Solomon's Busy At Work...

Solomon is the newest addition to our Historic Key West Inns family, arriving today from All Animal Clinic.  He is a four week old puppy, a mix of  Labradoodle (mom) and Australian Shepherd (dad), which means those big paws are going to come in handy!  The mother died giving birth, leaving Solomon an orphan.  His new Dad is our Director of Operations,  Marlon Garnett, who received a call from the vet’s office requesting he provide a new home for the puppy.  Solomon is still being bottle fed, and is a bit woozy today from his first shot. Everyone here is excited about the new arrival.  We will all see  him most days as he accompanies Marlon to work.

It is time to change the name of Chelsea House?

Chelsea House Pool & Gardens, one of the five Historic Key West Inns, was named over 30 years ago for one of the owners cats, who was a British Shorthair named Chelsea.  Now that Chelsea is no longer with us…..is it time for an update of the name to our latest furry friend?  Well, we have many furry friends around here and they are all special to us……so I think we will stay with tradition and keep the Chelsea name.

If you have a beloved pet that you like to travel with,  Chelsea House is our pet friendly hotel in Key West.  We have designated  13 of the 34 guest rooms as pet friendly.  These rooms all open directly to the outside and have hardwood or tile flooring.  There is plenty of room around the Chelsea grounds for walking your pet, and we’ve placed doggie “convenience stations” with plastic bags and waste disposal around the property.  Chelsea accepts most varieties of pets, including cats, dogs, birds, and goldfish (does anyone travel with their goldfish?)…..  When planning a trip to Key West with your pet please call the hotel directly at 800-845-8859 to check availability of the pet friendly rooms, and to answer all your questions about house rules and accommodations.

Our Other Key Lime Inn Office Friend, Lucky Dog

In today’s post we thought we would highlight two weddings of guests who stayed with us at Key Lime Inn and Lighthouse Court. Denice Suriner is our sales agent dedicated to helping with wedding arrangements at any of our hotels. You can contact her directly here: denicesurnier@historickeywestinns.com   On our weddings page you can get information on license requirements, florists  and  local caterers. We are always happy when guests choose us for their special day!

The first wedding we want to showcase is that of Lisa Grass and Robert Geoffrion who held both their ceremony and reception at our Lighthouse Court Hotel.

Lisa and Robert Geoffrion in front of Lighthouse Court

Here are their comments about their wedding experience with us:

Dear Andy and Julie:

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!! It was a great idea to have our wedding at Lighthouse Court! Your staff was amazing! Every time I went in to see Andy with another; “I just thought of this” request, he always said, “yes, no problem!” He was terrific. Thanks to him, his quick thinking helped our party escape a torrential downpour which threatened to ruin our meal…hehehe…but alas, the show went on and I can truly say that we had the best time of our lives! All of our guests commented on how beautiful the property was and how great an atmosphere it provided. For one long weekend, people from all across the country (and the world for that matter), got to hang out and chill and enjoy one another like we all lived on the same block at home! It was fantastic and we will be back next July to celebrate our one year anniversary! Oh, by the way…if I can mention the really great folks who run the Eat-n-Grin restaurant on Truman…they were great! They made us breakfast for 11 people, to go, with no notice and even gave us a ride back to the court! We went back three times and some of our guests did too! They are a wonderful couple who run that place!

Cheers!
Robert and Lisa Geoffrion

Our second couple are Ricardo and Ingrid who stayed at Key Lime Inn.

Ricardo and Ingrid's Wedding

Here are their comments:

Thank you Denice:

This past weekend was the best we have ever experienced, and we owe much of that to you. Our guests LOVED the Key Lime Inn! I look back on the day Ingrid and I were searching for hotels and we are so glad we found you. You did everything you could to accommodate us and our guests including finding us last minute rooms, contacting the scooter company, giving us advice on planning, making sure our guests were taken care of…the list could go on and on.

We never knew how difficult it would be to plan a wedding, and we also realize how much more difficult it would have been if it weren’t for you and the staff at the Key Lime.

We want you to know from the bottom of our hearts that we will never forget how helpful you were and how thoughtful you were to us for the most important day of our life. Thank you so much for everything and we hope to see you again whenever we go down to Key West!

Sincerely,

Ricardo & Ingrid

Come relax in our Key Lime Inn pool

February and March are a beautiful time of year in our Key West paradise because the suns rays are just warm enough to help you forget about any freezing winds back home, the sky is crystal blue, and the temperature in our pools is just right for relaxation.  Even the island’s favorite cat resident, Aurora,  is romping around town having fun. You can see what she did last night here.  Key West Six-Toed Cat Cam.

