We’re participating in one of the signature events, “Duval Uncorked”, of the Key West Food & Wine Festival, coming up the last weekend in January. And I’ve been asked to be the guest writer for the December issue of the Festival’s newsletter. Following is a sneak preview of the article.

Be sure to reserve your room and buy event tickets early!  Last year was the Festival’s inaugural event and it sold out.  This year looks even more promising.   Click here to check it out: Key West Food & Wine Festival.

As the owner of a Key West bed and breakfast, I’m occasionally asked what to expect of a stay at The Tropical Inn.  Those new to the B&B experience sometimes think it means questionable standards, lack of privacy, and forced mingling with other guests.  Not so!  Each establishment is regularly inspected and must adhere to the same health and safety standards as hotels and resorts.  And how much you choose to interact with the hosts and fellow guests is exactly that:  your choice.  Your privacy will always be respected.

When visiting Key West, not to stay at an inn (here, we interchangeably call them “bed and breakfasts”, “B&Bs”, or  “guesthouses”) is to miss an integral part of the history, culture, and character of the island.  Offering most, and often, more, of the amenities expected in a traditional hotel, the typical Key West bed and breakfast exudes island style.  It is smaller  — and therefore, far more intimate — than larger accommodation choices.  A B&B stay is a distinctive brand of hospitality; not just a pretty room, but a comprehensive travel experience.

Inns range from simple and economical to sophisticated and lavishly indulgent.  Each is a highly individual lodging establishment, offering guests unique accommodations in a variety of sizes and styles — an enjoyable alternative to the “one size fits all” hotel.

The ambience of each reflects the personality of the owners who, as often as not, are also the hosts.  Architecture and decor is indicative of the innkeepers’ personal taste rather than the standards of a remote corporate office.  Some are gated compounds, further contributing to a sense of comfort, security and serene privacy.  No chain hotel can rival the character of a gracious old home, drawing its personality from its history, unique appointments, lovely gardens with pools and hot tubs, and individually designed accommodations, many of which have private outdoor areas that allow interior and exterior spaces to seamlessly blend.

At a B&B, expect a more casual, relaxed and friendly attitude than is usually found in institutional hotels. You won’t find elevators, room service, or a porter to carry your luggage.  Instead, you’ll be shown about the property and invited to make yourself at home, partaking at your leisure of all the amenities provided to enhance your stay.  Breakfast is included in your room rate. Enjoy it on your private patio, in the shade of a wide veranda, or in a secret garden nook tucked away amidst riotous tropical foliage.

Key West Innkeepers love what they do and are genuinely eager to make your stay the best it can possibly be.  They’ll gladly attend to your requests and share with you all the island’s  “best kept secrets”.

Most inns are located in Old Town, within easy walking distance of all you have come to see and do.  Sightsee, shop, enjoy water sports, or party, assured in the knowledge that the quiet relaxation of your beautiful home-style accommodation is conveniently located just a short distance away.

When attending the Key West Food and Wine Festival, make the event all the more memorable by enjoying the hospitality of “that great little B&B” that perfectly suits your own personal style.