Island House is an award winning gay resort in Old Town Key West, set in a completely secure private compound where the choice to wear something, or nothing at all, is yours.

The complex has received many accolades including being voted the best gay resort in the world! Hardly surprising when the hotel features a large heated pool and Jacuzzis which are open 24 hours a day, a health club which includes a gym and spa area with sauna, steam room and jacuzzi and a cafe, which has been rated one of the best in Key West serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner poolside!

The bar offers beer, wine, champagne, mixed drinks and tropical specialties all day and all night and there is even a free happy hour every evening which is quite festive, and provides an opportunity to get to know other guests.

We caught up with lucky resort owner Jon to find out more about his little slice of heaven in beautiful Key West.

What made you decide to open your B&B?
Well the opportunity to live in a tropical paradise and be surrounded by happy naked men had something to do with it.

Who runs it?
Martin and I run it, but we have an excellent team who execute our ideas, and in many cases improve on them.

In your opinion, what is its best feature?
Its completeness. We have everything the modern gay gentleman could want on holiday, all available within the compound.

What's been the most memorable moment for you while running the guesthouse?
Being named Best gay resort in the world by OUT Traveller magazine.

And the worst?
Hurricane Wilma in 2005, when we watched the rising waters of the storm surge rise almost into the resort. The buildings looked like ships afloat on the sea and at just the right moment the water receded.

Is there a gay scene nearby?
There are several other gay guest houses along Duval Street and some have happy hours open to other guests - of course, we have the most social happy hour on the island! Down on Duval Street the south end has several gay bars, a dance club, a leather bar and a club with dancers. There are also drag shows. Several restaurants in particular are very gay-friendly. The town has quite a large gay population as well, so most place are at least somewhat gay.

What is there to do in the local area?
Dining options range from fine dining to funky fish shacks. snorkelling, diving, sailing, jet skiing and parasailing. There are several yoga studios within walking distance of Island House. We have a vibrant art and theatre scene. But my favourite is just wandering around the back streets looking at all the historical house and seeing who you meet along the way

Is there an `average` gay traveller who uses your accommodation?
Our clientele looks like a cross section of gaydom. All ages, all nationalities, all sorts of bodies and interests. A constantly interesting mix.

What sort of clientele are you hoping to attract?
Just what we already do attract. Gay men interested in a very upscale gay resort experience.

What services and facilities do you offer?
We have a full restaurant and bar that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We've recently added Starbucks products to our bar. A masseur on site is there to work out the kinks. We provide concierge services and can book dinner reservations, sunset sails, and all sorts of adventures on the island.

What are your cooked breakfasts like and do you have a vegetarian option?
Since we have a ‘real’ restaurant on the premises, you can have whatever you want for breakfast. The offer ranges from typical omelette's and other egg dishes (our lobster Benedict is locally famous) to French toast and healthier fare like yoghurt and fruit.

Where do you like to go when you go on holiday?
Since we live in a tropical paradise, we’re looking for big city experiences when we go on holiday. London is our favourite.

The Big Pitch! Why should people holiday in your guesthouse?
Island House truly has all the amenities and special services you want, with an extremely private, very friendly all-male staff and clientele. We strive for a high level of service but we are not stuffy-far from it. We have sauna, steam room, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis and a full gym. We have a masseur on site daily, and our happy hour attracts men from other guest houses and hotels as well as locals.

Key West is a very relaxed place, and Island House may be the most relaxed spot on the island. Our guests are an interesting cross-section of successful men from around the world, and making new friends here is very easy.

With the restaurant and bar open for all day and into the evening, some people check in and never leave their whole stay.

And finally (!), how much does it cost to stay with you?
We have a wide variety of sizes of rooms, and rates vary throughout the year depending on the season. So on the one hand, a smaller room is as little at $75 in the summer, whilst one of our luxury suites is $499 during the peak season in February and March. Check our website for exact details of prices and dates.

Accommodation Details:
1129 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040, Tel: +1 305 294 6284.

For more information email Island House at ihkeywest@aol.com or visit www.IslandHouseKeyWest.com.


If you own a gay hotel or B&B and would like to be featured in our next gay accommodation fact file click here and get in touch? Email travel@gaydarnation.com for more information. 

Find out all the latest gay travel information by ordering the brand new 2008 Spartacus International Gay Guide. Get it online and save some money to put towards the other Bruno Gmunder guides - Hotel and Restaurant Guide and Sauna Guide.