Parrot Key Resort in Key West

We recently stayed at Parrot Key Resort in Key West. I found the resort from a Google search while trying to locate a hotel in Key West. My husband and I were visiting for one night during a trip to the keys with two other couples. The hotel had great reviews in multiple places and is rated one of the top hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure and was a top choice among Conde Nast readers, so we decided to give it a try.

The hotel has a variety of rooms. You can choose from individual rooms with your choice of a single king or double queen beds, or two or three-bedroom villas. You also get your choice of garden, waterfront, or partial water views. It is important to note waterfront rooms are not beachfront. There are sandy areas and views of the water, but there is no water access. This resort does not have a swimming beach. I discovered this is not uncommon in Key West. Very few resorts in the area actually have beach access with swimming. 

First Impressions

Upon pulling in to the parking lot, I was a little unsure we were at the right place or if I would even like it. The entrance of the hotel is to the right of a Walgreen’s and Home Depot. At this point, I had my doubts about how Travel and Lesiure and Conde Nast could have given it such high marks. However, after giving our keys to the valet (the hotel is valet only) I decided to keep an open mind.

At check-in, I began to feel a tiny bit better. The lobby area is small, but clean and modern. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They had beverages, including Sangria that were offered to us as we checked in. They offered assistance with our bags and showed us to our room. Once you head down the paths to the rooms, you begin to feel like the resort is far from the Walgreen’s you just saw. They have arranged the trees and plants in such a way that you feel that you are in a secluded resort. The grounds were very pretty and lush. 

Rooms

We chose to rent the three-bedroom villa for our one night on Key West. It was perfect for our group of three couples. There was a porch outside and the front door leads to a small foyer area. The bottom floor had one bedroom with a private bath and back porch that led straight to the sand. The second floor had a small living room and another bedroom with a private bath and balcony. Finally, the third floor had another bedroom with two queen beds and a private bath. The villa was perfect for us because each couple had their own floor. The rooms have recently been renovated and are beautiful. Just like the lobby, the décor has an understated and clean beach vibe. I enjoyed the muted neutral palette they chose. The bathrooms and rooms were well-appointed and I really liked the bath products they provided. I loved the porches. Especially the beautiful ‘haint blue’ celings.

The Grounds

While we did not have much time, we did explore for a bit on our second day at the resort. The grounds of the hotel are well taken care of. The sandy beach area with hammocks are small but have plenty of room to lounge and relax. My favorite areas of the property were the pools. The pool areas are connected by lovely meandering paths. The pools are all connected but divided by plants so you can’t see one from another, but you can walk to each of them on the same path without having to go back to the main path or through another gate. I loved the maze-like feel of this layout. Each pool felt like a nice surprise. They are each surrounded by plants, doors, statues, and pottery. I again noticed how relaxing and secluded the resort felt and not at all like there was a Home Depot next door!

Food

We had breakfast at their new onsite restaurant. It is located poolside and includes a bar. We had breakfast there on the morning of our departure. The omelet I ordered was not great. It was definitely the flattest omelet I’ve ever eaten and there were very few toppings. The bagel with smoked salmon and capers and the quiche my friends ordered were much tastier choices. The servers did a good job, the view was nice, and I would still eat here again, but I would order something else.

Activities            

The resort offers a shuttle to Smathers Beach and Downtown Key West as well as watersports. However, we were only there one night and didn’t get a chance to experience those. I think the shuttle would be a great perk.

Final Thoughts

I really liked this resort. It is close enough to the action of Key West but is a place of refuge from the craziness of the downtown area. I enjoyed the feel of a private resort while located in a convenient location and I would love to stay here again!