Our way of saying: Welcome to Paradise!

Have you ever hoped to have that perfect vacation of a lifetime? If so, what would you say would be the key to making that trip so memorable? Time and time again, travelers will agree that highly personalized and friendly customer service is the key to a dream vacation. We all want to be made to feel special. At Last Key Realty, that is our mission statement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Key Realty is unique in the world of vacation home management. We maintain the highest level of staffing for guest services of any management company in Key West: Each of our Guest Services Coordinators is limited to managing no more than 20 homes. Their top priority is to make each and every guest always feel welcome, relaxed and comfortable in their new home away from home in beautiful Key West!

A very important duty of each GSC is to get to know our guests as best we can before they arrive. With valuable information gleaned through emails and phone calls we can then provide a personalized and unique welcome gift for each arriving guest. Info and tid-bits such as “It’s our anniversary!” or “Can’t wait to soak up some Vitamin Sea!” or “Celebrating a 50th Birthday!” are used as clues for finding the perfect gift that’s waiting for each guest upon arrival.

As part of our recently implemented a Welcome Gift program, we’ve teamed up with local businesses to offer unique and exciting goodies such as fresh cut tropical flowers, Key West inspired cooking spices, and exclusive offers on spa services and boutique shopping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Champagne on ice, a key lime pie, party hats and balloons for celebrating or maybe a beach bag stocked with sunscreen, koozies and other beach day necessities are just a few more examples of how Last Key Realty tailors the dream vacation for each and every one of our guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Experience a Last Key Vacation Rental for yourself by booking your Key West Vacation directly through our website, or send an inquiry email to rentals@lastkeyrealty.com. And let us welcome you to Paradise in a way that only we can.

February 2017 Review/Photo of the Month

In an effort to increase guest engagement, we have set up a Monthly contest to reward the most memorable review and/or photo submitted to us during the Month. The Monthly winner of our “Review/Photo of the Month” receives a $100 cash card courtesy of Last Key Realty.

Our February 2017 Review/Photo of the Month winner is Renee Lovejoy! Renee stayed with us at :: LA BONNE VIE :: and shared some delightful photos of her group enjoying the condo and their Key West Vacation. Thanks for sharing!

Nice catch! Looks like they had a successful Fishing Trip…

In addition to sharing these awesome photos with us, Renee also submitted an outstanding 5-star review of her experience staying in a Last Key Vacation Rental.

Seeing these moments of our guests enjoying their vacation and to receive such a flattering review reminds us just how lucky we are to be doing what we do and to live in such a magical place.

For future guests, send us your memorable photo or video of your time on vacation and submit a memorable 5-star review of your stay at a Last Key Realty Rental Home to be automatically entered for a chance to win a $100 cash card. You could be our March winner!

Best things to do in Key West

Key West is a very unique place with an abundance of things to do for everyone, regardless of age. Just like any popular travel destination, there are certain things that you must experience during your time in Key West. We’ve compiled a short list of the best things to do in Key West.

Spend a day at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park – This place rocks! Arguably the nicest Beach on the island, Fort Zach is a great mix of sandy shores and shaded woods, plus you have the Fort itself. Spend a day of your Key West Vacation soaking up the sun, relaxing on the beach, swimming in the Gulf, having a picnic, or touring the Fort at America’s Southernmost State Park. Our Truman Annex Properties are located right around the corner.

Tour The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum – Feeling like a tourist? Then you’ll absolutely want to take this guided tour of the famous writer’s Key West Home during the 1930’s. Now occupied by over forty cats, this historic mansion is nestled in the heart of Old Town. Today, the estate still remains the single largest residential property on the island of Key West.

Catch a Sunset at Mallory Square – For the most breathtaking sunset you’ve ever seen, gather your group and head down to Mallory Square and catch a sunset. Aside from the stunning views, there are also lots of street vendors and entertaining street performances. Definitely a Key West must!

Take a photo at the Most Southern Point – If you haven’t already, SAY CHEESE at the Most Southern Point of the United States! It doesn’t count as a Key West Vacation unless you take this photo…

Get out on the water – Whether it be by boat, by paddle board, or by kayak, one of the best things to do in Key West is enjoy the beautiful waters. Hang out at a sandbar, explore the mangroves, catch yourself some fresh dinner, or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the amazing scenery.

