So many fun events are happening in the next few months. Here are just a few of our favorites to get your creative imagination jumping. We still have rooms available and our rates are terrific!

Poker Run, September 16^th to September 19^th

The 38th Annual Phil Peterson’s Key West Poker Run is not to be missed if you ride, or just want to soak up some biker culture. Usually over 10,000 motorcyclists, and enthusiasts, come out to enjoy the  Run, the people, and the beautiful Florida Keys. Along the ride there are multiple stops to draw your hands, enjoy contests, bikini bike washes, food, drinks, and so much more! You don’t want to miss this incredible ride!

We will have a welcome happy hour at Lighthouse Court from 4-7on Friday the 17^th and provide complimentary rags to keep your chrome dust free and looking sharp. When you stay with us you’ll be able sleep close to your bike and be near all the action on Duval.

Fantasy Fest, October 22^nd to October 31^st

Our biggest party of the year in Key West is Fantasy Fest where this year’s theme is “Habitat For Insanity” and it’s definitely going to be fun! The event takes place over 10 days from October 22 through October 31, 2010. We have many repeat guests that come every year for this event, and we hope to meet some new visitors this year too. Key Lime Inn, Chelsea House and Lighthouse Court require a minimum 4 night stay for any reservations that include Parade Night. Albury Court requires a 3 night stay for any reservation that includes Parade Night. Merlin Guesthouse is already sold out for the event.

We still have availability for the early event dates that start with Goombay Festival the weekend of Oct 22  and go thru Wednesday of Fantasy Fest week. We have special rates for this week and no minimums apply.

One of our favorite events is the Masquerade March on Friday night, Oct 29th.  The March is a walking parade for anyone who wants to join, either in costume or not. The parade starts at the cemetery and takes two different routes to Duval Street. Luckily, we have hotels on both routes! The southern route goes past Chelsea House and the northern one goes past the Merlin Guesthouse. At both hotels we set up a bar that serves our fabulous rum punch. At Merlin Guesthouse, Cindy is going to make hers with a southern twist and at Chelsea House, Abby will make hers with Jamaican spices. We will have a D.J to get everyone dancing and body artist, Amanda, will have her ‘paint shop’ set up at Chelsea House on Friday from 12-3 and at Lighthouse Court on Saturday from 12-3 before the FantasyFest Parade.  Guests interested in setting up an appointment can call the hotel for more information. All of the Historic Key West Inns are located within walking distance of the Fantasy Zone.

Powerboat Racing in Key West – November 7^th to 14^th

The 30th Annual Key West World Championship Race takes place in Key West in November.   If you haven’t seen powerboat racing before, you will not believe the excitement from the roar of these boats racing through the harbor.  The viewing stands are right in front of the action.  The Key West race is the culmination of a year of racing for the teams.  You will see the biggest, the fastest, and the best.

Race Village, with the Wet Pits, Dry Pits, and race viewing, is at the Truman Waterfront on the western shore of Key West.  All of the Historic Key West Inns are located within walking distance of Race Village. Race week begins with a parade of Superboats down Duval Street on Sunday, Nov 7.  Race days are Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, Nov 10, 12, and 14.

Albury Court and Lighthouse Court offer a 5 Night Superboat Race Package that covers all the race days. The package includes lodging (Wednesday thru Sunday), entry to Race Village for the 5 days, daily continental breakfast, and 2 complimentary “Wet Pit” cocktails from the Lighthouse Court pool bar (a short stroll from Race Village).

5 Night Superboat Race Package: Lighthouse Court $875               Albury Court $795

Lodging is available at all of the Historic Key West Inns for Powerboat Racing.  Key Lime Inn and Lighthouse Court require a minimum 4 night stay during the event. Albury Court, Chelsea House and Merlin Guesthouse require a 3 night stay during the event. Please call the hotel directly to make your reservations for the Race Package. All other bookings can be made online, by phone or email to the hotel, or with your travel agent.

Call 800.403.2866 or visit our Reservations page

It’s another beautiful day here in Key West. 

We are officially under a tropical storm warning for “Bonnie”, but there is nothing going on in our corner of the earth as of 10am EDT Friday July 23.  Last night on my drive home to Big Pine Key, I spotted a Miami Channel 4 satellite truck headed down to Key West.  Those Miami reporters love to stand on Duval Street with their rain slickers on and tell the world how Key West is bracing for another tropical event….  I guess they made the trip for nothing this time.  On my commute back into Key West this morning I passed the Channel 4 truck again… on their way home to Miami where the “storm” actually went.

Bonnie looks like a quick rain event for Miami at worst.  It’s already inland over Miami this morning and is moving fast to the northwest.  It will be past Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico by this afternoon.  In Key West we’re getting nothing but our usual beautiful, balmy breezes!

Julie

Reporting from Key Lime Inn, 725 Truman Ave, Key West.

I have to say that it is really beautiful here today and the forecast for this 4th of July weekend will be perfect!  Great celebrations all around.

Here is a new video which shows the current underwater conditions for swimming, snorkeling, diving and fishing off our island waters. Last week, some divers were swimming with the turtles.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK | This is the Underwater World of the Florida Keys!

