The Southernmost House

Southernmost House, built in 1896, was purchased by a Spanish family in the 1940s, and today draws couples and families seeking memorable scenery and ambience. Five presidents have stayed here, and it was one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite haunts; the building also did time as a Cuban nightclub. Despite sitting at the foot of Duval Street, the epicenter of Key West nightlife, Southernmost House is actually a generally quiet spot within easy walking distance of all the action and tourist sights. Bachelor and bachelorette parties are not welcome on the property, which helps to preserve the quiet, laid-back feel of the place; street noise can infiltrate some rooms, but the overall vibe is peaceful. 

The landmark Victorian building is beautifully painted in shell pinks and gentle blues, with gorgeous woodwork, and beautiful porches that invite long afternoon sits. Enhancing the romantic ambience are lush palm trees and tropical flowers overhanging an elegant “edgeless” pool with a spectacular ocean view -- nothing about the property is cheap or ordinary. The breakfast buffet is served on an antique sideboard; the grounds are dotted with bright turquoise hammocks; and even the signature cocktails are one-of-a-kind. There are chandeliers, Oriental carpets, original artwork, and Tiffany skylights that evoke the home’s storied past. Southernmost House combines class and comfort in true, timeless Key West style. 

Southernmost House lives up to its name -- it is on the southernmost edge of Key West, overlooking the ocean and directly adjacent to South Beach. It's on the quieter end of Duval Street in Old Town, within walking distance of popular bars, restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, home to arguably Key West's best beach, is a 20-minute walk, and Southernmost Point is about a block away. The Hemingway Museum is a 10-minute walk and the Audubon House is about 10 minutes more, as is Sloppy Joe’s, Key West’s most famous bar. Key West International Airport is 10 minutes from the hotel by car.

Rooms at Southernmost House are individually designed and decorated, with antique furnishings and romantic beds, including sleigh beds and four-posters in some units. Bathrooms are spotless, spacious, and modern, with hairdryers, free toiletries, and plenty of fluffy towels; some guest rooms have en-suite spa tubs, while others have stall showers. The hotel consists of two separate buildings; most guests prefer rooms in the main house, but next-door Lopez House can be rented by groups traveling together, and has a large suite with a full kitchen. Some rooms have balconies with panoramic Caribbean views. Standard amenities include iPod docks, mini-fridges (or full refrigerators), coffeemakers, flat-screen HD TVs, and air-conditioning. Guests with mobility issues should request ground-floor rooms; there are no elevators.

Southernmost House serves a free continental breakfast on a poolside patio or in the lovely Hemingway Parlor. Breakfast includes hard-boiled eggs, cheeses, fresh fruit, and pastries. The heated, zero-edge pool is a tropical oasis with a matchless view of the ocean. The pool bar -- with signature cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks -- sits under a pretty pavilion, and food from local restaurants can be delivered poolside or to guest rooms. The pool itself is obviously a highlight, with no edges and ocean views. It leads to a man-made sandy area with palm trees, hammocks, and a swing, but there is no direct beach access -- guess will need to cross the street to go to South Beach.

Massages can be arranged in rooms or by the ocean, and the hotel keeps a basket of yoga mats in the lobby for guest use. There are plenty of hammocks strung throughout the grounds for spontaneous naps, as well. The colorful gift shop sells handcrafted items and various souvenirs. Parking is available on-site for a daily fee.