Heavenly Zen

Utterly Perfect

Where to begin.  The house is utterly perfect!  It's not enormous, but everything opens up to the outdoors so it seems gigantic.  The pictures online looked spectacular - and we were thrilled to find the place was as nice or nicer than the pictures!  Shel, the property manager from Last Key Realty, was great - very easy going, friendly and attentive.  The kitchen is made for people who like to cook, with excellent appliances, many utensils, and a great supply of spices etc.  The bed rooms were spacious and comfortable and so were the beds.  Everything has been updated and very tastefully decorated.  But it's the outdoors on this property that really make the place.  The pool, hot tub, and outdoor shower were perfect, just the right combination of sun and shade in the backyard, tons of covered space to lounge, work, eat and socialize.  It is located right next door to an excellent bakery, so you can smell the fresh baked bread every morning while you drink coffee.

 

My twins are high school seniors and have been going to school online for most of their senior year.  This was the perfect way to make the best of the pandemic.  I watched my daughter attend a couple of classes while in the pool!  And our Macaw could not have been happier spending February in the tropics!

 

I would give the house, Shel, and Last Key Realty 6 stars if it were possible.  We can't wait to come back!

- Bill M , Posted: 03/25/2021

January in Key West

What a wonderful month we had staying at Heavenly Zen. A perfect get away in Key West. Shel greeted us and along with the concierge services we were off and running. Bicycles delivered and restaurants discussed. Exciting adventures were booked. We flew to the dry tortugas for an afternoon that included the historic fort, a picnic we brought ourselves and a beautiful beach walk. The seaplane flight, landing on the water and right onto the beach was terrific. Eco kayaking at Geiger Key was so excellent we went twice. So were the fish tacos at their restaurant. But our highlight was planning and cooking meals at the house. We planned 5 big nights focusing on challenging our cooking skills. Eaton st. fish market and the fine wine shop nearby helped. And then the bakery right beside us. Oh Yum! just too good. The location of heavenly zen is ideal having easy access to that great neighborhood, perfect. I can’t leave out Azur restaurant. What a gem. Thank you Last Key Realty for helping us plan a wonderful month in a difficult time.

 

- Laurie J , Posted: 02/17/2021

Birthday Month in Paradise

We absolutely loved our stay at Heavenly Zen! From the moment we arrived, we knew we were in for an amazing month long vacation. The property is even more beautiful than the pictures. Everyone had plenty of space and the outdoor area was perfect and enjoyed daily. Distance to the action on Duval couldn't have been better and the "locals" restaurants nearby were spot on. Shel and his crew, welcoming and always at our beck and call for every request. My 50th birthday was so much better because of this tropical paradise and will definitely be one for the books!

 

- Elizabeth F , Posted: 10/27/2020

Heavenly Zen is a great house

Really well located near some of Key West's best food. We love the pool area which is beautifully planted and feels like an oasis in the middle of a busy town. Shel Segal is a whiz of a property manager and really makes sure our stay is perfect in every way. We look forward to seeing him every year.

- Elizabeth P , Posted: 06/15/2018

Our Winter Stay at Heavenly Zen

 

This house is perfect for a Christmas/New Year’s Holiday Destination trip to Key West! December in Key West provides many delightful events ranging from the lighted bicycle parade with over 1,000 bicycles lighting up the streets, lighted boat parade, Conch Train Holiday Lights Tour of the island’s most elaborately decorated houses, inns and neighborhoods, the dachshund parade, Studios of Key West Artisan Market, additional art bazaars, as well as holiday concerts and music events. This house is next door to the Old Town Bakery (the best soups, croissants, and breads in town), across the street from Bien, close to other restaurants as well as the action along the Old Seaport walkway. One important attribute is the complete walkability from this home to the entire Old Town area and harbor, and a great bookstore, Books & Books @ The Studios of Key West. If there is a contest for the best property manager in Key West, Shel will win hands-down. The best part of this rental is his helpful, prompt attention to details. He took care of everything we needed and is working with the owner to upgrade the furnishings and linens for future guests. Another shout-out to others on the Last Key Realty team - Jaimie for his quick response to maintenance issues, Jana’s outstanding cleaning crew, Peter’s delightful team of cordial gardeners, the concierge for arranging a fun snorkeling trip on the Fury, and Alex for her prompt response to email questions and booking advice. The key feature of this home is the outdoor living/dining and garden area surrounding the waterfall in the private heated pool and jacuzzi. The house has two bedrooms on the main floor which is a rare find in Old Town Key West if you have senior family members who have difficulty climbing the stairs to the two second floor bedrooms. The main floor plan provides privacy and feels as though the two downstairs bedrooms are in separate wings of the house. The wireless high-speed Internet access was reliable, and off-street parking for one medium-sized vehicle is provided. Although with the fabulous Uber service and a free Duval Loop bus stop that is literally twenty steps away, one does not need a vehicle. Our favorite spots to eat included: Banana Café, Santiago’s Bodega, Latitudes, the Boathouse, La Trattoria Oceanside, Salute, Thirsty Mermaid, VIV Wine and Cheese Bar, Roostica, Sinz, Key Plaza Creperie, The Breakfast Club, Too and Chef Martha’s specialty dinners at Isle Cook. It’s only a block to the Eaton Street Seafood Market for take-out or fresh shrimp and fish to grill on the outdoor barbecue. See you next year!

