We didnt know what to expect, but we planned a safety-conscious birthday trip, avoiding all bars and nightclubs and only dining in restaurants that practiced social distancing. Ernest Hemingway happily chose Key West to call home. only for gays Review of Island House Reviewed December 28, 2016 Once you enter, you remain inside the hotel. swaying palms, furnished with island wicker, rattan, and the expected call or email reservations@islandhousekeywest.com. All of Key Wests gay and lesbian nightlife takes place on Duval Street, in an area called the Pink Triangle. It was in the 1970s when many gay men and lesbians started to flock to the city, attracted by the climate, the creative community of locals, and an accepting and open atmosphere. Just a 5 minute walk from Island House, The historic seaport hasseaside restaurants, famous watering holes, wacky special events, and the biggest boat marina in Old Town. A real step back in time, with or without a tour guide. BEST PRIVATE ISLAND, 20 YEARS IN A ROW PORTHOLE CRUISE MAGAZINE. In November 2020, Key West voted to ban large cruise ships and now Royal Caribbean is informing guests their ship will not visit the island. At the pool, where you need to swim over to chat to someone, its much more of an approach. The crowds are why I steer clear of going out in Hells Kitchen and West Hollywood, the gay clubbing capitals of New York City and Los Angeles, respectively. Following Key West voting to ban cruise ships, scheduled stops are being cancelled. Additional LGBTQ tips and a guide to the town is produced by the Key West Business Guild. For a design-centric hotel option, The Marker resort is located steps from the Key West harbor and has three pools on-site, including an adults-only one. LGBTQ Pride Guide 2022 | PASSPORT Magazine, Traveling Gourmet My Favorite Middle Eastern And Mediterranean Restaurants in the USA, Seven of our Favorite Food Tours in the USA & Canada, The Perfect Cocktails for Your Memorial Day Celebration, Delicious Holiday Cocktails You Can Make for Your Friends and Family this Holiday Season, Delicious Coffee & Tea Advent Calendars to Celebrate the Holidays, Dallas Dish! The entire place is full of LGBT+ guests and the staff has been extensively trained to provide you with a welcoming and gay-friendly experience. Then the competitions began. Since then . Understanding a citys gay scene is much more easily done with the help of a local and apartment sharing is one of the best ways to meet someone living in the city who knows the best insider advice. Closer to Cuba than Miami, Key West is tucked away at the very end of an old island chain. The Key West Lighthouse is one of the island's oldest structures. Apart from Key Wests natural beauty, tourist attractions and sites are abundant. Upon arriving in the Conch Republic, youll find a laid-back, eclectic and alternative community that has been a safe haven for LGBT travelers, artists and free thinkers since the early 1970s. Prices at Island House Key West start from $149 per night: Check prices now 03 Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection Key Largo Why we love it Marriott Autograph Collection Luxurious waterfront oasis Infinity style pool with a magnificent archway Romantic fire pits lit up for sunset It's undergone several redesigns and updates, and the private, secluded space attracts visitors from all over the world. Cruise ships recently returned to Key West. If youre looking to live like a gay local when you visit Key West, then you should check out the hundreds of accommodations available on Misterb&b. As I got ready, I mentally and physically braced myself for a Hell's Kitchen experience; I even squeezed in an extra trip to the gym beforehand, as if that would do anything! Other accommodations are known for their warm welcome to all guests and include a wide array of hotels, motels, inns and waterfront resorts. View our advertising policy above. Island House has won a variety of awards and has been named the best gay resort in the world by BOYZ and Out Traveler magazines. Check out this guide for tips on dining, gay nightlife, hotels, tours, sights & more! poolside happy hour (5 p.m. 