So little time of a visit to Key West is spent inside the room that the decision of where to stay is often moot. Throw a dart at a map of Old Town, and wherever it lands will put you within walking distance of all the historic landmarks, iconic bars and boutique shops that Key West has to offer. But for those with more discerning tastes, who crave a more private escape that isn’t sandwiched between Airbnb party houses, Pier House Resort & Spa provides a tranquil retreat from the frenetic energy of Duval Street while still preserving the singular experience of vacationing on Key West.
Located at the north end of Duval Street, Pier House is situated just far enough off the main drag that enjoying a quiet sunset on the resort’s small private beach is just as accessible as cramming into Sloppy Joe’s for happy hour. It’s this balance that makes Pier House so appealing—having the option to take in as much or as little of Duval Street as you want, a choice all the more appreciated when you’re of an age that any amount of day drinking ends with a nap that consumes the afternoon.
The rooms present an understated island-chic aesthetic—cozy but not showy. While they don’t boast more modern amenities like smart TVs or sleek central consoles to control lighting, the views from the oceanfront rooms more than make up for the lack of bells and whistles. Every morning we woke to fishing charters sailing through the placid Gulf waters, and every evening we were treated to exquisite sunset views.
Pier House also offers a variety of oceanfront suites that have a more elevated aesthetic, with warm blue accents, larger private balconies, rattan lounging chairs and more room to roam. Rooms that aren’t ocean-facing instead provide relaxing views of the resort’s central garden, a lush palm-shaded walkway that passes by a zen pond home to swimming koi and sunbathing turtles.
The rest of the property balances upscale luxury with the no-frills ethos of Key West. Of the latter, guests can visit the Chart Room, a longtime Key West dive that is said to have been the haunt of choice for Jimmy Buffett, Mel Fisher and Louis Armstrong. Then there’s Beach Bar, a tiki-style bar just off the private beach and near the resort’s shaded pool. There’s a “no shoes, no shirt, no problem” policy here for those who want to cool off with a frozen libation after a dip in the water. Beach Bar also serves up a variety of refreshing light bites like fish tacos and lobster BLT sliders.
On the classier side is One Duval, the onsite restaurant that serves up an assortment of Floribbean-inspired dishes with locally sourced seafood. Our visit was headlined by a delicious black grouper and blue crab swimming in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce and served atop mashed potatoes, but the sleeper hit was the pan-seared scallops appetizer, which were plump and perfectly cooked and served with crispy polenta bites. From the patio of One Duval we watched as the sunset charters sailed by, with their cannons booming over the water to usher in the evening.
Pier House also boasts the island’s only full-service spa. Here, guests can partake in a variety of wellness packages that include massages, salon services, scalp treatments and more. There’s no way to overstate the benefits of a visit to the spa following the long drive from Palm Beach County through Miami and across the Overseas Highway. Even a dip in the hot tub with its soothing waterfall is enough for a quick reset.
For families or travelers that prefer a more relaxed Key West experience, Palm House provides a quiet alternative to the bustle of central Old Town, while still keeping you close to the action of all the shops and bars. A welcome bonus is that the resort is pet-friendly, and the $75 pet fee gets your four-legged friend food and water bowls, Pier House treats and a pet bed. For more information or to book a room, visit pierhouse.com.
