In a place where roosters roam free and a cast of characters never ceases to turn heads, La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection, sits at the heart of it all. Once the island’s first luxury hotel, the 1926 grand dame recently received a $35 million modern glow-up. Now, its fresh pink-hued façade pops against the blue Key West sky, and bright, open interiors encourage knocking back a mojito or two with new friends.
Even with the modern reinvention, its history isn’t lost. Back in the day, La Concha played host to celebrities and socialites, and literary legends like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams once found their muse within these walls (Williams allegedly finished his play “A Streetcar Named Desire” at the hotel). Their literary spirit is still alive at the hotel—right down to a vintage Hemingway typewriter in the library. And if you’re the scavenger-hunting type, they’ve hidden away tiny golden Hemingway cats; find one, and you’ll get free tickets to the Hemingway House.
Why stay at La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection?
Perched on a corner of Duval Street in Old Town, La Concha drops you in the middle of Key West’s colorful chaos—no car needed. It’s perfect for wandering from one island adventure to the next on foot, or you can scoot around town like a local on the hotel’s complimentary bikes. The hotel is far enough from the rowdy bars, but still within easy reach of salty institutions like Sloppy Joe’s or the Green Parrot for live music and libations (so you can safely stumble back to your room after a late night, if needed).
La Concha fully leans into the island spirit, with a self-serve rum punch station at check-in and staff who are genuinely invested in your good time. Think daily mojito tastings where fresh mint lingers in the air and a fun 4pm lobby ritual where staff blow a conch shell to announce the start of happy hour (a nod to the island’s first form of communication). Add in tropical-inspired rooms and an adorable pool deck, perfect for a mid-day refresh after exploring town, and you’ve got a retreat that feels unmistakably Key West.
There are so many communal spaces to hang out in the hotel’s huge front lobby, but I loved sitting in the library nook, where guests are encouraged to read or take a book to their room. It’s also the place to spot Hemingway’s typewriter and to see an excerpt from his book “To Have and Have Not” which mentions La Concha.
What are the rooms like at La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection?
Guest rooms and suites are draped in tropical wallpapers, cane furniture and artwork that nods to its history. If you’re coming in town for the adult-oriented Fantasy Fest that takes place annually in October, snag one of the second-floor rooms with huge balconies that overlook the street for perfect viewing of the parades.
I prefer extra space and quiet, so my husband and I stayed on the seventh floor in one of the spacious new villas (which used to be the spa). It’s also the concierge level which gives you 24-hour assistance. La Concha is one of the tallest hotels in Key West, and our room flaunted sweeping views of the pool, island and the ocean—the room even came with a telescope. We enjoyed watching the seaplanes buzz the island and catching both the sunrise and sunset from our floor-to-ceiling windows.
For a hotel right on Duval Street, our room’s location ensured we didn’t hear any street noise. The only frustration I faced was the elevator, which stopped at almost every floor, and some areas of the hotel (like the elevators) feel like they were missed in the renovation.
What are the best things to eat and drink at La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection?
I looked forward to starting the morning at Cuban-inspired El Dom, dressed in terrazzo floors and walls drenched in pink, for strong coffee like a cafe con leche or a cortadito. The café encourages island time, with domino sets displayed on the tables for play, which was a hit with guests on a rainy day in Key West.
The highlight of the hotel is Tropicado, a lively bar where a free mojito tasting happens every afternoon at 4.30pm. They’ll school you on how to make a proper mojito, and hint: the trick is not muddling the mint leaves—you’ll really taste the difference. Grab some tapas like the Cubano bites (mini-Cuban sandwiches) and the tamarind-glazed pork belly. There’s happy hour daily, and to see the bar in full swing, drop by on a Saturday night for live music and salsa dancing. You’re also just a short walk from some of my favorite spots, like DJ’s Clam Shack for lobster rolls, the iconic Blue Heaven for breakfast, and the under-the-radar Lola’s Bistro.
What is the service like at La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection?
From check-in to the bar, everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there and made sure we were having a good time. When my husband wasn’t feeling well the first night, the front desk checked in multiple times that night and the next day—service like that really sticks with you.
What are the pool and gym like at La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection?
Dripping in pink and white hues, the adorable poolscape with rentable cabanas is the kind of retreat you crave after a day romping around in the heat of Key West. Above the main pool, several green-turfed tiered levels let you lounge in a hammock, relax under an umbrella, or play games like cornhole, (though we did hear some grumblings from guests about the actual pool feeling a bit small for a hotel of this size). The fitness center isn’t anything to write home about aesthetically, but it gets the job done, with covetable equipment like a Peloton bike, treadmills, and free weights.
What’s the area like around La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection?
Everything from shops to bars and restaurants is in your orbit by foot or bike. Since you’re staying at a former Hemingway haunt, take a stroll to the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum to see how the writer lived and worked. Don’t miss the sunset celebration at Mallory Square or snapping an obligatory photo at the Southernmost Point. And be sure to wander over to the Historic Seaport, where you can walk along the water or book a boat tour for snorkeling, sandbar hopping, or a sunset cruise.
Why you should book a stay at La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection
For an epic location in Old Town Key West and a slice of literary history with modern comforts, La Concha is the place to be. Add in the playful island spirit, complimentary bikes, and little touches like the conch shell happy hour call, and you’ve got a stay that captures the heart of Key West life.
DETAILS
Address: La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection, 430 Duval St., Key West FL 33040
Price per night: Rates start at $300 in low season and $400 in high season
Closest transport: Key West International Airport is a 20-minute drive
Book now: via Booking.com
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