Choosing your hotel in Key West is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your trip. The options are limitless, and your choice ranges from large resorts and hotel chains to small boutique hotels or apartment rentals. There are several clothing-optional gay hotels and resorts in Key West, and Island House is the most popular and well-known.
While staying at a gay hotel might not be the preference for everyone, some travelers enjoy the open environment that Island House offers, where you can simply relax, be yourself, and even take it all off. It’s true there are many gay-friendly hotels in Key West that are not necessarily gay-themed or designed for the LGBTQ+ community. However, these properties simply can’t provide the same unique experience. Island House is a gay, men’s-only resort, so it’s ideal if you are visiting with friends, your same-sex partner, or even alone, since it’s easy to meet other guests.
About Island House Key West
Key West has been a popular destination for the LGBTQ+ community since the 70s. In fact, the concept of a gay hotel or men’s gay resort started in Key West, followed by other popular destinations like Palm Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and Provincetown. During those times, the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people wasn’t what it is today, so many gay travelers really needed a safe space if they wanted to travel with their same-sex partner and not fear judgment or harassment.
Island House has been a gay guest house since 1974. The current owners purchased the property in 1999 and completely renovated the complex. Since then, Island House has won a variety of awards from BOYZ and Out Traveler magazines, as well as top recognition from TripAdvisor. The property is a 4-star resort and offers great amenities and services. Other popular gay hotels in Key West include Equator Resort, New Orleans House, and Alexander’s Guest House. Alexander’s Guest House is another award-winning resort in Key West. You’ll almost certainly have a great time staying at any of these resorts, but Island House is the most popular for many reasons.
Why Stay at Island House Key West?
Location – Island House is perfectly located in Key West. It’s within walking distance of the city’s most popular attractions and gay nightlife. It’s located along “Guesthouse Row” at the end of Fleming Street. Duval Street is only about six blocks away and serves as the center for dining and nightlife.
Clothing Optional – Travelers who enjoy relaxing in the buff by the pool or in a Jacuzzi can take it all off in the company of other gay men. The atmosphere during the day is not necessarily sexually charged but is instead more of an open and natural environment. You’ll find that other spaces might get a bit kinkier as day turns to night, including their 24-hour video room or Jacuzzi.
Parties and Events – Island House offers daily events like their evening happy hour, which is open to all guests. You can even enjoy an open bar from 5:00–6:30 p.m. and take the opportunity to meet new people who are also staying at the hotel. They also host pool parties on various days throughout the week, especially during special events.
Be Yourself – Probably one of the most attractive parts of a gay hotel is the comfort zone it provides. The entire hotel is full of gay guests, and all staff are extensively trained to provide you with a welcoming and gay-friendly experience. It’s a very open environment where you can relax and not worry about harassment or discrimination.
What Can You Expect if You Stay at Island House Key West?
One of the best aspects of staying in a clothing-optional gay resort in Key West is the sense of community it provides. It’s very easy to socialize and meet other guests, which makes your stay in Key West even more enjoyable. Island House offers a free happy hour every evening, where you can have a few drinks and make a new friend or two. During this time, you can order premium drinks from the bar, including top-shelf cocktails, beer, mojitos, and more.
Island House is situated in a private compound with a large heated pool, Jacuzzis, gym, spa, café, and bar. The café serves American food with a hint of Caribbean flair for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The poolside bar and café are even open 24 hours. They also have an erotic video lounge that is open 24 hours a day, showing adult male videos exclusively.
Island House Reviews
Island House is an award-winning, clothing-optional guest house for gay men. With a legacy of more than 45 years, it’s the top gay resort on the island. Island House has won a variety of awards and has been named the best gay resort in the world by BOYZ and Out Traveler magazines. They have received great reviews by guests on TripAdvisor and have earned the coveted “Certificate of Excellence” every year since 2010.
Interested in staying at another gay resort in Key West?
Other popular resorts in Key West include Equator Resort, New Orleans House, and Alexander’s Guest House. Alexander’s Guest House is another award-winning resort in Key West.
Interested in staying with a gay host in an apartment rental in Key West?
Founded in 2014, misterb&b is not a hotel or chain but rather a booking site for rooms, apartments, and homes. Similar to Airbnb, misterb&b is an online service that allows you to rent short- or long-term spaces from gay and gay-friendly hosts around the world. They have hosts in more than 135 countries with over 200,000 total listings. They have also recently started offering listings of gay and gay-friendly hotels on their site for a one-stop shop. You can even list your own room or apartment to earn cash from gay travelers visiting your city.
Understanding a city’s gay scene is much easier with the help of a local, and apartment sharing is one of the best ways to meet someone who knows the best insider advice about the city.
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Photo credits: Island House
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