Our Stay the Duval Collections LaConcha Hotel on Duval Street in Key West, Florida
I love being a travel blogger. Especially when I get to bring my family with me and treat them to a vacation. I loved being able to bring my mom on this trip to the Florida Keys! She loved being spoiled and watching me work. My parents have done so much for me and I’m so appreciative of any chance that I can get to thank them, and I am sure to take it.
Our trip to Key West was so much fun! I loved exploring everything the city has to offer. With a myriad of choice, Key West’s Duval Collection presents an eclectic assortment of a hotel and a resort along with amenities creating the best stories and service in the southernmost tip of the U.S. Comprised of the Pier House Resort & Spa and La Concha Key West. The distinct collection provides a variety of accommodation options and exclusive access to an array of shared amenities. This allows travelers to afford the opportunity to design their ultimate Key West getaway. Pier House was even recently named “No. 4 in the Best Resorts in Florida Keys” by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards so you’re in good hands at either resort.
Check out our stay at the centrally located LaConcha Resort & Spa!
Transportation
Key West is a three-hour scenic drive from Miami, a ferry ride from Fort Myers, and accessible by commercial airlines. This eight square mile island is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, among turquoise waters, towering palm trees, and sandy beaches.
Uber is now available in Key West so make sure to sign up now! If you prefer to explore, you can get a rental car or use Turo if you’re only in need of a car for a day or two. There are classic pink taxi’s that line up outside the airport as well.
It’s a tradition of mine to jump on the bed and I was so excited that my mom jumped up on the bed to join me.
Hotel + Rooms
We were so lucky to be able to stay at LaConcha Hotel on Duval Street. LaConcha Key West is a National Historic Landmark in the heart of the vibrant downtown historic district that has hosted inspiring guests since 1926. Wealthy industrialists, dignitaries such as Harry S. Truman and literary legends Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams flocked to this noteworthy destination. This hotel is filled with so much history and a few ghost stories. I couldn’t wait to see everything the LaConcha property had to offer! From accidental deaths to questionable circumstances, La Concha has a reputation for hosting the tormented souls of guests long-gone. Guests swap stories of bursts of cold air, vanishing chardonnay, and quiet sounds of whimpering from unknown spirits. You can also find secret hidden doors all over the hotel.
It truly has one of the most epic spa’s I’ve ever been to. Not to mention the best view of the city since it is the tallest building in Key West! This boutique hotel is located along Duval Street in old town Key West, right in the heart of all the nightlife and hub of activity…an urban oasis. Even though there was so much activity buzzing around the hotel our room was quiet and peaceful.
There is a Starbucks and Jamba Juice just downstairs and there’s even a wine bar through a secret speak easy door. You can literally get to any and everything from this centrally located hotel! You can see views of the water from their rooftop spa and fitness center and even in some rooms. If you want to head to the beach, you can be transported in minutes by the free hotel shuttle.
Colonial architecture accented by peacock-colored ceilings and dark wood plantation shutters and furnishings, bring 90 years of Key West history to life. With 160 illustrious guest rooms and 14 suites, it is a celebrated landmark offering contemporary comforts. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the valet who took care of our car and luggage. The staff was extremely courteous, professional, and provided excellent customer service. We celebrated our arrival with a cocktails at the 430 lobby bar (coincidentally the same name of their 430 Duval Street address).
Our corner room, a mini suite, was on the 5th floor and extremely spacious. It had a separate living space that had comfortable seating with a curved sofa in front of a big flat screen TV. There was even a desk which allowed me to set up all my photography equipment and lap top to write a bit. In the bedroom, the king bed had crisp white linens and four oversized pillows to prop up and watch our 55 inch flat screen.
I was more so excited about the closet space and private dressing area. There was a separate section to unpack and change and we all know any girl would appreciate that! A gorgeous marble bathroom offered plenty of counter space. The beautiful frameless shower was perfect to wash off the days travels.
Top Spa
Top Spa at La Concha Key West is a rooftop retreat boasting panoramic views of the island situated atop the highest point of Key West. We splurged on a massage and I highly recommend doing the same when you visit. The Top Spa has six large spa rooms offering panoramic views of the city as well as the ocean. During your massage you can darken the room by the push of a button for the shades to be lowered.
