Cypress House: "A true Bahanian Conch Republic mansion..." Florida Keys Hotel Tip by M0B1US

So it's high season in one of the most crowded and popular resorts in the US during winter - the only frost-free city in the whole continental US, and we don't have any accommodation!

Why do we always do this to ourselves on road trips?

Probably because we've succeeded and it's always an adventure never quite knowing where you'll end up?

Armed with a trusty Florida state accommodation discount book, we crossed off each place as we passed them - fully booked!

Then we found ourselves in the narrow streets of Key West at one of the last places on our list, and a bit over our intended budget - but hey if there's only nice rooms available, who are we to push the boat out once in a while?

If memory serves me we got room 16 for $180 - I wasn't a member of VT at the time so I didn't think to take a picture of the place, however if you check their great website they have this great Hometour 360o webcam of each room and I definitely recognise our room as 16!

Built in 1888 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cypress House is on a quiet street a block or so back from all the action and it is the personification of relaxed and sophisticated peace and quiet in a living house, by which I mean that although there are over 20 rooms areas such as the kitchen feel as though you are in someone's home.

As it says, it has 'been maintained with utmost care to capture a true feeling of a 19th century island residence' and I think those words sum it up admirably.

Duval Street with its shops, galleries, restaurants and nightlife, and the harbour with fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving are all just minutes away!

The rooms are spacious and air conditioned with high ceilings and the house is bedecked with old fashioned porches, lush tropical gardens and secluded sunbathing around a 40' heated lap pool to add that little extra to your stay.

Unique Qualities: One of the great things about this B&B are the little touches like the icebreaking complimentary cocktail hour each evening where you can get to meet the other guests and the fantastic continental breakfast buffet from 8 to 11 AM where you help yourselves to a veritable conucopia of morning delights from the large open plan kitchen...

Also in that lovely heated pool you can get complimentary "Key Lime Coolers" served poolside...

There are also a couple of dogs and a cat to remind you of your pet back home.

Lastly for $3 you can get rid of your car in a parking garage a few blocks up the road as you won't be needing it!

This was a great place and they certainly made you feel at home!

A definite find! :-)

Address: 601 Caroline Street, Key West, FL., 33040
Comparison: about average
Directions: On a corner on the right hand side heading towards Duval St
Phone: (800) 525-2488
Price: US$120-180
Theme: Bed and Breakfast