. The English Colonial Room has a canopy bed and floral textiles. The Country Cottage Room offers a vaulted ceiling and private porch. The Country French Room is cheerful with yellow walls, and has a soaking tub. The Italian Room is romantic, with a carved mirror and large bathroom with whirlpool tub. The Malibu Room sits poolside and has high ceilings. The Tropical Room has an antique local pine wall, and Caribbean prints. The Paris Room is decorated with framed Eiffel Tower photography and mirrored furniture. Standard tile bathrooms have showers or shower/tub combos and hairdryers.

The open-air breakfast room is decorated in Caribbean style, with wood floors, a bold turquoise ceiling, wood ceiling fans, and wicker chairs. Free breakfast is served at guests' leisure, and includes (sometimes homemade) assorted baked goods, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, hard-boiled eggs, juice, coffee, and tea. Tour reservations, bicycle rentals, and dinner reservations can be handled through the concierge service. Free daily happy hour includes beer and wine, and there are usually free baked goods and coffee available throughout the day and night. Parking is available for free at a nearby location. Wi-Fi is free throughout.