Tour The Harry S. Truman Little White House – If you’re a History Buff, then this is definitely a must do! See where President Harry S. Truman spent 175 days of his presidency from 1946 – 1952. It not only served as Truman’s “Winter White House”, but five other Presidents have also stayed here. Other presidents included William Howard Taft, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton. Located on Front St. in the Truman Annex, tours are offered every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day.

Make a trip to Fort Jefferson & Dry Tortugas National Park – Clear a day on your schedule to make the 70 mile trip out to Fort Jefferson & The Dry Tortugas. Relax on the shores of this secluded beach or snorkel in the surrounding crystal clear waters. After snorkeling, get your knowledge on, by taking a tour of the Fort. Experts will share some exciting stories and the remarkable history of Fort Jefferson.

Stay in a Last Key Realty Home – We’re not your ordinary Vacation Rental Company. We meet you at the property upon arrival and get your vacation started the right way. Have a problem? Just give us a call and we’ll have it solved in no time! When you stay in a Last Key Realty Home, you are getting more than just a Vacation Rental, you’re getting a complete Key West Vacation experience!!!

During your next Key West visit, find some time in between eating at the many wonderful restaurants on the island and taking part in Duval Street shenanigans to check out the best things to do in Key West.

Last Key Realty Boat Slip Rentals

Key West has some of the most beautiful waters on earth. People travel from ALL over the world to experience the crystal clear waters of America’s most southern point. There is nothing like cruising the Gulf of Mexico looking for a sandbar hangout, or sliding across the Atlantic Ocean on your way to an adventurous diving or fishing excursion. Being that it is almost essential to have a boat in Key West, we offer convenient Boat Slip Rentals. Not only can you rent a Home for yourself to stay, but you can also rent a Slip for your boat to stay.

Our four Boat Slips are available for Weekly rental at Sunset Marina, located on Stock Island. Here are the individual details of each Slip:

Marlin 7 – 40 ft. Boat Slip. Maximum boat size: 45 ft. long, 12 ft. wide. 6 ft. draft depth.

Marlin 8 – 30 ft. Boat Slip. Maximum boat size: 35 ft. long, 14 ft. wide. 6 ft. draft depth.

Grouper 9 – 40 ft. Boat Slip. Maximum boat size: 45 ft. long, 15 ft. wide. 6 ft. draft depth. Located at the end of the dock.

Grouper 10 – 40 ft. Boat Slip. Maximum boat size: 45 ft. long, 15 ft. wide. 6 ft. draft depth. Located at the end of the dock.

All Slips include a storage dock box, fish cleaning station, a 30 amp power source, water supply and full Guest Services of Last Key Realty. Also located at the Sunset Marina is the Marina Store and ride-up Gas Station. Rest assured in knowing that your Boat is in a safe and secure location during your time in Key West. Sunset Marina regulations require these slip rentals not be used for liveaboards, but we’d be happy to accommodate your stay at one of our luxury Vacation Rentals. Also, trailer storage can be accommodated at an additional cost. Please inquire for details.

While in Key West, getting out on the water is a must. Enjoy the peaceful aquatic scenery, catch yourself some dinner, or take the family snorkeling. There is so much to experience in the surrounding waters of Key West. Let your Boat experience Paradise too!

If you are going to bring your boat with you to Key West or rent one while you’re here, consider a convenient Last Key Realty Boat Slip Rental. For more information, call our Office at (305) 292-6266.

January 2017 Review/Photo of the Month

At Last Key Realty, we pride ourselves on the service we provide to our guests. We like to personally engage every guest by asking them to submit a review of their stay. We also encourage our guests to share with us photos of their group enjoying Key West and their Vacation Rental. As an incentive to guests for participating, we have launched a Monthly contest.

Each month we select a memorable guest review or photo to win a $100 cash card. Our January 2017 winner is the Watzich Family, that stayed with us at :: HAVANA HOUSE :: and shared two fun photos of the whole family enjoying the home’s pool and patio area. They also submitted an awesome 5-star review of their experience in Key West at :: HAVANA HOUSE :: and the service they received from Amanda, the Guest Services Coordinator for this Home. Thank you for sharing Watzich Family!

 

 

Seeing these amazing moments of our guests enjoying their vacation and receiving such a flattering review reminds us how lucky we are to be doing what we do and to live in such a magical place.

For future guests, send us a photo or video of your time on vacation and submit a memorable review of your stay at a Last Key Realty Rental Home to be entered for a chance to win a $100 cash card. Who knows, you could be next month’s winner?