We know that the economic news has not turned around yet so we have responded by lowering our rates to make your Spring vacation break or romantic Valentine’s Day dreams beautiful this year. So come snorkel, sail, parasail, or swim in the beautiful waters off Key West. The weather is perfect for tanning.

Here is our events calendar for the next two months:

Cuban Cultural Expolosion       February 1 – 7

An entire week packed with Cuban-inspired entertainment and educational opportunities, culminating with Hot Havana Nights on the 7th. For the first part of the week, there will be lectures by local and regional experts to learn about the flora, fauna, art, architecture, food, and of course the gardens of Cuba. Cuban movies will be shown in the tropical setting of the Botanical Garden throughout the week. Celebrate Cuba Week finishes with the hottest event of the year. Dance to the sounds of Havana Soul while enjoying mojitos, authentic Cuban food, original Cuban art, live auction and more. This HOT benefit always sells out so make your reservations early! VIP Seating: $125, General Admission $75.
Lectures: $8 members / $10 non-members. Movies: $6 members/$8 non-members. Dates and lecture times TBA. For further info contact them at 305-296-1504 or go to their site http://www.keywestbotanicalgarden.org/.

Sculpture Key West          February 1 -April 18

Outdoor sculpture exhibition at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and West Martello Tower. Very cool, cutting edge sculptures made by artists from around the world. For more info visit their site http://www.sculpturekeywest.com or call 305-295-3800.

Valentine’s Day Weekend          February 13 – 15

Albury Court is the perfect place for a romantic Valentine’s Weekend

One of Cupid’s favorite places is Key West! Couples from all over the world have come to indulge in a romantic getaway at our hotels during Valentine’s weekend and right now our room rates are fantastic. If you want to create a surprise for him or her and have champagne, flowers or chocolates in the room or to make dinner reservations we will be happy to arrange that for you.  Nothing is more beautiful and memorable than a Valentine’s kiss on the beach during a Key West sunset.

Civil War Heritage Festival          February 13 – 15

Re-enactments, military parades, sea battles with schooner ships, and more await for this unique historical event. Other info can be found at 305-292-6850http://www.forttaylor.org/

5th Annual Key West Antiques Show and Sale           February 21 – 22

This is the only antiques show south of Miami! Over 30 dealers from around the US with a huge variety of antiques and collectables. Located at Fort East Martello. Benefits Key West Art & Historical Society.  For more info contact Gerri Sidoti 305-295-6616 ext 12  or their site http://www.kwahs.com/

“Bitch Slap” at the Waterfront Theatre February 25 – March 7

This play is a humorous look at why ultimate screen goddesses Joan Crawford (the Movie Star) and Bette Davis (the Actress) hated each other so much. The box office and further info can be found at http://www.waterfrontplayhouse.org/ or 305-294-5015

Spring Break in Key West          March 2 – 13

Scooters in Key West

The coolest place to be for Spring Break is in the hottest island paradise in the US! Key West has a laid back vibe that’s perfect for your break from all those lit and science classes.  The waters off our beaches are amazing for diving, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, wave running and swimming. Most breakers chill at either Smather’s or Higgs Beach during the day because they have the vendors that rent the jet-skis, catamarans, parasails and even the beach chairs and umbrellas. If you have time, you could take a trip to snorkel off the Dry Tortugas coral reef. Make sure you bring heavy-duty sunscreen because our sunlight is potent. Towards evening head off to to the local bars to soak in the nightlife. Afterwards come home to your hotel room for a rest before you start all over again in the morning.

Key West Fishing Tournament Kick-Off          March 13 – 15

Targeting multiple species, this annual challenge starts a season-long tournament that awards certificates for outstanding catches and prizes in a host of categories. Email the director for more information director@keywestfishingtournament.com or call 305-295-6601

It's cold up there!

It's wonderful here at our Key Lime Inn Pool!

Is it cold, snowy and miserable where you are and it’s just about driving you bonkers? If so, we have the remedy for you; January in Key West! Below we have listed some of the exciting events scheduled on the island for this month; everything from the Yacht Races and Fight Night in the Keys to Historic House Tours and both the Presidential Inauguration 2009 and SuperBowl XLIII big-screen television viewings. For our gay and lesbian travelers, be sure to check in with the Gay & Lesbian Community Center during your visit for other events and schedules.  So come join us, change your latitude, kick off your shoes and soak in the sunshine before you have to go back to the winter weather.

Here are the events listed by date. Just click on any of the titles for other information. We’ll see you soon!

Wild Women of Planet Wongo    January 1-17

This is a B-movie type, ‘galactic’ play about two astronauts and their robot who crash land on the planet ‘Wongo’ only to find that it’s inhabited by wild and zany women. It’s a musical self described as “boldly going where no musical spoof has gone before”. You can call them at 305. 296.9111or visit The Red Barn Theatre Box office from 1-6pm, Monday through Saturday, at 319 Duval Street.