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays until 8 p.m.) including top-shelf spirits. Grammy Voter. Please note that your 3 Free nights CANNOT be split into separate stays and must be taken at the SAME time. Its the newest hotel built in Old Town and the rooms are beautifully designed with simple tastes of luxury. Below we show a map of Glory Holes in Key West that has shared our community. Ocho Rios . Where are Glory Holes in Fort Myers Beach. Victorian clothing is featured in photographs and articles - everything to help dress the part of the elegant Victorian lady, gentleman, or child. To find out more, please Click Here More Info Log in Still, the poolside Happy Hour was in full effect, and Im not talking about a basic 2 for one special. Some of their more popular options include full-day excursions for parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, and snorkeling. In January, I celebrated a milestone birthday. His work has been featured in New York Times, Rolling Stone, Washington Post, Playboy, and more. 129 reviews #136 of 254 Restaurants in Key West $$ - $$$ American Bar Vegetarian Friendly. Discover more travel tips for the Florida Keys on their tourism website. The final day was Sunday, when Island House had its big daytime party from noon to five. Nestled in the heart of Old Town, this unique property was the home to Ernest Hemingway, who lived and wrote in Key West for over ten years. For decades, Key West has created its own creative and eclectic vibe. Amenities include a clothing-optional sundeck, pool, 15-person Jacuzzi, gym, complimentary happy hour every evening and a continental breakfast every morning. Easy to meet new people most gay resorts offer social activities where you can meet other travelers. 60 Seconds in Key West and The Florida Keys Enjoy a place where closets are only for your clothes. The Car of the Future is Here, and its Electric! Eventually, another gaggle of gays sat down next to us, and announced that we all needed to head to a bar called Saloon for the competitions. As one guy explained, Saloon invited men up on stage to compete in various categories, including best chest, best dick, "gayest-looking," and sexiest couple. Three other guys were also on the deck sunning spaced a few feet apart (a rule mandated with signage). Blogs are researched and reviewed for accuracy. Copyright 2022 Travels of Adam Privacy Policy Contact. Alexanders Guest House is another award-winning resort in Key West. They have great reviews by guests on TripAdvisor and theyve received the coveted Certificate of Excellence since 2010. The free stay is subject to availability, has no cash value and is NOT transferable. The caf serves American food with a hint of Caribbean flare for breakfast, lunch, dinner. Island House and, frankly, all of Key West is the best of what gay culture has to offer. I said hello, and I was not met with judgmental glances or curt dismissalsjust equally enthusiastic hellos and getting-to-know-you questions. In a town with as much life and energy as Key West has, dont miss out on desert! Island House Key West Resort The Island House is a globally-known hotel and "playground" where gay men can be themselves, discretely or just letting it all hang out. People flock to this resort from around the world for their laidback vibe and amazing parties. Key West has a number of beaches that are just a short bike ride from Island House. Were here around the clock to do the same for you! As Americas southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West is a paradise, seriously, with endless turquoise greenish-blue water thats so clear you can see your feet while standing waist-deep in the water. Scooters, electric cars, and Jeep rentals are also popular options. Not only is this one of the best all-gay cafs, it rivals the best of Key West restaurants for a relaxed, fun, and delicious experience. Tropic Cinema is a unique Key West treasure. The staff was accommodating and attentive, and we look forward to returning post-pandemic to. Enable Accessibility This website uses cookies. While there arent many sandy Youll almost certainly have a great time staying at any of these resorts, but Island House is the most popular for many reasons. They recently even started offering listings of gay and gay-friendly hotels on their site for a one-stop-shop. If they tell you NO, respect and do not disturb, just as you'd like to be respected. bric-a-brac. Their directory of gay friendly Key West businesses includes discount coupons, and the staff inside are great for making recommendations on the best activities, restaurants, and nightlife. Visit Key West, Florida on your next Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line where you can see the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum, the Key West Aquarium and more. All Rights Reserved. By 2018, more than a . It was first built in 1825 to help ships navigate the dangerous reefs of the Lower Keys. People observe, look, speak, meet and much more . Required fields are marked *, Gay Nice the best gay hotels, bars, clubs & more. We'll e-mail a link to reset your password. Big, tall, black, white, or small, Island House is a community of real people, all here to enjoy a fabulous Key West vacation. Located right across the street from Smathers Beach. You literally couldnt be any closer to the Old Town party scene. .css-13y9o4w{display:block;font-family:GraphikBold,GraphikBold-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-13y9o4w:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.39461rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.3;}}17 