Key West Trip Report - Eden house etc.
 

Stayed three nights at Eden House - $105 per night for a very basic room in the main house.Room shared a bath with an adjoining room. As a solo traveler it was never an inconvenience. The bed was fine, room was clean and service acceptable. The outdoor pool, patio, hot tub and hammocjk area really was nice but I lack the patience to hang around by a pool. they were in the midst of renovations - converting some shared bath rooms to private bath and completely redoing the rooms. If you stay there I strongly suggest the rooms in outer builidngs that have outside entrances - they appear to be newer and nicer and oprbably have more sound deadening (in my room you could almost hear the people breathgin in the next room. It is a kid friendly place and no one puts on airs - just kind of casual and funky (but not in a bad way). that said, I wasn't all that taken with it and will stay at Jasmine House again on my next rip as I did on the previous one. It is a bit out of the way from Duval Street - a rather long walk or an easy bike - I rented a bike - $24 for three days. It is very close to pepe's and the Key West Bight. I had no real complaints but it just wasn't my type of place - tough to put my finger on the reason why but other guests seemed to be enjoying it there immensely. <BR>Day 1-2 - Late arrival Thursday: Dinner at Willie T’s on Duval Street, the only place I could find that served food after 10PM other than Denny’s and fast food. Decent conch fritters, small salad and iced tea - $13 w/tip <BR>Fri - breakfast at Pepe’s - excellent pancakes w/fresh berries and a berry sauce, large V8 and a café con leche - $11 w/tip. Got free net surfing at Island Internet Café on Duval (near Hog’s Breath) by reserving my parasailing trip through them. Rode the town on rental bike and had lunch at Johnson’s - a soul food take -out joint across from Blue Heaven (they have a few picnic tables on the porch). Rice and peas, BBQ baby back ribs, collards and potato salad and a bottle of water - $13 no tip - decent soul food but not exceptional. Portions were huge and the collard greens were outstanding. Afternoon snorkeling trip w/Restless Native. Max capacity of 6 in their groups but there were only 3 of us. They run a good operation and are very nice people. Very windy so snorkeling was a bust. We did some kayaking in the lee of a small island, a bit of snorkeling - very little to see as it was too windy to go out to the reef. The compensation was an extended sail on their triamaran - very fast craft and then they tacked on a sunset cruise - awesome place to see the sunset. $65 per person - up about $20 from 3 years ago but such is the times. Dinner at Latitudes - Hilton’s restaurant on Sunset Key. Very easy getting the pass for shuttle at Hilton desk and a nice ride over. Beautiful setting but the wind caused them to lower the clear plastic walls. Still a lovely but lacked the natural breeze I’d hopef for. Excellent smoked salmon and caviar appetizer and phenomenal home-made mango sherbet for dessert. The entrée was macadamia and coconut encrusted Grouper w/ sweet-sour vegetable salsa. Disappointing - too sweet for my taste. I’d eat there again but would select my entrée more carefully. Finished the evening by checking out the Duval Street strip but as I'm not a drinker or partier there was little appeal for me. Lots of live music but most of it seemed inept, the exception being an band with electric guitar and electric banjo playing twin leads at the Hog's Breath. these guys were absolutely tearing it up on some Allman Brothers cover songs. Given more energy and someone to hang out with I would have stayed. Part II will cover Saturday and Sunday.

<BR>nice trip report....bring on the next part....

Thanks for the report - I'll be there in May, never been before. Looking forward to part II.

