Big event with the wife coming up....I am trying to decide between the Heron House, Marquesa, and Curry House. I have read reviews until I have gotten myself crazy. I think it might be the Marquesa I go with. Can anyone lend any more help? Or maybe the Heron House. Also, Curry is still in the picture. You can see I am not stable, I admit. Price, at this point, is not really a consideration. Help!

Not to confuse you even more, but have you checked out La Pensione?
www.lapensione.com

Ken... Eliminate Curry...A few years ago I had a AAA reservation at Curry and was told WHEN I ARRIVED that my room was not available... This led to a huge blowout with the owner, a salty ex-marine... I was quietly told by the sympathetic desk manager that I was "bumped" from my reservation by the owner for some VIP pal... I swore I would pass along this story until I die..

Many of us who trek annually believe that the best properties in the high end price range are the Marquesa and the Gardens Hotel. I just completed a stay at the Gardens 3 weeks ago and have to say that it was a little disappointing. There is new ownership as of May 1, but the hotel has cut back on some of their special amenities. The desk manager explained that the economy has hit the KW luxury properties and the cuts were necessary but still, for $500 plus per night, you should get more.

That leaves the Marquesa... This is not a B&B, but rather a small Inn or hotel.
Skip the main building and opt for a room in one of the newer buildings. You can get a simple room overlooking the pool,but I would suggest a move up to a more spacious suite in the newest of the buildings.
One great advantage to Marquesa is the restaurant which is amazing and just steps away from your room.

I've never been willing to spend the extra money to stay at Marquesa or Heron House, but have wandered by both dozens of times. If money isn't a factor, I think Marquesa looks nicer. And the reviews are certainly good.

Jean

I've always preferred the Gardens over the Marquesa. The Marquesa seemed just a wee bit too ostentatious for me. I wasn't blown away by the Heron House, but the last time I stayed there was about 4-5 years ago. I've never stayed at Curry.

I'll be at the Gardens in about two weeks, and I'll report back if it indeed has slipped.

Good stuff...thanks...I will check out La Pensione and the Gardens and drop Curry...I am leaning to the Marquesa. Thanks again! Keep them coming.

I just returned from a stay at the Marquesa -- we were in town to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday. It was worth every penny and not a bit pretentious. The rooms are great, the courtyard lovely, the service attentive but not obtrusive. And the restaurant is to die for.

That said, we were in Key West with several friends, all of whom stayed in different inns, and all of whom raved about them. The only one I checked out was Simonton Court, and I would seriously consider that one the next time I visit KW. Quirky, intimate, with each room different and steps away from one of 4 pools. If you go on their website, you can see the rooms: www.simontoncourt.com.

Friends who stayed at Heron House, Cypress House and Island City House raved as well. While the Marquesa appears to be the most polished of all of these, it doesn't seem that you'll go wrong with any of them.

In my opinion, the Marquesa edges out the Heron House and The Gardens.

Simonton Court looks awesome. Thanks for the heads up on that one, Callaloo.

Hello,
My husband and I stayed in key West for 1 wk in Feb. We toured the Marquesa, Heron House, Simonton Court, Curry Mansion, Gardens Hotel. We LOVED Heron House out of all the above. Marquesa was gorgeous but extremely pricey and seemed quiet. We didn't like the Curry Mansion, but all the others were also beautiful. My husband and I love clean, classy, elegant inns, too. Another beautiful property are the La Mer and Dewey House. They are on the beach (even though the beach is tiny) but the inns are just gorgeous. Enjoy!