Top 5 Reasons To Plan A Key West Vacation Now!

Isn’t it amazing how much stuff we get done the day before vacation? – Zig Ziglar

Reason #1: You want to be healthy

Like many of us in January, we make resolutions, which focus on improving our health and wellness. The researchers at Central Washington University are saying that a whopping 77% of people need more Vitamin D because they do not get enough exposure to sunlight. Doctors are saying that Vitamin D deficiency is currently a pandemic in the U.S., which routinely causes preventable chronic diseases like the flu. Without optimal Vitamin D levels, you can feel fatigued and stressed.

What is the best way to get Vitamin D?

Natural Sunshine of course!

The sunny Key West skies are a great source for the sunshine your body needs. Optimal levels of sunshine will give your January Resolutions a boost and jump-start your immune system.

Reason #2: Vacations Boost Productivity & Happiness

Planning a Key West Vacation will help you trot through your daily grind more easily because you have something to look forward to.

Part of why vacations are so important is because you can give your brain a much needed break. Turns out, your brain likes time to daydream! In this age of information overwhelm, vacations are even more important. According to a 2011 study, on a typical day, we take in the equivalent of about 174 newspapers’ worth of information, five times as much as we did in 1986. That’s quite astounding!

The average U.S. employee takes only half of their allotted vacation time. Unsurprisingly, they suffer from being overworked, overwhelmed and overwrought. There is a concept about time and money. It goes like this – you can always make more money but you cannot make more time.

Reason #3: You Can Bring Your Pet

Many of the homes in Last Key Realty‘s inventory are pet friendly! You don’t have to leave your furry family member at home anymore. Plus, there are many restaurants that are pet friendly and there is even a dog beach where you can play fetch in the ocean with your pup. Afterwards you and your beach dog can have lunch at Louie’s Backyard on the deck and enjoy some amazing ocean views.

Reason #4: You Don’t Need a Passport 

If you are a U.S. citizen and have a drivers license that is enough ID to get you here! We are far enough south that it feeeeels like you are in a tropical, remote, magical foreign land unlike the continental U.S. but, we still have the perks of being able to get here without flashing your passport.

Reason #5: Experience all Key West has to offer with Last Key Realty

When you book a Key West Vacation Rental with Last Key Realty – know that you are in great hands. We specialize in making your vacation a luxurious and easy experience so that you feel like the celebrity you are in your own life! On the island we do things a little slower and with a more relaxed attitude. With Last Key Realty handling the details, you can focus on what is most important: soaking up the sunshine, relaxing with a refreshing mojito (or beverage of your choice) at happy hour and letting your mind wander stress free.

It’s time to plan your Key West Vacation! What are you waiting for?

 

December 2016 Review/Photo of the Month

Each month we select a memorable guest review or photo to win a $100 cash card. Our December 2016 winner is Michael Dye, who shared a photo of his group and himself enjoying their Vacation Rental, :: PILAR’S SECRET :: and submitted a lovely five-star review of his stay with us. Thank you for sharing!

There’s nothing more rewarding for us than receiving a five-star review from a guest and to see our guests enjoying their vacations. Seeing these captured moments reminds us how lucky we are to do what we do and to live in such a magical place.

For future guests, send us a photo/video of your Key West Vacation and submit your memorable review for your stay to be entered for a chance to win a $100 cash card. You could be January’s winner!

January is Fun in Key West!

There is never a bad time to visit Key West, but January may be the best month to enjoy the southernmost part of the United States. While the rest of the country is bundled up indoors, the month of January in Key West is traditionally in the mid-70s and sunny. Besides having superb weather, January in Key West is loaded with an abundance of exciting events for tourists and residents alike. Here’s a short list of exciting happenings taking place in Key West during the month of January:

  1. 30th Annual Regatta Race WeekimagesTaking place January 15-20, this thrilling must-see event features world-class yachting competition from all over the world. There will be upwards of 100 yacht teams competing for class Championships and is a fun time for the whole family. To view the action, fans can book seats on spectator boats ranging from excursion catamarans to historic tall ships or from land at Key West’s Atlantic-front restaurants, resorts and beaches.

  1. 12th Annual Key West Seafood FestivalunknownAs long as you’re not allergic to shellfish, you’ll absolutely love this event! Held at Key West’s Bayview Park on January 14 & 15, the Seafood Festival is sure to be a weekend of shell cracking, butter dipping fun. A family-friendly event with fresh Key West seafood, drinks, marine-related crafts, youth activities, and live music.