Key West Symphony           January 9 & 10

The Key West Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Conductor Sebrina Maria Alfonso, has some exciting performances lined up for the season. This first one in the Master Concert Series showcases pianist Edward Pitts playing Shostakovich iano Concerto No. 1 and Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 This is a program change from what is listed on both the Symphony and Keystix websites. For tickets call 305.292.1774.

Fight Night in the Keys             January 16

Key West has a long boxing tradition beginning in the 1930′s and boasting such fans as Ernest Hemingway. This years’ seven-bout match is set to take place overlooking Key West Harbor at Mallory Square which makes it a unique chance to view big-name boxing in an open-air waterfront setting. The scheduled main event is between Carlos “El Indio” Quintana and Eromosele “Bad Boy” Albert. Quintana, a former WBO world welterweight champion, has a record of 26 wins and two losses. His competitor Albert boasts a record of 21 wins, two losses and one draw. For tickets please visit http://keystix.ticketforce.com/ordertickets.asp?p=373&backurl=default.asp

Sculpture Key West                       January 18 – April 18

Sculpture Key West is our annual juried exhibition of local, national and international contemporary sculpture that takes place every winter in Key West. This year the exhibition will take place at two locations: The West Martello Tower on Atlantic Blvd. near the White Street Pier and at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park at the end of Southard Street. Installation at the West Martello begins January 10, 2008 and will be completed by January 17th.  Installation will take place at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park from February 21-28, 2009. There will be an opening reception from 3-6 pm at the park on March 1, 2009. There are also two artist lectures scheduled; the first on January 16 and the second on February 27th. It’s always interesting to hear artists talk about the inspirations for their work.

Old Island Restoration Foundation Annual House & Garden Tours            January 16 & 17

Five beautiful homes are featured in this months tour. The Foundation was started in the 1960′s to promote the preservation and restoration of historically significant buildings. We adore visiting these lovingly restored homes and always find some fascinating history to boot! You can call 305. 294.9501for tickets and information.

Acura Key West 2009 Sailboat Races                   January 19 – 23

This international regatta presented by Nautica is back for it’s yearly race in our beautiful tropical waters at the Southernmost point of the U.S. Just envision yourself watching as the best crews from around the world sail up to the starting line and maneuver their way around the windward-leeward race routes. Our hotels Albury Court and Budget Key West are official hotel sponsors and are located just one block from the race headquarters and docks at Key West Harbour. You will also find many race teams and officials staying with us here at Albury Court and Budget Key West. So just tack and jibe your way to our hotels for the most convenient harbourside accomodations. We wish you fair winds and following seas and we’ll see you here soon.

Presidential Inauguration 2009             January 20

Come join us for the countdown to the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama. It’s true that there are many inaugural events happening in Washington D.C. But why join the crowds in D.C or watch all the events  from home in the cold weather when you could be watching them here in the warm sunshine near our beautiful waters. On January 20th President-elect Obama will be sworn into office on the steps of the Capital and no matter what your political leanings are, this day promises to be an  exciting and inspiring event. You can see it all from the TV’s at any of our Historic Key West Inns and other viewing parties around town. You won’t miss any of the action and you’ll go back to winter weather with a January Key West tan that others will envy.

Super Bowl XLIII           February 1st

Don’t worry about missing the BIG game during your Key West vacation because not only will it be playing from all of our guest room TV’s, but there are several sports bars where you can enjoy the game on extra-large screens with other fans.

January is going to be packed with fun and there’s really no reason not to come and enjoy it with us; beautiful rooms, great locations, amazing prices. Hope to see you soon!

Sunset on the beach in Key West

Today the founder of Historic Key West Inns, Julia Fondriest, congratulated Barbara Graziano as our employee of the year. Barbara is a Guest Service Agent for both Albury Court and Budget Key West. She was named employee of the month earlier this year and just yesterday she was selected by the management team for the 2008 honor. Barbara has provided excellent service to our guests over the year and has often gone above-and-beyond to make sure that all who stay with us have a wonderful experience in our hotels. Thank you so much to her and congratulations! Barbara and her husband Rich lived in Bermuda for many years and relocated to Key West in 2003. They have both been working for us since 2004 and doing a great job!

Albury Court and Budget Key West are two of the six beautiful properties included in the Historic Key West Inns hotel group. All of our boutique hotels are renovated historic buildings which are well-located in the historic Old Town section of the island. We have made sure that they provide comfortable and elegant accomodations, as well as, the real flavor of Key West.

Julia Fondriest waiting near the Albury Court waterfall to congratulate Barbara

Barbara is happy about the news

Here is one of the front gardens of Albury Court

Barbara and Anna at the Albury Court reservation desk