 

- Joan V , Posted: 06/14/2018

The key feature of this home is the outdoor living, dining and garden area
This house is perfect for a Christmas/New Year’s Holiday Destination trip to Key West! December in Key West provides many delightful events ranging from the lighted bicycle parade with over 1,000 bicycles lighting up the streets, lighted boat parade, Conch Train Holiday Lights Tour of the island’s most elaborately decorated houses, inns and neighborhoods, the dachshund parade, Studios of Key West Artisan Market, additional art bazaars, as well as holiday concerts and music events. This house is next door to the Old Town Bakery (the best soups, croissants, and fresh-baked bread in town), across the street from Bien, close to other restaurants as well as the action along the Old Seaport walkway. One important attribute is the complete walkability from this home to the entire Old Town area and harbor. If there is a contest for the best property manager in Key West, Shel will win hands-down. The best part of this rental is his helpful, prompt attention to details. He took care of everything we needed and is working with the owner to upgrade the furnishings and linens for future guests. Another shout-out to others on the Last Key Realty team - Jaimie for his quick response to maintenance issues, Jana’s outstanding cleaning crew, Peter’s delightful team of cordial gardeners, and Alex for her prompt response to email questions and booking advice. The key feature of this home is the outdoor living/dining and garden area surrounding the waterfall in the private heated pool and jacuzzi. The house has two bedrooms on the main floor which is a rare find in Old Town Key West if you have senior family members who have difficulty climbing the stairs to the two second floor bedrooms. The main floor plan provides privacy and feels as though the two downstairs bedrooms are in separate wings of the house. The wireless high-speed Internet access was reliable, and off-street parking for one medium-sized vehicle is provided. Although with the fabulous Uber service and a free Duval Loop bus stop that is literally twenty steps away, one does not need a vehicle. Our favorite spots to eat included: Banana Café, Santiago’s Bodega, Latitudes, the Boathouse, La Trattoria Oceanside, Salute, Thirsty Mermaid, VIV Wine and Cheese Bar, Roostica, Sinz, Key Plaza Creperie, The Breakfast Club, Too and Chef Martha’s specialty dinners at Isle Cook. It’s only a block to the Eaton Street Seafood Market for take-out or fresh shrimp and fish to grill on the outdoor barbecue. See you next year!

- Joan V from Wisconsin, Posted: 04/15/2018

Beautiful property in Old Towne

The property is very well maintained and spacious. It is located in Old Towne and close to plenty of shops and restaurants. The property management is very welcoming, as well as responsive to inquiries and questions. We enjoyed our stay! Last Key is a go to when looking for your home away from home.

- David S , Posted: 01/26/2018

Perfect Spot
Old town has been a destination for our family for many years. Shel and the folks at Last Key always go above and beyond to make sure that things get done right. They are truly professionals. The properties that they manage are all top notch and Heavenly Zen is one of our favorites.

- Jimmy C from Coral Gables, Posted: 10/02/2017

Another blissful month

This house is perfectly located. Walk to dozens of good restaurants and all of Old Town. And we always love the blue ribbon service we get from Shel Segal and Homeaway.

- Elizabeth , Posted: 05/31/2017

Amazing house and stay in Key West

The house and the backyard are so amazing and have everything you would need! It is the perfect getaway in Key West. Perfectly located in Key West and walkable to most places you would want to go! Shel was a great host and provided a great list of bars, restaurants and things to do that was very helpful and we used several of the recommended places.