Part II (a)- missing info from Part 1 – my Friday dinner at Latitudes was $56 with a tip for appetizer, entrée, dessert and one tonic water. Before turning in late after dinner (2AM) I soaked in the jacuzzi and swam a bit in the Eden House pool – very nice. <BR>Saturday – breakfast at Harpoon Harry’s just up the block from Pepe’s and across from KW Bight. Special of 1 each – egg, sausage, bacon and toast was $2.75. With water, a nice big fresh citrus fruit cup (fresh oranges and grapefruit) the meal was 6 with tip. A regular local diner type of place and a nice place to chat with strangers if you sit at the counter. Went para sailing with ParaWest late morning – booke them through the Island Internet café (see part 1) and chose them because they offered 15 minutes aloft for $40 – most others were $35-40 for 8-10 minutes. I was the only one who went out – they were prompt and professional – a nice bunch. Parasailing is fun but for me was little more than a way to get a good view of Key West from above – it’s quite tame and lacked the visceral thrills I’d hoped for. Rode some more on the bike and did the bike trail up past the public beach on the Atlantic side at the north end of Old Town – east of the cemetery. There’s a nice big pier to walk/ride out on. heading back I happened across a new family type Cuban restaurant – Chinirinis’ (or something like that – can’t remember). Very basic place but spotlessly clean and friendly. Had two ham croquettes to go (excellent) and some black bean soup (just average at best) and the Cuban soft drink Ironbeer (tastes like Dr. Pepper. Including two coconut cookies it was $8. Lounged and read in the afternoon and went to see “Night of the Iguana” that evening. Film actress Kelly McGillis was the female lead (she owns a restaurant in KW) and the male lead was very good (as was she). A decent entertainment but not overwhelming - $25 ticket. Stopped in afterwards to see the 11PM drag show at Diva’s – quite a ways down Duval. Lots of other straight folks there besides me for the show ($3 admission at the door). I’ve never been to one before and it was fun although far from convincing in some respects(but highly entertaining)

Part II (b) I had missed cutoff for restaurant seating and ended up with a chicken kebab/felafel sandwich mishmash from a storefront vendor – decent enough late night meal. More reading and another late night swim. Sunday - breakfast at Blue Heaven – they don’t open until 8AM (true of nearly all breakfast places in Key West) and I was one of the first seated. Excellent café au lait, homemade pork pan sausage (very spicy) and their “from scratch” pancakes. I’d always though pancakes varied little from place to place but these are the exception – just incredible – light and tasty. Very relaxed place to digest the Sunday paper and the meal – tab was about $10 with tip. Walked the Duval Street strip for an hour to find that one elusive T-shirt I’d spotted on Friday and actually wanted to buy. Lots more bike riding through Bahama Village (a small but very run down area just across Thomas Street from Blue Heaven ) and the other parts of the island I hadn’t yet seen. There’s a café restaurant a few block down on Whitehead in that general area – called Bahama Mama’s (I think). Looked good and prices were moderate – will try next time. There’s a souvenir shop/candy store at the front of this facility that’s a stop for the Conch Train tourist tram - bought a key Lime sherbet – huge dish of it for $2.15 – best buy of the whole trip!. Back to Duval for lunch at Mangoes. Sat in the back garden area – very pleasant, cool and shady. Gazpacho and a small Caesar salad (good soup and an average salad) was $11 with tip. Back to Eden House to stow bags and return bike. Around the corner from them is Cole’z Peace bakery. An artisan or boutique bakery of the type now so popular. The cinnamon buns were supposed to be great but were sold out. I had a fig/walnut bar, an oatmeal cookie and a “cinnamon-raisin bite”. All three were dry and relatively unappetizing – quite a disappointment – perhaps their bread is much better. That’s it for factual. Part III will be solo traveler perspective – the totally subjective stuff. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Boy have you got high standards and a tight wallet.

Yes I do. Aren't you fortunate that you don't travel with me? I think so.

Owen - thanks for a great trip report from my favorite vacation destination! Without itemizing, you enjoyed some -maybe most of the things we love about Key West!

Actually, I think you're very sad, Owen. You go on vacation in one of the greatest spots on earth and can't say anything nice without qualifying it, and you itemize every penny you spent. No wonder you travel alone -- you probably wouldn't know a good time, or a good person, if you tripped over one. Why not get off the internet and open your mind to the real world?

Note to "Ilove": those who've read my regular posts/replies in this forum for the past few years will likely concur that I stay out of the sniping, negativisdm and off topic B.S. that gets dragged into posts by TROLLS such as yourself. Congratulations - you got me on this one. I just can't help but respond and verify the fact that you're a pathetic loser who appears to get your jollies by stirring things up. I apologize sooooooo sincerely for my powers of recall. Some of us are cursed by being able to remember what we did, how we reacted to it and how much we spent to do it (no I do not keep notes). In addition, there are a large number of good-hearted and sincere people who read this forum and don't have unlimited funds as you so obviously do. Many people post about Kewy West and I rarely if ever see a mention of prices. I'm certain that you stay in only the best suites in the most expensive hotels everywhere you travel, eat in the finest restaurants, travel by private jet and never, ever pay even the slightest bit of attention to what anything costs. I envy you so much. It must be stressful to be so positively carefree. Is that why you spend time conjuring up peurile attacks on a travel forum? By the way - this is the first solo travel I have ever done with the exception of business trips and every traveling companion I've ever had (there have been many) has accompanied me at my expense. I'm so anxious for it to be you on my nest trip. Finally I'll learn how to spend indiscriminately and sneer at the hoi polloi who actually have a budget - what a relief that will be! As for my never making any positive remarks about anything without qualifying it - learn to read - it's in there for those who actually take the time to read carefully.

