Krista J.
Yelp
I loved my experience at The Gardens Hotel in Key West. I did a lot of research on Yelp and TripAdvisor to find a great location in Old Town, since I knew I wanted to be within walking distance of all the Key West attractions. And The Gardens Hotel couldn't have a better spot, right on Angela Street, half a block from the famous (infamous) Duval Street. As I learned on my tourist trolley tour, Upper Duval is more arty and Lower Duval is more party, and The Gardens Hotel sits right at that intersection.
From the moment I booked my room, I started to receive personal treatment from The Gardens Hotel, with e-mails about up-and-coming events and communications about my arrival plans. I had some major flight delays due to mechanical difficulties of my airplane, and the hotel was in constant contact with me to make sure that I'd be able to check in even if it was after hours (the office closes at 10pm). Thankfully, I arrived just after 6pm and was able to get the check-in glass of prosecco along with the full lay of the land. I did a quick tour of the main hotel grounds (pool, bar, garden, wine room, breakfast room) and then went next door to the cottages. I was booked in Cottage 3, which is more like a mini condo with a living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, as well as a nice outdoor porch area and a small private pool for the four cottages on the property. Cottage residents are also able to use the main pool at the hotel, which is awesome. These cottages are not separated, but comprise one large "house." Though I couldn't hear my neighbors speaking through the walls, I could hear the people in Cottage 4, which was above mine, walking around their unit.
The amenities are not to be overlooked...they are outstanding. From wonderful customer service, to a lovely included breakfast each morning (which can be eaten inside in the AC or outside by the pool), plus the live music, pool bar, and my personal favorite, the shared bookshelf in the main living room (I left a copy of Liane Moriarty's TRULY, MADLY, GUILTY and hope someone else enjoys it as much as I did).
Also, the gardens are really beautiful; they are a tropical oasis. It is such a joy to get lost in the winding paths on the property. There are surprises around every twist and turn, including unusual and beautiful artwork, as well as birds in a vintage birdcage, koi in two small ponds, and four rescue tortoises. With the two house cats and some of the wild Key West chickens and roosters, it's like visiting a nature reserve.
I cannot wait to return to Key West, and I will only stay at The Gardens Hotel!