- Daniella L , Posted: 05/31/2017

House, Amenities and Service Were the Best

Heavenly Zen was the perfect vacation home for our family of eight, including an 11-year old and a toddler. The common areas are spacious and thoughtfully designed. The bedrooms each provide privacy and comfort. We cooked about 1/3 of our meals in, and found the kitchen well-equipped and functional. The interior design, including artwork, is restful and very pleasing. However, the highlight of the house is the porch, patio and pool area. Even though the house is in a busy neighborhood, this area is quiet, peaceful and very enjoyable. With the waterfall on, you could be in a rainforest on a small tropical island. The location is perfect; you can walk to almost anywhere you would want to go. There is a terrific bakery right next door; and Bien across the street has the best sandwiches and quick, Caribbean lunches and suppers. Azur, one of the finest restaurants in Key West is at the end of the block. For those who worry about the many things that might go wrong, forget your worries. Shel is always a phone call away to deal with any small issue that may come up. He’s been on Key West for 40 years so is also able to make thoughtful recommendation about restaurants, beaches, shopping, and tourist sites. He helped us manage delivery of several Christmas presents, and even offered to mail a letter when I didn’t have a stamp. I can’t say enough about the service that went with this beautiful house.

 

- Maureen L , Posted: 01/11/2017

Relaxing, private yet accessible

Great Location, looked just like the photos on arrival, but nicer. Our guest service coordinator was there to greet me on arrival, help with the luggage. I such we had more mail than most on vacation. Shel Segel was not only our guest service coordinator but also our personal mail delivery. Shel was one of the best, I would highly recommend 'Last Key Realty' for your next home away trip. We have used this company twice, with two different home. The 404 Grinnell St home is lovely, relaxing- back deck/pool area. The location is close to all, yet quick. all the amenties you could need. I am very picky about thing being clean and in there place, and this home excessed my expectation. Shel was friendly and very helpful with all our needs. Great vacation, Shel we hope to see you again Would highly recommend this home. We asked if the home was for sale. That how much we liked the house!!

- Jennifer R , Posted: 11/15/2016

Esq.
It was yet another amazing stay in Key west. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the gem of a home conveniently located in Old Town. Our property manager, Shel was there to greet us and made sure that our trip was flawless.

- Jim C from Coral Gables, Posted: 08/30/2016

Incredible House!!!

The pictures of this house do not do it justice, it is amazing. It was well stocked with everything and beautifully decorated. This house was perfect for our wedding week and we hope to rent it again soon. All of our local Key West friends said it was by far the best rental house they'd ever seen. Bruce with Last Key Realty was super kind and helpful. I promise you will enjoy this house. The short walk to Duval was well worth the peace and quiet at the house. Renting scooters and an electric car was also helpful and fun.

- Susan G , Posted: 07/19/2016

LOVE THIS PLACE

This house was so amazing, I can't say enough wonderful things about it. One of my local friends said it was the best rental he'd ever seen. I promise you will NOT be disappointed. You also won't ever want to leave.

- Susan G , Posted: 07/19/2016

loved this beautiful little retreat

this house is very special. We loved it. It is in an excellent location and we walked everywhere. Great to get exercise as it is next to the best bakery in Key West. The house is beautifully simple and user friendly. The back garden and pool were beautiful and well tended. The house was very well maintained and clean. We spent a lot of time there. I can't think of anything lacking in this spot. Shel, the property manager was great about checking on us. He helped out immediately with small things, like our inability to figure out the complicated TV/Sound system. I would recommend this property and plan to go back.

 

- Tamara L , Posted: 07/19/2016

Beautiful Property in Old Towne Key West

We couldn't be happier with the accommodations at Heavenly Zen. Great location! Could walk to Duval Street but it was quiet at night. The pictures of this house don't do it justice.  It was very large and had plenty of room. The master bedroom is a total retreat.  We had our 4 kids with us plus my mother in law and we had PLENTY of room. The backyard was very private and tropical. Even though the pool was really a lap pool, the kids found great ways to play in it in new ways because of it's shape.  Sharks and Minnows is VERY challenging in a lap pool! Overall, it was a great vacation and we are so pleased to have chosen Heavenly Zen!

