Greetings from the Conch Republic! Lady Astrojets and I traveled down Thursday afternoon for a long weekend in Key West, one of our favorite places. August is not exactly high season for Key West so I was able to obtain a favorable rate here at the Westin. I’m not disappointed. The hotel, formerly a Hilton property, was reflagged to Westin sometime in 2006. Located at 245 Front Street, the hotel is close to everything one could possibly want to do in Key West. Basically, we are a block or 2 from every bar, shop, restaurant in the center of town.
The hotel has its own marina and is located adjacent to the cruise ship docks. We picked a good weekend as there are no ships scheduled to be in port. We love cruising, and frankly, this is our first visit to Key West that has not been part of a cruise. But the town just has a different, slightly less harried feel without an extra 3,000 cruisers trying to rush through everything in time to get back on the ship.
Our pool view room is located on the 1st floor. When we first arrived, I thought I smelled a slight twinge cigarette smoke, but soon realized I was smelling the aroma of brand new carpet. The room is equipped with Westin’s Heavenly Bed and Bath products. While the carpet may be new, I have noted that several of the bathroom floor tiles are cracking and in need of replacement. I would call that more of an observation than a complaint. Wireless internet access is complimentary, and evening turndown service is provided, which include complimentary bottled water and chocolates. And in what I think is a nice gesture, the turndown server also provides a note card with tomorrow’s weather forecast and water temperature.
We have yet to sample the pool or bar/restaurant facilities, and I will update this report when we do. In the meantime, if you’re heading to Key West, and want a convenient hotel in the center of everything, by all means consider the Westin.