message to person who is obviously annoying Owen a lot - nice punchline! <BR>geri

Owen, don't let them get to you. What some people don't seem to understand is that different people have different traveling styles. And detailed pricing information is great to include. <BR> <BR>Though you and I have different traveling styles, this doesn't keep me from seeing the value in it for any budget-minded traveler heading to Key West.

Part III - This was the first solo trip I’ve taken since my teens, other than business travel in which I may have had a day or a few evenings in which to explore the city where I was staying. Key West is a great destination but my next trip there, like my previous one, will be with a companion. I enjoyed it immensely but am the restless type who needs things to keep me occupied if I have no companion. The Eden House, where I stayed, appears to be an ideal retreat for folks who want a great pool/patio/sundeck area and relatively quiet surroundings. I think it’s a good value but strongly recommend against the rooms that are accessed from the inside hallways – the outer room appear to be nicer. Prices for food and recreation appear to be comparable to other US resort areas and from what I understand, cheaper than many Caribbean destinations. I enjoyed the sailing/snorkeling trip but our snorkeling was limited to a short paddle in an area far removed from the reef. This was due to stiff winds and choppy water – visibility was very limited. If you’re looking for a good snorkel experience it can be had but plan to go on a calm day. Renting a bike is a great option. Motorscooters and small electric cars are available but it’s so easy to pedal everywhere that the bikes are IMO the way to go. Overall, I was very satisfied with the food and service was consistent everywhere I ate. My one dining disappointment was a matter of my choosing an entrée that wasn’t really to my liking (at Latitudes on Sunset Key). I will definitely eat there again – it’s a fantastic setting worth experiencing on a nice evening. Again, try to go when it’s warm and winds are subdued or not present – that will ensure that the plastic walls are rolled up and you can experience the full benefit of the surroundings and smell the salt air. My future plans? A return trip to KW with a companion and my solo trips targeted at major cities where I’ll have an abundance of things to keep me busy. I hope that those who have an interest in comparative prices have benefited from what I’ve shared here. BTW, thank you Brian, for the favorable comments. yes, there are folks woith many different traveling styles in this forum and I enjoy reading about all sorts of travel. I doubt that my future posts will contain this sort of detail but there have been recent posts with specific questions about Key West for budget travelers and I hope this has been of some help to them. Also note re/the Caribbean House guest house, a budget facility about which people have asked about recently in this forum. It is diagonally across from Blue Heaven, one door in from Thomas Street. Bahama Village does have some funky, not so nice sections but the adjacency to Blue Heaven should allow for this to be a relatively safe location. I didn't view the inside but they've done a first rate job of exterior renovation - if the inside is close to as nice it would be a good choice for budget travelers. Check to ensure that they have AC - I wouldn't personally stay anywhere in KW without it. I didn't happen to need it on my recent visit but the need can arise at any time of year and it's indispensable.

Owen, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the great trip report. This is exactly the type of information that I seek when reading these messages. Everyone looks for something different when they travel. I myself would rather spend my money on activities or restaurants that define a destination. Others look for only the best in accommodations. If that's how they want to spend their money, that's fine. Actually it makes it easier for me to find a room in the places I choose. If you disagree with a post, just ignore the urge to comment and move on to the next post. At least try to be a bit less negative. Owen, keep the names and prices coming!

Wonderful report Owen! Please include prices in the report. Including prices helps when determining what to budget for meals/activities/etc. <BR> <BR>Even if I had a billion dollars I think I would still travel on a budget. I enjoy a good value.

