May 2018 Review/Photo of the Month

It’s that time again… when we announce our Review/Photo of the Month winner. The Greenwood Family, guests of  << VILLA CUBANA >> in May are our $100 cash card winners! They submitted a fantastic review of their week long stay with us, read it below:

Guest_Review_May_2018
The Greenwood Family’s 5 star review from their stay at Villa Cubana.

We thoroughly enjoy reading each of our guest reviews. It’s a humbling reminder of how lucky we are to be able to provide guests with a memorable vacation experience and how lucky we are to live in such a magical place like Key West.

Want to be next month’s Review/Photo of the Month winner? Be sure to send us a photo or video of your time on vacation and submit your memorable review for your stay to be automatically entered in our monthly contest.

February 2018 Review/Photo of the Month

We love receiving reviews and photos from our guests. Each month we select a memorable guest review or photo to win a $100 cash card. The Chambliss Family is our February 2018 “Review/Photo of the Month” Winner for the review and photo submitted for their stay at << COASTAL CABANA >> for the outstanding 5-star review and this adorable photo they submitted from their stay!

Pets need a vacation too, ya know…
5-star review from the Chambliss Family

We thoroughly enjoy seeing these amazing moments of our guests’ vacations. It 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 time on vacation and/or submit your memorable review for your stay to be entered for a chance to win a $100 cash card.

October 2017 Review/Photo of the Month

We are excited to be back delivering our guests a truly memorable vacation experience in Key West. Our winning Review/Photo submission for this month was from one of our first Post-Hurricane Irma guests, and we are so happy that they were able to enjoy Key West to the fullest.

Our October 2017 cash card winner is The Julien Family, who stayed with us at :: CASA VICTORIA :: and submitted an awesome 5-star review for their stay, as well as some fun photos of themselves enjoying the home and their time in Key West.

Julien Family 5-Star Review.
Guests enjoying their time at Casa Victoria.
The whole gang at the Southernmost Point.
Enjoying some fun on Duval Street.
These guests celebrated a birthday while in residence.

We are beyond thrilled to be back doing what we love – providing our guests an unrivaled Key West vacation experience. Seeing these amazing moments reminds us how lucky we are to be doing what we do and to live in such a magical place.

Future guests are encouraged to submit a review for their stay and to share your photos/videos of your group enjoying your Key West experience with Last Key. All entries are automatically entered into our monthly contest, for a chance to win a $100 cash card. See you in Paradise! 🌴

Slow Down, This ain’t the Mainland: Your Guide to Getting Around Key West Without A Car

Getting around Key West isn’t too difficult, after all it is an island. Speed limits are low, people are friendly and you’ll probably see a few bumper stickers with the tagline “Slow Down, this ain’t the mainland.” At Last Key Realty, we’ve come up with a guide – for those vacationing without a vehicle or for those that want to ditch their vehicle – to get you around Key West in the style that best fits your island experience.

Ride A Bike

The quintessential mode of island life transportation is biking. Most streets in Key West have designated bike lanes, making cycle commutes safe and easy. However, be sure to keep your wits about you and watch out for traffic. Key West has a long history of being a bike-friendly community. Many locals take pride in dressing up their “conch cruisers” and rig them with distinct character, flair and fabulousness. Just remember to always use bike lights at night, and to lock up your bike when making a pit stop downtown. Renting a home without parking for a vehicle? Bike racks are located all around Key West, and most LKR vacation homes have designated space for locking up your bicycle when you aren’t out cruising around. If your bike won’t fit nicely in the overhead bin or safely under the seat in front of you, don’t worry, our Concierge Team will be happy to help you secure two wheels during your time in paradise. They can even arrange for bike delivery to your Key West vacation home, so that you won’t have to waste valuable vacation time. Not the most confident on a bike? You can always snag a three-wheeled adult beach cruiser for an easy ride around town, plus these tri-cycles feature ample basket space. This set-up is perfect for a “beverage” run or a quick trip to the local grocer, Faustos, for the essentials.