This Sunday marks July 4th 2010, and what a day it should be! Hopefully even after your relaxing days on the water, you will still be left with a sliver of energy to enjoy the festivities the fourth should bring: great friends, good food, and of course, a smokin’ fireworks show come nighttime.  Once again the Key West Rotary Club will be providing a dazzling fireworks display from the White Street Pier on the south side of the island, over the Atlantic Ocean.  They usually begin shortly after sunset.

Bring your blanket and we’ll see you there!

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Our beautiful Florida Keys have not been impacted by the Gulf  Oil spill. The beaches are warm, the water is refreshing and perfect for a plunge, fishing is terrific, jet ski’s are flying and drinks are flowing!

Here is a video that was filmed June 12 – 13 which gives you a current view of  the area. Check it out here Key West is Still Your Favorite Vacation Place.

One of our favorite things to do is sail around our island waters.

Here is a wonderful description about a full-moon sail written by our favorite poet, Vicki, who is in the reservations department at Key Lime Inn.

” Full Moons inspire all sorts of activities in Key West. Duval Street Galleries host wine tastings and art openings, couples stroll the beaches hand in hand, and the kayaker’s don headlamps and paddle into the night, but this April full moon brought about a special treat. For this month’s full moon, Adirondack II, a gorgeous sailing schooner from Manhattan, hosted a full moon sail that departed from the Historic Seaport. As we set sail from this fascinating historic area of the island, the amber light of the moon was parting a patch of thin high clouds rising over the ocean. The crew and captain took this time to introduce us to the boat and its safety and convenience features, such as fully flushing heads, life jackets, and beer coolers. Throughout the sail the crew carefully attended each guest’s needs, providing a variety of cold refreshing beverages; including beer, wine and champagne. Despite a bit of ambient light from the shoreline, the captain provided a brief and interesting astronomy lesson, identifying the visible constellations and stars. Guests on board were able to view the planet Venus, the belt of Orion, the Big and Little Dippers and the Dog Star.

Rounding the jetty at the outer edge of the Historic Seaport, the wind picked up enough for the captain to cut the engine and have the crew hoist the sails. The Adirondack II cruised peacefully through the Gulf heading for the South Eastern tip of island toward Fort Zachary. For over an hour, the calm breezes of the Gulf eased our double-mast vessel through the night over smooth, glass-like waters. The lights of Mallory Square signaled our return to the civilized side of Paradise, and as we took the turn into the Seaport’s Harbor the melodies of the outdoor musicians wafted aboard, reminding us that with the night young and the moon full and high, the Key West adventure had only just begun . It was a night well worth howling for!”

We’ll see you soon!

It’s beach, fishing, swimming and water sports time in Key West! Besides gorgeous island weather, there are many fun things to do in May thru July. Don’t wait to make  your reservations at your favorite HISTORIC KEY WEST INN. For a limited time, we are offering our “Stay Longer – Get More” special, available at all five hotels thru July. Earn discounts and freebies for each additional night of your stay. Make your reservations today!

The Beautiful Beaches of Key West

The Florida Keys Are In a National Marine Sanctuary

This year we had a new team captain, Denice Suriner, our hotel events coordinator at Key Lime Inn. Her artistic interests include drawing and jewelry box making, inspiring her to include a silent art auction this year at our tent. She got donated paintings from several local artists, including one larger piece by Garth Holtkamp, one of our maintenance techs, and another donated by his fiancé Katie Hobbs. Abby Leamard, our Albury Court and Merlin Guesthouse manager was ‘womaning’ our tent, watching over the auctions and talking with the walkers. We all signed up for a walking shift and were able to cover all 24 hours!  Thanks to everyone who sweated out there for a good cause!

When you are planning your Key West wedding, Denice will be be happy to help you organize all the details to make your Key West wedding elegant, yet carefree.  Whether your wedding is large or small, grand or simple, or if you just need accommodations for your guests, she can help you plan an unforgettable event at any of our five unique hotels. You can contact Denice here for further information: denicesuriner@historickeywestinns.com

Here is a testimonial from a recent bride and groom :

“My husband and I had stayed at Lighthouse Court on our first vacation together and had a great time. So when it came time to plan our destination wedding in Key West, we wanted to have our guest stay at Lighthouse Court also. The Group coordinator for the hotels, Denice, was amazing. She helped out with way more than rooms. I bet I called 30 times while planning rooms and she was always very pleasant and eager to help me. When we arrived at the hotel, they helped us get our gift bags to rooms before all the guests got there.  All of the employees asked if there was anything I needed help with.  And you couldn’t pass an employee without hearing a hello; they didn’t make us feel like tourists. More like neighbors. All of our guests loved their rooms and the property. It has a wonderful location, right near Duval St., but away from all the noise. “

Here is the pool we added. Are you ready for your afternoon swim!

Here’s a look into our Key Lime Inn fifty years ago today when it was called the Cactus Terrace Motel: you could actually pull your car right up to your room. Since then, we’ve added a pool, landscaping and much, much more.

