Lushly landscaped gardens surrounding three sparkling swimming pools welcome you to the finest small Key West Victorian-era hotel. Located in the heart of the historic district of charming Old Town and listed on the National Registry of Historical Places, this original 19th century ‘conch’ house has been magnificently restored to its present splendor. The intelligent architectural design of The Marquesa compound feels like numerous villas built around the interior tropical gardens, which gives a sense of privacy to each room. All the 44 rooms, which include 21 suites and a garden cottage, are bright, spacious and beautifully appointed. A blend of tasteful antique reproductions and sumptuous fabrics add to the old-world charm, and of course all the modern amenities that one would expect, such as elegant bathrooms with modern fixtures, cable, flat screen TVs, mini-bar, refrigerator, bathrobes, safes, daily stocked in-room ice bucket, nightly turn-down service, 24-hour business center, complimentary Wi-Fi and parking, are included. Most rooms have furnished decks, which offer a prefect place for sunbathing, relaxing, or a cozy meal overlooking the lush gardens and heated pool. Some rooms have microwaves, a wet bar, and lounging chairs on private decks. Complementary coffee, tea and other refreshments are available poolside all day long for Marquesa guests.
Service at The Marquesa is welcoming, very helpful, and incredibly prompt. The concierge and front desk staff are most generous, discreet and efficient in anticipating and organizing guest needs, (making recommendations, reservations, boating, diving and helicopter tours, etc.) Though most Key West attractions are within walking distance, bicycle rental service offers one of the best ways to get around the island. Duval Street, with it’s myriad boutiques, restaurant, bars and gelaterias, is one block away, the Atlantic Ocean is a mile away, and famous Mallory Square is four blocks away. Over the past 50 years Mallory Square has become the official cultural and social gathering site where everyone comes to join in the festivities of street performers and vendors, to watch the tropical sun set into the Gulf of Mexico.
Not to be missed is a meal at Zagat’s highest rated Key West restaurant, The Marquesa Café located on the hotel property. Serving Contemporary American Cuisine, this intimate, genteel, 50-seat restaurant, specializes in locally caught seafood, grilled meats, seasonally available produce, fresh baked breads, and desserts, all innovatively prepared and served with an extensive and imaginative wine list. Thanks to star chef Graham Dailey, of Iron Chef fame, who trained with Anthony Bourdain and at the Cordon Bleu, Paris, and his Sous Chef Jon Mitchell, who trained at the Culinary institute of America, some of the most mouth watering dishes will delight even the most discerning palate. (The Shrimp and Grits Appetizer was most recently voted Key West’s best appetizer.) The outstanding cuisine is complemented by impeccable, attentive, and gracious service. The stand alone bar with oversized mirrors and wine racks covering the walls, offers lite snacks, desserts, and creative drinks to guests as they gather before a delicious dinner, or after a fun night on the town.
The Marquesa Hotel can’t be beat for a quiet, luxurious, romantic and delicious getaway in Key West
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