Well, we all seem to have our own style. Owen's report is amazing ... in the details, recall, etc. ... and the mere fact he would take the time to reply in such depth. I know I could never do that. Congrats!! But my style of travel is certainly quite different ... I usually spend beaucoup dollars, but pay the bills ASAP when reaching home. I'm not sure why people pinch pennies if they have the bucks to travel. Never understood it. I have had friends who did the same, and we no longer travel together. I guess I know I can't take it with me, and I'm sure as hell not leaving it here unwatched. C

Note to L: Maybe we can travel BECAUSE we budget and pinch the pennies. My husband and I love to travel and have been to Europe, Australia, New Zealand and to various states, but we don't spend more than we have to. It would be lovely to stay in hotels that pamper you (wish I could), but you can still enjoy the area and what it has to offer if you don't spend more than you can truly afford. <BR> <BR>Now, note to Owen: Thank you so much for your message about the Caribbean House. I've been a little concerned about some of the messages about the area. My husband and I are booked there for two nights in April, and I was afraid we'd have to pack a gun (just kidding). Yes, they have AC and fans. We'll definitely try out the Blue Heaven. Thanks so much for your wonderful report. I wish more people would tell us what they paid for meals. I find it very helpful for planning our trip.

The comments are appreciated and yes, I'm in the same category as Diane - if I didn't budget carefully my traveling would be limited to once every few years at most. Only in the past year have I finally had enough discretionary income to spend more freely on vacation but I still prefer to keep a handle on expenses rather than travel less frequently or to less interesting destinations. We all have different priorities and mindsets and for some of us it's extremely helpful to have a few specifics on what things cost in a given area. Based on the favorable comments I will continue to post prices in future posts, although the posts themselves may be less detailed. I can also respect the opinion of those who feel that careful budgeting somehow detracts from the sense of reward, fun and spontaneity that many associate with vacations and travel. "L" remarked that it was difficult to understand why people would picnh pennies if they can afford th ebucks to travel. If someone who can afford nicer restaurants and more upscale accomodations chooses to be frugal and economize it's a mystery to me as well but such is human nature. Some folks have gotten to a financially comfortable place in life by deploying such habits and are hard pressed to change. I believe that we all have some approximate budget in mind whether we admit it or not. Someone who saves all year for a one or two week trip must have at least some idea what they expect to spend or they wouldn't go. I had a friend (still a friend but no longer my girlfiend) who once remarked that "anyone who has to pay any attention to what they spend on a vacation has no business taking a vacation". Needless to say, this prompted a rather heated discussion between us. She's in a very good financial position in life but does she stay in the absolute best hotels in the most expensive rooms, fly only first class and eat only in the finest, most expensive restaurants? Of course not. She's established, whether unconsciously or otherwise, some benchmarks about what her comfort level is and what she's willing to spend to achieve it while traveling. Most, if not all of us, do the same thing - it's just a question of degree.

Owen - I do applaude your willingness to provide the details ... most want them, so I'm glad you do. Do not get the idea that those of us who spend the big bucks do so without a care. When I travel, I start my plans at least 6-12 months in advance, generally. If you knew my name, you'd see me all over Fodors, getting information. I get the best plane fare I can ... in ecomomy, and I use FF miles at least once a year. I try to travel in the off-season (I hate crowds anyway). Most recently used FF to Buenos Aires in November ... which saved me over $2,000. And I stay in the best area of the city, and find a good European-style hotel. In BA, it was $136 per night, B&B in the Recoleta section ... every other place started at $300-$400 per night. So, I work very hard to get the basics for the least amount ... and then I go nuts. And on some trips, I just go nuts ... such as Africa this October (I wouldn't even divulge what I'm paying per night). When the numbers get astronomical, we just utter "trip of a lifetime" and laugh. By the way, some trips have hidden costs ... there are animals to be photgraphed, and that means a camera ... Nikon & a 70-300mm ... her birthday came a bit early this year. I tell my kid, Kids, there will be no inheritance. So, do keep up your great posts, and people will be glad. And if and when I run out of money, I'll tune in, to be sure. Have a good weekend, and Ciao.

I'll weigh in on why some people are budget-conscience with travel even though they have the money: old habits die hard. My first trip to Europe was done on $50 a day a few years back and while it was sometimes uncomfortable, you adopt good money-saving habits quickly. <BR> <BR>Now, even though my financial situation is different, I still cringe at buying domestic plane tickets for over $200 or reserving a hotel that charges more than $100 a night. I'm working on that though. <BR> <BR>There was recently a house fire here in Atlanta of a gentleman who died a few weeks previously. He was notoriously cheap - never ate out, only traveled on senior citizen off-peak bus fares, and would sleep in cars to avoid hotel charges. Well, they found over $200,000 cash in his house (he didn't put it in the bank because he hated the idea of paying taxes on the interest) and he turned out to be worth something like $12 million. Now he had some issues.