Hop on a Scooter

There’s nothing like scootin’ around town with your hair blowing in the wind. Driving a scooter is quicker than riding a bike, yet more convenient than driving a car. Key West is very scooter-friendly and scooter/moped parking is a breeze – especially in Old Town. Plus, you really get to see more of the island up close when riding a scooter compared to driving a car. Reserve a scooter for your stay through our Concierge Team, who will offer to shuttle you to your scooter pick-up location.

On Foot

Get your steps in! Nothing is “too far” to walk in Key West. At only 2-miles by 4-miles, walking the entire island can be accomplished in a single day. Walking is a safe option (especially after you’ve hit a few happy hours) and it allows you to soak in and marvel the island’s beautiful architecture.

Ride Sharing

Now that Uber, Lyft, and other Ride Sharing Services have made their way to Key West, enjoy the convenience of a quick ride around town just by using your smartphone. Ride sharing is a great option after hitting the bars on Duval Street or for a prompt fast trip to and from the airport. Ride sharing is the perfect option for reaching locations that may be a bit far for a bike ride or a walk without having to rent a vehicle for your entire stay.

Duval Loop

As of August 31st, Key West will offer a circulator bus ride to your favorite stops on and around Duval Street. Tentatively called the “Duval Loop,” this complimentary bus service consists of a sixteen stop route. The Duval Loop is part of the city’s “Car Free Key West” initiative to eliminate cars and ease congestion in the heart of Old Town Key West. Check out the official Duval Loop website for pickup times and stops. You can also search for one of our amazing vacation rentals on Duval Street, or rentals near Duval Street.

Pedicab

Pedicabs are three-wheeled vehicles that seat two passengers in a hooded cab behind the driver, who operates it using pedals. You will see them riding up, down, and around Duval Street constantly, and hopping in one to get from one bar or attraction to the next is a relaxing and fun way to get around. It’s also a great way to see the island while letting the pedicab driver do all the work.

For any other questions, or to find a Key West Vacation Rental, just contact us at Last Key Realty.

Neighborhoods of Key West

The Southernmost City of the U.S. is a 2 by 4-mile island, which features distinct neighborhoods that offer their own unique personalities and charm. While the island is very small, where you stay during your time here plays a huge role in shaping your Key West experience.  Knowing more about the various neighborhoods on the island will help you to choose the best fit for your family or group.  Read on to get a feel for which Key West neighborhood is right for you.

 

Historic Old Town

Old Town Key West is the heart of the island and is widely considered by visitors to be the most desirable neighborhood. The world famous Duval Street runs right through the center of Old Town. Here, you’ll find many of Key West’s top restaurants and attractions. If you want to experience what it’s like to really live in the “Conch Republic”, Old Town is where you’ll want to be.

Recommended for groups and families who want to be close to the vivacious nightlife, bars, restaurants and attractions of Key West. Groups looking to ride scooters, bike or walk as their main mode of transportation are perfect for Old Town, as parking is often limited. Enjoy being near the best restaurants, close to beautiful historic architecture and the Historic Seaport.

 

Truman Annex

Truman Annex is an exclusive gated community on the ocean and in the heart of Old Town. President Harry Truman spent his winters here at his home, famously known as “The Little White House” and often joked about relocating America’s Capital to Key West. In Truman Annex, you’ll find impeccably maintained grounds, white picket fences alongside quiet streets and sidewalks. It’s a quieter part of Old Town, but still within walking distance to Duval Street and many downtown restaurants and attractions. Truman Annex is appealing for both its Key West charm and modern comforts. Just out the gate towards the ocean is Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, featuring one of the nicest beaches on the island.

Recommended for groups and families that want to spend a week or longer in a vacation home that is close to Duval Street, yet “away from it all”. Truman Annex is a desirable quiet residence where you are just a couple minutes from Duval Street, the center of downtown, and the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration. However, if you’re a group coming to Key West for the party atmosphere, this may not be the best location for you. This neighborhood closely monitors noise and security issues in order to keep the community nice and quiet for residents.