Our room also had a rooftop terrace with lounge chairs that we enjoyed. Each of the six spa rooms includes a separate bathroom and shower equipped with every possible amenity. The bath has an oversized rain head shower to indulge after the massage. There was a well stocked refrigerator filled with healthy drinks and snacks and a couch you can lounge on for 30 minutes after your massage. After the massage, you are offered wine, water, champagne, or a mimosa to relax. It was truly the royal treatment.
I have visited many spas, domestically and internationally, and I was most impressed with this penthouse luxurious spa. It is a decadent indulgence that you will not want to miss.
Food + Drink
430 Duval, a sophisticated and unique space found in the grand lobby of La Concha Key West, brings a city chic vibe to Key West. Proudly boasting one of Key West’s top culinary experiences, 430 Duval offers enticing island inspired small plates with bold Caribbean spices and fresh local seafood. The Lobby Bar mixologists design signature 430 Duval cocktails with fresh juices, perfect to enjoy during daily happy hour beginning at 4:30 p.m. 430 Duval is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. serving breakfast and dinner.
Guests discover a world of wine at Wine-O at La Concha Key West. Set in the heart of Duval Street boasting contemporary décor, the wine shop, tasting room and lounge is an on-island paradise for a grape lover. Stocked with a diverse, affordable and carefully curated collection of wines from around the world. Wine-O is a local shop where visitors and friends can sip their favorite bottle at the bar while enjoying snacks or purchase their favorites with recommendations from a wine expert. I highly recommend going downstairs to Wine-O for a wine tasting and small plates. Their cheese plate is a must. If you’re staying at the hotel make sure to use the speakeasy entrance. If you saw it on my Instagram story, it looks like you’re walking through a wall. Places like that just make my day!
For a refreshing experience, visitors enjoy the new express style Jamba Juice offering everything from classic, frozen yogurt smoothies to all-fruit, non-dairy smoothies, enhancers, and specialty shots. Residents and travelers can also enjoy tasty treats and beverages at the Starbucks downstairs but I’d recommend hitting up a Cuban coffee spot!
We enjoyed room service for lunch which was excellent but offered a limited menu. However, downstairs and a step outside in any direction you’re able to choose literally any type of food you’re craving. You can even order delivery if you choose. We ordered delivery from Caroline’s Cafe while we were there so we had some food to snack on.
Activities + Amenities
Make sure to take advantage of the complimentary Duval Collection Shuttle, an efficient and lively transportation system. The daily running cart will allow you to select your preferred lodging destination, or explore the sister site, Pier House Resort & Spa on your own time. Within the collection, you’ll have access to seven restaurants and bars, tropical pools, two rejuvenating spas, a private white sand beach and coffee, juice and lounge options.
On Duval Street, you can explore all of the bars, restaurants and activities, including the Audubon House and the tropical gardens, a five minute walk. You’re also super close to Sloppy Joe’s Bar, and Mile 0! We decided to head out for a sunset sail with Floridays and it was so beautiful. In the summertime the water is so calm.
Other amenities include:
- Tropical pools
- Private beach
- Complimentary towel service
- Beachside food and beverage service
- Floating dock
- Penthouse fitness center
- Live entertainment
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Valet parking
For those seeking active pursuits, expert concierge services at each location can arrange island excursions and watersports including:
- Sunset sailing tours
- Parasailing
- Charter fishing trips
- Biking
- Scuba diving
- Kayaking
- Reef snorkeling
- Dolphin swimming
- Jetskiing
- Historic tours
- Train and trolley rides
- Seaplane trips
The best time to go
Surrounded by cooling waters, Key West is a warm, tropical climate with summer temperatures averaging 83 degrees. Comfortable winters average a balmy 73 degrees, making the island a premier travel destination year-round.
More Information
La Concha Key West
430 Duval St.
Key West, FL. 33040
(305)-296-2991
www.facebook.com/laconchakeywest
www.twitter.com/LaConchaKeyWest
Book your trip today!
Pier House Resort & Spa
One Duval St.
Key West, FL. 33040
(800) 723-2791
www.facebook.com/pierhouseresortkeywest
www.twitter.com/pierhouseresort
All in all, our stay at LaConcha Key West was amazing. I just wish we had more time to explore because there was so much to see and do. I would highly recommend the hotel if you are vacationing in Key West. I’ll definitely be back!