  1. Key West Food & Wine FestivalunknownGrab a wine glass and a fork, as you pair your favorite vino with Key West’s finest culinary delicacies. From January 25-29, enjoy premiere cuisine and wine brought to you by top chefs and restaurateurs in a flavorful schedule of events for food lovers. Highlights include neighborhood wine strolls, food and wine pairings, intriguing seminars and a grand tasting.

  1. 57th Annual Key West House & Garden Toursunknown-1Have you ever wanted to see the inside of Key West’s oldest and most exquisite homes? Here is your chance! Tour a series of elegant and unique private homes, ranging from luxurious restorations to creative renovations, and the interior design that complements each. March tours are offered 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 13 & 14.

  1. 32nd Annual Key West Craft Showunknown-2Strengthen your craft game by joining the thousands of attendees browsing and buying creatively crafted items made by local artisans who gather to display their talents at this popular outdoor festival. Event held January 28 & 29 on Whitehead Street in historic Old Town Key West.

     

    It’s not too late to plan your January escape of the blistering winter experienced by most of the country. Come down for a long weekend, kick back for a week, or stay for the whole month! We still have some homes available for January, these homes include:

Gulfside Vistas

Stunning Third Floor 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom Waterfront Condominium in Truman Annex with Waterfront Community Pool Access. Available Weekly.

 

Suzy’s Parrot Perch

Charming Second Story 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Apartment in Old Town Near Duval Street. Available Nightly & Weekly.

 

Octopus’s Garden

Beautiful 2-Story 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Private Home at Coral Hammock Gated Community with Pool & Fitness Center. Available Nightly & Weekly.

 

Casita Angelita

Fully Renovated First Floor 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Condo located just off Duval Street. Available Nightly & Weekly.

 

Nature’s Edge

Luxurious First Floor 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Condo at Smathers Beach. Available Nightly & Weekly.

 

 

Visit our website: www.lastkeyrealty.com to see all of our available Vacation Rentals and to book your Key West stay for January, it will be here before you know it! See you in Paradise ?

 

Weekly Recap: Friday Favorites

As we head into the weekend let’s take a moment to think about all of the awesome things that happened this week.  There are so many wonderful things happening out in the world; below are my top four favorite things that happened this week!

1. The Key West Lighted Bike Parade

Key West Lighted Bike Parade
Key West Lighted Bike Parade

In Key West, when it comes to Christmas, we don’t just decorate a tree.  We decorate everyyyythang.  Tons of Key Westers brought unwrapped toys or a cash donation to benefit The Wesley House and provide holiday gifts to families in need.  They rode their decked out bikes on down to “Sparkle Street” a.k.a Applerouth Lane where the merriment continued into the wee morning.

2.  The Dude Who Punched a Kangaroo:

This video has taken the internet by storm.  But seriously, what dog owner wouldn’t square up to a Kanga to save their pooch!

3.  The Couple That Murdered the Dance Floor

Every year this cute as can be couple shows up to a local mall and brings down the house; this year to the tune of Uptown Funk!  Just look at the smiles on their faces!  Can you say #relationshipgoals?!

4.  The Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera
Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera

I actually received this gem as a Christmas gift last year from a friend of mine and had it tucked away from moving until we broke it out last night for our company holiday party.  Such a fun addition to the night, the pictures are small, instant, and look super cute hanging from clothespins.

What are your favorite things that happened this week?!  Comment below and share with us…

If one of your favorite things happens to be Key West real estate…I am a full time buyers agent in Key West, Florida and am happy to help you in your real estate search.  Please contact me at 305-394-4073 or krystal@lastkeyrealty.com.

 

 

November 2016 Review/Photo of the Month

Each month we select the most memorable guest Review or Photo that we received during that month to win a $100 cash card. Our November 2016 winner is the Schmidt Family, who stayed with us at :: PAPA’S CASITA :: and submitted a lovely 5-star review, as well as shared an awesome photo of themselves enjoying the home’s lavish pool!

schmidt-reviewschmidtf5153

 

 

 

 

 

The highest compliment we can receive from a guest is a 5-star review, and it warms our hearts to see photos of our guests enjoying their Key West vacations. It reminds us how lucky we are to be doing what we do and to live in such a magical place.

For our future guests, be sure to send us a photo or video of your time on vacation and/or submit your memorable review for your stay with us to be entered for a chance to win a $100 cash card. You could be the December winner!!!