- Helene S , Posted: 07/19/2016

best vacation rental in key west

We stayed at Zen this february and last year 2012 the same. The house is a small treasure. It is well maintained with nice quality furnishings. The back patio is private and tropical. Everything very clean. Last Key Realty's Shel manages this property and he is always cheerful and helpful. We had a few problems with an internet router which was attended to even on a Saturday. They went the extra mile to buy a new router. The house is close to some of the best restaurants in in Key West. The Bakery next door is too good. We will be back as often as we can afford it. Expensive, but high quality.

- Tamara L , Posted: 07/19/2016

Charming place for Key West style vacation

Shel, the PM, is great and was very courteous. The property is charming. If you plan to stay for a month, like we did, closet space is minimal to non-existent (depending on the bedroom); not necessarily a problem unless you like to pack more than shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops. The garden is very peaceful and relaxing. The kitchen is very well stocked with the essentials for cooking so you are capable of preparing good meals.  It is located next door to a fabulous bakery (fresh baked bread comes out of their oven daily starting at 10:00am--yummy) and approximately 6 blocks to Duvall street.

- Steffanie B , Posted: 07/19/2016

Perfect Key West Vacation House

We spent the month of July enjoying family time in this lovely vacation home. The accommodations were perfect for our teenagers and family friends. The garden/pool area was especially charming. The location of the house was ideal for accessing the harbor and close enough to the action of Duval Street without giving up privacy. Nice restaurants were within walking distance. We needed assistance with house a couple of times and were kindly and quickly taken care of by the very attentive house manager, Shel. We would recommend this home for anyone seeking a relaxing Key West vacation.

- Carol M , Posted: 07/19/2016

Great home and location

Last Key Realty and Shel were very attentive and accommodating. This is a beautiful property that is comfortable, clean, and perfectly located for walking anywhere in Key West. The kitchen is large and well stocked, we prepared multiple meals for 8 people easily. The outdoor space is divine with lush landscaping and even a TV on the lanai. We have a fishing boat we kept at Galleon marina and it was a short convenient walk. If you have guests arriving on the Ferry from Ft Meyers, it docks only 2 blocks away. The bakery next door will spoil you with incredible pastries, coffee, sandwiches, and breads. We entertained different groups of friends and family over the course of the month and everyone greatly enjoyed staying at Heavenly Zen.

- Jennifer L , Posted: 07/19/2016

Wonderful Property and Outstanding Management

This is a very nice four bedroom house with a nice pool and hot tub.  It also has an outdoor shower (which I used every day). I stayed here from 1/31/2014 until 3/2/2014, so I had a lot of opportunity to get to know the house and the management team. I have rented for several years from various realty companies. Last Key Realty is clearly head and shoulders above all the others. Even the most minor problem was addressed immediately (Saturdays and Sundays as well). I was stunned with the level of concern they had for me and my stay. I will never use anyone else when renting a home at Key West. The property itself is well maintained and comfortable. Many days we were able to open to massive doors and windows overlooking the porch and pool and simply enjoy what felt like an outdoor living space. The description on the web site is an accurate description of the property and the photographs are representative of the property as well. A landscape service came weekly as did the pool company. A very unique thing they offer is that they come by and put the trash cans on the street for you and put them back once the city collects the trash. The housekeepers came by four times during my stay (on the days I requested). They did an excellent job cleaning and changing the beds, etc. They were also quick and efficient. I highly recommend this property and Last Key Realty.

 

- Dennis B , Posted: 07/19/2016

Heavenly Zen - Indeed!

We arrived at Heavenly Zen on March 17 and received our guests from Sweden the following day. All was going well and we were enjoying the many features of this lovely home when my wife fell fracturing her left femur. She was rushed to the hospital where she was operated on the following day. She is now recuperating at a local Physical Therapy facility. I was alone at the house for the remainder of the month. While the above situation paints a grim picture, the attentive services and understanding of Shel, the property manager, made the stay as enjoyable as possible. He greeted us upon arrival, attended to our every request and assisted in our transfer to another property at the end of our stay at Heavenly Zen. In a word he did everything he could to make the best of an unfortunate situation. Thank you Shel, you‘re the best.

- Robert D , Posted: 07/19/2016

A Month in Paradise

Heavenly Zen is gorgeous property. The outdoor living room and pool area feel like a tropical garden. The house is superbly located within walking distance of some of Key West's best restaurants and minutes from the waterfront. The kitchen is first rate and the bedrooms are very comfortable. The house manager Shel Segel is a pleasure to know.

- Elizabeth , Posted: 07/19/2016

Excellent!