 

Smathers Beach

Even though Key West is an island, a common misconception is that there is plenty of beachfront property. In reality, there are not many beachfront properties in Key West, as much of the beachfront land is either public beach, Navy land, or hotels. The primary beachfront property in Key West is located near Smathers Beach. Smathers Beach is one of four beaches in Key West, and is located on the north Atlantic Ocean side of the island. The Smathers Beach neighborhood is home to the Key West International Airport, as well as a handful of restaurants and attractions. The accommodations in this area include multiple hotel options, private homes, condos and apartment complexes. The majority of our properties in this neighborhood are located at The 1800 Atlantic Condominium Complex and at The Key West Beach Club.

 

The 1800 Atlantic Condominium Complex is an upscale private community featuring picturesque balcony views, modern amenities and is located within a short bike or Uber ride to many favorite Key West sites. The residence offers a Resort-Style Community Pool, an oversized Jacuzzi, a cabana with restrooms, picnic tables and BBQ grills. When you stay at 1800 Atlantic you have direct beach access and are steps away from Smathers Beach which is located around the corner.

The Key West Beach Club is a quiet residential condominium complex located right on the Atlantic Ocean. This property offers two pools, a fitness center and incredible ocean views. It is in a great location, perfect for biking or walking to town and to restaurants.

Recommended for groups and families who love the beach, sun, value great views, and dig modern amenities. This quiet tropical paradise is perfect for R&R, in a great location that avoids downtown noise. You will only be a short bike or Uber ride from all the action of Old Town.

 

Casa Marina/Casa East

The Casa Marina neighborhood is the southern area of the island running along the Atlantic Ocean. This neighborhood is close to Old Town, but is not technically considered “Old Town” by those who apply that definition strictly. This unique area is laidback, quiet, and beautiful. At Casa Marina, you will enjoy exclusivity – a quiet residential feel with generally larger homes. They often feature more spacious properties than in Old Town. Dog lovers will also love this area for the “Dog Beach” and for the popular community dog park.

Recommended for groups and families looking for a quiet residential neighborhood with spacious homes on typically larger lots all located just a quick bike ride or walk to Higgs beach / White Street Pier and a short Uber ride to Duval.

 

MidTown/New Town

MidTown/New Town is a neighborhood primarily known as home to many locals, although you will find plenty of shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. Several canals allow access to open water, something you won’t find – except at the marinas – in any other part of Key West. Over the years, homeowners have updated and renovated these sometimes larger Mid-Century homes which are now upscale villas featuring private pools, larger lots, and private gardens. 20 minutes in a scooter or car gets you to the heart of Old Town.

Recommended for groups and families who have a boat and desire canal access. Great for those interested in homes that can be a little larger offering ample parking, larger properties and are away from the busy streets of Old Town. Not recommended for those looking to stick strictly to walking, as many of the homes in these areas require a car ride to get downtown.

 

Stock Island

Stock Island is located just outside the entrance to Key West and is what you may consider a ‘suburb’ of the main island. It is quickly growing with residential areas and commercial businesses, including many fishing and water adventure companies. Many of our rentals in this neighborhood have the perk of being near the water, whether that is on a canal or with a view of the Gulf or Ocean.

Sunset Marina is private condo complex is about 5 miles from Old Town directly on the Florida Bay. This gated community has a large community pool, a clubhouse and boat slips. All of these two and three-bedroom condos feature balconies with direct water views. The condos are available for monthly rental, many with their own boat slips. If you are renting for a month or more, and don’t mind a 10-minute Uber ride or 20-minute bike ride into town, this quiet, gated, waterfront community is the right place for you.

Recommended for nautical focused groups who have a boat and want to rent a slip. Sunset Marina is great for fishing enthusiasts, couples and families who like peace and quiet, boating, and amazing sunset views from your own private balcony.

The Key West Golf Club sits right at the entrance to Key West. This planned gated community offers 24-hour security, with tropical town homes and private residences surrounding an 18-hole 6500-yard Rees Jones golf course. Enjoy one of the largest resort-style pools in Key West and a fitness room. The Key West Golf Club area has an inviting, polished, suburb vibe.

Recommended for groups and families seeking a quiet neighborhood and don’t mind being a 10-15 minute drive or Uber ride from Old Town. This area is ideal for golf enthusiasts and vacationers who enjoy the quiet and local feeling of a less commercialized area.