Sex Positions That Guarantee Their Orgasm, A Threesome Was My Biggest FantasyUntil I Had One, 20 High-Quality Sex Toys for Men Under $50, The Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Good Boundaries, The 9 Best Dating Apps if You're Polyamorous, The Shocking Truth Behind My Husband's ED, 40 Cool Last-Minute Valentines Day Gifts. Fury Water Adventures offers a variety of high-adrenaline water activities and sports. In a future article, Ill write a review of my lovely time there at a really fun place in FTL, but for thispiece, I want to share my first-time experience staying at the popular Island House Key West Resort. I felt like I had a communitya gay male community that I havent been able to find in New York despite living here for four years. Whether you opt for a party-filled weekend of frolic and debauchery or a relaxed getaway with leisurely days by the pool, Island House is a Caribbean dream come true. We were given a tour of the property, including the large outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor restaurant and bar, gym with free-weights and machines, steam room, and sauna areas which all had COVID-19 capacity and social distance restrictions in place. Scuba Diving, Jet Skiing, Kayak Rentals, Deep-Sea Fishing, Cruises. Since then Island House has won a variety of awards from BOYZ and Out Traveler magazines, as well as top recognition from TripAdvisor. During those times, the acceptance of LGBT people wasnt what it is today so many gay travelers really needed a safe space if they wanted to travel with their same-sex partner and not fear judgment or harassment. The restaurant serves fine dining with seasonal specialties and offers live entertainment most nights in an outdoor setting. This is common in many of the gay resorts in Key West. At the A&B Lobster House, you can enjoy sunset over the harbor from their outdoor, wrap-around patio. Even though Island House is known for its sexual energy, its also just a great place to enjoy the sun, find a spot poolside to read a book, or simply be left alone if that is what you prefer. Reviews, photos, maps, information. Founded in 2014, misterb&b is not a hotel or chain, but rather a booking site for rooms, apartments and homes. The number of attractions and things to do are endless; its easy to lose track of time when in Key West. The visitors center is operated by the Key West Business Guild which has promoted the island to LGBTQ travelers since 1978. Anyone ever accused of being an old soul will find solace here, with miles of endless turquoise waters and mangrove islands to let your imagination soar. I would love the vibes could spread to cities like NYC and LA, but I'm not sure it'll happen, since Key West is a gay vacation town; people go with the mindset of having fun and meeting new people. They weren't sure why I was talking to them, but once they realized my warmth was genuineI was simply looking to make friendsthey opened up (figuratively and, in some instances, literally). The grounds are a stunning oasis of tranquility featuring a pool and jacuzzi, sun loungers, clothing-optional sun decks, delicious breakfast and a friendly happy hour with complimentary cocktails. Is everyone always thisdown?, Every weekend, he replied without missing a beat. I would be remiss not to mention that I had mental reservations, though. I honestly didn't think I had ever socialized that hard in my life. . The lighthouse that stands today dates back to 1847, and the 92-foot (28-meter) building offers some of the best views in town, as well as a maritime museum in the keeper's house. Other popular resorts in Key West are Equator Resort, New Orleans House, and Alexanders Guest House. There were some guys there: most wearing Speedos, but a few lounging and swimming in their birthday suit. 10 based on 1208 reviews. Margaritaville Beach House Key West - A casual 3-star hotel with an island-inspired theme. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. So many restaurants and cafs lay claim to the best Key Lime Pie, but stop into Kermits Key West Lime Shoppe for a whole range of Key Lime-flavored deserts and foodseverything from salsas to candies, and even an ice cream version. Admission is $15 for adults, and $6 for children ages 6-12. We'll e-mail a link to reset your password. Key West Express - Jet powered catamaran trips from Fort Meyer and Marco Island to Key West. Key West Wind & Wine Sunset Sail. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Victoriana Magazine captures the pleasures and traditions of an earlier period and transforms them to be relevant to todays living - Fashion, Antiques, Home & Garden. Every nuance of this special place required methodical planning, from the amenities in the rooms and the shared spaces to the 24-hour menu served at the poolside caf and bar. Hot Naked Sundays Pool Party and Hot Naked Hump Day Pool Party (Wednesdays) are a local festivus that can only be explained by those who have attended. Key West gay bars know how to throw an unforgettable party! That said, once the sun went down, things did get sexual, and I wasn't complaining. The Victorian mansion boasts a riot of architecture styles including Queen Anne, Eastlake, Italianate and Stick attributes. Its undergone several redesigns and updates, and the private, secluded space attracts visitors from all over the world. The warm, humid air on a late winter weekend was a welcome In fact, there are four different LGBTQ-specific, Key West is an entertainment destination as much as it is a foodie destination. Key West, FL 33040 Get directions You Might Also Consider Sponsored Celtic Conch Public House 7 0.6 miles away from Island House Key West's newest authentic Irish Pub, Dining, and Rooftop Lounge! We waved and went to sit at our own table, when one of them said, What are you doing? All the Key West gay bars offer happy hours and the casual, carefree environment of the island life makes it easy to meet and mingle with locals. Our exclusive gay map if Key West for the best gay bars, clubs, hotels and saunas in Key West, Florida - updated for 2022. In Key West, many guesthouses cater primarily to gay men, For fine-dining seafood, Azur Restaurant (gay-owned) serves Mediterranean-style dishes infused with traditional Italian ingredients. Island House has actually been a gay guest house since 1974. The brilliant blue-green ocean is dotted with sailboats, catamarans and wave runners; it's obvious that people are out to have an exhilarating day on (and in) the balmy waters. Eye-Catching Tubs for a Vintage Bath (Slideshow). Enjoy the scenery and peaceful calm of a late afternoon sail on board a 65-foot schooner. Gay Copenhagen the best gay hotels, bars, clubs & more. Later that night, Jonzu and I ran into a few guys from the hot tub at Bourbon Street Pub, one of three main gay bars in Key West. Island House Key West Leads the Gay Lodging Industry as the Best Gay Clothing-Optional Resort in the World. Celebrity cruises to Key West, Florida typically dock in Pier B, which is a short walk from many attractions. Key West city commissioners took up the subject of cruise ships Monday for the first time since Gov. Gay men from all over the world spend their hard earned vacations with us because they love this experience. Island House offers a free happy hour every evening where you can have a few drinks and make a new friend or two. Margaritaville Island Hotel Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge, TN Margaritaville Island Inn Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge, TN Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe . Enjoy premium beer & wine, artisanal snacks, and incredible buttered popcorn from their volunteer staff. Our Sporting Pub hosts NFL Ticket throughout the week! Be yourself probably one of the most attractive parts about a gay guest house is the comfort zone. The place describes itself as a sex-positive, clothing-optional resort for men; my friends have described it as "much chiller than any Atlantis cruise. Its wild to think that in three and a half short days, I felt like I had made lifelong friends. End of the summer look at various vintage style bathing suits. $109 Per Person Ages 13+ Up to 26 Guests 2 Hours. Nestles between two of Key West's best beaches, Smathers Beach is just a 20 yard walk on the side walk. To avoid sexually transmitted diseases, always use a condom. Everyone was friendlyand while that should be the norm among gay and bi men, it hasn't been the case for me in Manhattan. The next day, my boyfriend and I took a catamaran around the keys and went kayaking and snorkeling. In 1946, it was the winter White House of President Harry S. Truman. Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park is one of the best beaches to enjoy a BBQ picnic, swim to the jetty rocks, and sunbathe in paradise. Sex Wasn't Even the Best Part at the Nude Resort, 17 Sex Positions That Guarantee Their Orgasm, I've been on more than a few such vacations myself, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. The road to Key West is a beautiful experience itself. Was Sunday, when one of the island to LGBTQ travelers since 1978 or email reservations @ islandhousekeywest.com $. American food with a welcoming and gay-friendly hotels on their tourism website and be... Fine dining with seasonal specialties and offers live entertainment most nights in an outdoor setting closer the... Post-Pandemic to, furnished with island wicker, rattan, and incredible buttered popcorn from their volunteer staff happy..., Washington Post, Playboy, and the expected call or email reservations islandhousekeywest.com. 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