We cannot say enough about the experience with Last Key Realty, Heavenly Zen or Shel. Our vacation was relaxing, enjoyable and comfortable thanks to everyone involved. The property was more than we expected and a perfect fit for our family for the month of July. The layout of the home, amenities and help from Shel made us feel right at home. We traveled with our 5 year old and 10 month old for the month and wanted a "home" experience. We certainly go that. The location cannot be beat. We were right in the center of everything without anything being disruptive. The addition of Shel, to help with any issues that arose, and they were small---slight internet issue is really all I can think of....took the pressure off being in an unfamiliar home for a month. He was available for anything, whenever we called---and sometimes texted--early or late. The whole experience was wonderful and we will definitely visit again and highly recommend Last Key Realty for anyone visiting the Keys.

 

- Barb R , Posted: 07/19/2016

Great location and a great house.

My husband and I have rented a house in Key West for the last 3 years for Lobster Season. Last year we stayed in Key Haven so that we could keep the boat behind the house but decided to mix it up this year and stay downtown and keep the boat at the marina. We thoroughly enjoyed the downtown experience as well as the house. Shel and Clyde (Last Key Realty) just made the experience even better. The house is very comfortable and well stocked with everything you need. Even though we were there during the hottest part of the year, the back porch and pool area were wonderful. We spent most of our time out back. Shel and Clyde were always super quick to respond to any of our needs and quickly felt like they old friends that we had known for many years. Thanks to all and to the owners of this beautiful home for sharing.

- Melinda B , Posted: 07/19/2016

the home was in a great location and very nice

we enjoyed our vacation very much, the house was perfect. A great time was had by all, looking for future stays!

- Brenda C , Posted: 07/19/2016

Our home away from home

This is a wonderful house. We have rented it twice and will be back next year. All the rooms are very comfortable and beautifully decorated. The location is just about perfect, in Old Town and close to everything. The service provided by the property manager, Shel Segel, is about as good as it gets. We would definitely recommend this property.

- Elizabeth , Posted: 07/19/2016

Great spot to stay and see the real Key West...

Heavenly Zen is a great spot in Old Town Key West to experience the island lifestyle. Within blocks of the seaport, many favorite restaurants and lively nightspots, this home is just a short walk or bike ride from the best that the island has to offer. Any trip to Heavenly Zen is time well spent. Shel and the folks at Last Key Realty were welcoming and eager to help with anything from questions about restaurants to special needs at the house.

- jim c , Posted: 07/19/2016

Beautiful Home...Awesome Location!

We knew immediately that Heavenly Zen is a very special home. From the brick courtyard, to the open gathering spaces, to the private bedroom suites, this home accommodates large and small groups most comfortably. Heavenly Zen was our home for a month in early 2016. We entertained family and friends throughout that time and were extremely pleased with how the home's layout made our guests feel very comfortable. Another delight about Heavenly Zen is its picturesque " outside garden "..It offered a beautiful setting for relaxing as well as entertaining. Shel Segal, our property manager, met us the day we arrived and graciously offered his services for anything we might need during our stay. We especially enjoyed his list of great restaurants and places of interests.....which proved to be our "go to" source for delicious meals and fun activities. Thanks Shel for helping to make our visit a truly wonderful experience!

- Wanda K , Posted: 07/19/2016

A beautifully appointed house

We love this house. The location is perfect. We walk or bike everywhere. Our favorite restaurant Azur is literally at the end of the block. The house is beautifully maintained and Shel Segal always works his magic if we need anything at all. We would recommend it heartily.

- Elizabeth , Posted: 07/19/2016

A Phenomenal Property & Great Property Manager

I just spent the month of June in Heavenly Zen and thoroughly loved it. The property was beautiful. Great Pool. Amazing Kitchen. What is nice about the place is that my wife and I stayed on one side of the house, and our house guests had the other wing with their own entrance. So, a fabulous layout. In addition, the service was great. Shel is the manager and was a huge help on several fronts. The property also provided a yard person and pool cleaner weekly, and had someone come by to move the trash cans in and out on trash day. (This is a big deal as I have stayed in other houses where the renter was responsible and I totally forgot which day was trash day...thus missing it) Thanks for everything, Shel!

- Jason B , Posted: 07/19/2016

Glad you enjoyed it! We love the place too. Hope to have you back again.

- Last Key Realty staff, Posted: 07/19/2016