basingstoke2

We were just about to make a reservation at Cypress House when I came across a very negative recent review that basically said that the place has greatly deteriorated since ownership changed hands -poor upkeep, etc.. Other reviews were glowing and the photos seemed good (they always do) and the location was where we wanted. I know that reviews are to be taken with a grain of salt and there are those who get paid for writing both positive and negative reviews.

So my question is, is there anyone in Fodorland that has recent knowledge of this place and can advise? There were other B&B type places that were also attractive but only serve continental breakfast which does not work if one is looking for gluten free.

Another possibility is Curry Mansion - it is at the very top of our price range. Does anyone have personal knowledge of that place?

BTW the Fodorite advice given me for my son's Key West trip was spot on.

Lateagain

Ambrosia is my first choice in Key West.

330east

We always stay at Casa Marina-not in town tho.

SusanCS

I'd advise you to go back to trip advisor, but instead of reading reviews, go to the Key West forum. There are several destination experts who live in Key West and LOTS of regular posters who travel there frequently.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum...s_Florida.html

NeoPatrick

I haven't stayed there for quite a few years -- when it was an all gay property.

But I just looked at the Trip Advisor reviews. There are a couple of very similar negatives mentioning and discussing "it isn't what it used to be", but ironically all those reviews are either single postings or in one case the first posting by a new person who then added three other Keys posts a month later. Sorry, but those are signs of disgruntled former employees or something else. I'm always suspect when a supposed "major traveler" posts a negative review, but has never ever stayed anywhere else worth writing a review on -- good or bad? The reviews posted by people who post many reviews of various places all seem to be pretty glowing!

I will say, I always loved the "feel" and the location of Cypress House.

JeanH

Cypress House changed ownership around the first of January. The new owners promptly managed to get rid of, I'm not sure how, the long time manager, (also King of Fantasy Fest this year, Dave Taylor).

We've stayed at Cypress House for years. By far our favorite place in Key West. The location is perfect. The rooms are decent. The breakfast was very good, and the daily Happy Hour was legendary.

My understanding is the new owners have done some major renovations to the rooms.

I understand the breakfast isn't as extensive, and the Happy Hour is pretty much a joke.

That said, if you've never stayed there, and don't know how much fun it was before, I'm guessing you'll have a great time.

I suspect that at least some of the negative reviews have been written by people who have been long time visitors and they aren't at all happy with the changes.

I'm pretty sure we won't return. That said, if we'd never been, it would be high on my list.

The most extensive breakfast I've found at a B&B in Key West was at Coco Plum Inn. It's on Whitehead, so a busy street, but, we heard nothing once we got in our room. Good thing, since it's so close to the Green Parrot......

basingstoke2

Thanks for the replies. Cypress House sounded very interesting - thank you JeanH for the update. Unfortunately, we have a reward night from Hotels.com to use and it turned out that Cypress was not on the list where we could use it. Choosing from those on the list, we chose Lighthouse Court mainly because I know exactly where it is and like that location. It had pretty good reviews as well.

garyt22

if your choice of Lighthouse Court doesn't work out, consider www.historickeywestinns.com

basingstoke2

Thanks garyt22 - Actually, Lighthouse Court is in their group. The location is directly across the street from the Hemingway home.

JeanH

That seems really weird that Lighthouse Court would be ok, but, Cypress House wouldn't, since they're not part of the same group.

I like the looks of Lighthouse Court, although I've not stayed there, just went to a Kelly McGuire concert by the pool one year.

basingstoke2

Jean, Hotels.com has two different types of listings. One where they charge you upfront, the other where they make the (supposedly) discounted reservation for you but you pay the hotel directly. Only the former are eligible for their rewards program and Lighthouse Court is one of those. Cypress is part of the latter group.

JeanH

Thanks for clearing that up. We're not going to Key West this year, I'm sort of sad. But, heading to Bonaire, so that will be fun.