Best Historic Stays: La Concha Key West
A Key West icon is shining brighter than ever. La Concha Key West, now part of the Autograph Collection, recently completed a $35 million renovation that honors its storied past while introducing a fresh, elevated experiences. Set in the heart of Key West’s historic district, this legendary landmark puts you right in the middle of it all, with the buzz of Duval Street just steps away.
The History of La Concha
Key West’s skyline changed forever in 1926, when the six-story La Concha Hotel opened under real estate visionary Carl Aubuchon and Jefferson B. Browne’s Florida Keys Realty. Travelers arriving on the Overseas Railroad were greeted with rare luxuries for the time: marble floors, private baths, and an electric elevator.
Despite enduring the Great Depression and a powerful hurricane, La Concha thrived in the decades that followed. It became a favorite among writers and creatives, Ernest Hemingway worked on To Have and Have Not while staying at the hotel, and Tennessee Williams finished A Streetcar Named Desire within its walls.
After years of decline, the “Grand Dame of Key West” underwent a major renovation in 1985, and the most recent transformation in 2024 has fully reestablished La Concha as one of Florida’s most iconic stays.
La Concha Key West Today
Now back to its roots with its signature pink exterior, guests are welcomed by La Concha’s grand lobby. You’ll find soothing coastal tones, cozy seating areas, lush greenery, and stunning art and light fixtures. Everything is designed to make you feel instantly at ease amid the island’s energy.
La Concha has 160 guest rooms and 14 suites, each with its own personality. I stayed in the Duval Suite (Room 263), one of the coveted second-floor rooms overlooking Duval Street, complete with a wraparound private balcony perfect for people-watching, especially during one of Key West’s many festivals.
The décor inside the room is just as impressive: leafy wallpaper, eclectic artwork (I even was inspired to buy one of the prints in the room for my home!), a curated stack of books you’ll actually want to read, and a clever divider with TVs on both sides for lounging or relaxing in bed.
For guests wanting an even more elevated experience, the seventh-floor rooftop villas are a must, with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and sweeping views of the island.
No matter where you stay in the hotel, the second-floor pool and bar offer an easy escape from the bustle of Duval Street. Turfed areas with hammocks and cozy chairs create a relaxed spot to read, unwind, and soak up the island breeze after a day of exploring on one of La Concha’s classic cruisers, available for guests to rent.
When it’s time to get out on the water, La Concha’s partnership with Sebago Watersports allows guests to easily book an adventure right through the hotel. I joined the Lands’ End Sunset Sail Charter aboard a 70-foot luxury catamaran with live music, light bites, and incredible views. It was the perfect way to end the day!
Dining at La Concha
Key West’s food scene is famously competitive, and La Concha’s restaurants more than rise to the occasion.
Start your day at Perla, located just off the lobby, where modern Cuban cuisine meets relaxed sophistication. I’m still dreaming about their Early-Riser Avocado Toast, with poached eggs on whole-grain bread with bagel seasoning and a touch of island flair.
For coffee or a light bite, El Dom Café is a must. Bright, colorful, and filled with playful domino-themed décor, it’s an ideal spot to grab a café con leche and challenge a friend to a quick game.
Each afternoon at 4 p.m., you’ll hear the sound of conch shells echoing through the halls! It’s a fun hotel tradition marking the start of happy hour. Guests can even purchase their own shell and join in.
For the perfect sunset sip, head to Tropicado, La Concha’s mojito bar overlooking Duval Street. Certified Mojito Masters craft each drink with care, and, you can even take part in a Mojito Tasting to learn the art behind the cocktail. Pair your drink with small plates like Duval Street Tacos, Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly, or Cubano Bites, and you’ll understand why this is quickly becoming a popular spot in town, for guests, locals, and visitors alike.
Things to Do in Key West
Beyond the nightlife and live music on Duval Street, there’s plenty to see and do in Key West. Here are a few of my top recommendations:
Visit the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory to walk among hundreds of butterflies, tropical birds, and even a pair of flamingos.
Circle the entire island in about 90 minutes on a wave runner tour with Barefoot Billy’s for a fun and fast way to see the coastline.
Venture 20 minutes offshore for an up-close encounter with lemon sharks on the Shark and Wildlife Tour with Key West Extreme Adventures.
Tour the 1930s home of Ernest Hemingway and learn why he loved spending time in Key West.
Right across the street from Hemingway’s home, the Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters. climb 88 steps to reach the island’s highest public viewpoint.
Hop aboard a Key West Seaplane Adventures flight and reach Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles away, in about 40 minutes. Explore historic Fort Jefferson, coral reefs, and some of the clearest water in Florida.