The Old 'Cactus Terrace Motel', circa 1960

Our current 'Key Lime Inn' with added private cottages and lush landscaping

Love on the Beach

We agree! Grab your special someone and spend the Valentine’s Day weekend with us here in Key West February 12 -14th

Does anyone have any sweet, funny or silly Valentine’s Day stories they want to share?
One our faves was when Dave and Elena  got engaged at Lighthouse Court. Elena came with her friend Brittany and checked into a cute, private cottage. Brittany said she wanted to go see the pool and told Elena to meet her upstairs by the Hemingway Suite because she wanted to show her the view of the Lighthouse from the porch. Dave was hiding around the corner in the Suite on the front porch. When Elena got to the landing she saw that the door to the Suite was open, candles lit, flowers were arranged and the door was open across the room to the porch. She looked in and thought “it was really beautiful but why did someone leave the doors open?”  When her Navy man stepped through the porch door we could all hear her screams of joy!! Dave proposed and they spent the weekend in the Suite. Oh, she did say yes and they got married eight months later.

We still have some beautiful rooms left. It’s one of our busiest holidays of the year so book your reservations soon!

Also upcoming January 28th at Fort Zachary Taylor is Cuba’s World Renowned Dance Band Los Van Van.

Los Van Van appearing in Key West Janaury 28th

This band is HOT and will get you off your feet. Tickets are expected to sell out fast! Get them at www.keystix.com

Fall in Key West on the Beach

What’s Happening in Key West for November and December

Now is the best time to plan your next visit to Key West.  Here is a calendar for upcoming events.

Thanksgiving in Key West  -  November 26, 2009

A nice long weekend in Key West is really a wonderful way to spend Thanksgiving 2009.  Most of the local restaurants will have a special Thanksgiving menu with traditional fixin’s in addition to their regular menu offerings.  So don’t worry about missing out on turkey and pumpkin pie, if that’s what your personal tradition includes. Bring your family and/or friends and start a new Thanksgiving tradition in Key West.

Pirates in Paradise 2009 – November 29 – December 06

This festival celebrates the rich maritime history of Key West complete with tall-ships, pirate attacks and sunset sails. It all takes place at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and on the waterfront. Bring your pirate costumes (or not) and revel in the buccaneer adventures. For more info on this event call 305-296-9694.

Key West Holiday Parade — December 5th

Our annual Holiday Parade is small-town charm at it’s best.  Come enjoy our high school marching band, civic and social clubs, local politicians, veterans, and community volunteers as they show off their Key West pride and holiday spirit.  The parade route follows Truman Avenue past  Key Lime Inn and  Chelsea House and then makes the turn down Duval Street.  The best viewing is from the sidewalk along Truman Avenue in front of our inns.  We will be serving spiced cider at Chelsea House during the parade.  The public is invited and it’s all free.

Decking the Hulls in Style

Key West Lighted Boat Parade – December 12th

Deck the hulls with festively decorated boats as they cruise through Key West Harbor and the Historic Seaport. This magical movement of color through the waters is a wonderful tribute to Key West’s maritime history, and its a lot of fun too.  There is good parade viewing all along the waterfront at the Seaport, Simonton Street beach, and Mallory Square.  You can walk to good viewing from all of the Historic Key West Inns.  This is a free event.

Last Days of 2009 Super Travel Values, thru December 23rd

At Historic Key West Inns, we responded to the 2009 recession with a five year rate roll-back.  The lowest rates of all, our “fall rates” have been extended through December 23.  This is the last great opportunity to visit Key West on a frugalista budget before winter season and holiday rates take effect, and 2009 becomes history.

Key Lime Inn at Christmastime

Christmas in Key West — December 24th to 26th

Key West is absolutely charming at Christmas time, with tropical holiday decorations, Christmas concerts, and special menus at local restaurants. All of our hotels will serve our special Chelsea’s eggnog with the breakfast on Christmas Day.  You can even ride your bicycle or walk to one of the many local churches and parishes for services. Our reduced holiday rates apply with no minimum stays over Christmas.

New Year's Eve on Duval Street

New Year’s Eve in Key West — December 31

New Year’s is a great celebration every year in Key West, but this year, saying a hearty goodbye to 2009 will be especially sweet.  There are several midnight countdowns on Duval Street as well as parties at restaurants and bars all around town.  Our favorite place to be at midnight is in the 800 block of Duval Street to watch Sushi, a famous local drag queen, descend in a giant version of Dorothy’s red slipper (think: Wizard of Oz) for the midnight countdown.

CNN is usually here to cover all the action with a live feed to their New Year’s Eve coverage at Times Square…..Hey, would you rather be freezing your booty off in Times Square, or be down in Key West in 72 degree tropical weather?

If you stay at any of the Historic Key West Inns for New Year’s you will be a short stroll from all the countdowns on Duval Street.

When it comes time to plan your next trip to Key West, Historic Key West Inns is here for you!  You can check availability and rates for all the inns 24/7 on our website, or call our reservations desk at 800-549-4430.

I hope to see you soon.

Julie

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