Wow! My best Key West selection on Trip Advisor yet!! This was our fifth experience on Skull Island, and we cannot wait to travel there again. There is always more to do there and we can never get enough of the local flavor, laid-back atmosphere and balmy weather.

We have previously stayed at another guesthouse in Old Town and then more recently at the Sheraton Suites on South Roosevelt Blvd. This time, we wanted a more intimate experience than we'd had at the Sheraton Suites (but still having privacy with our own bathrooms and room enough to lounge around). I did my research to find the perfect place for our needs...

The Grand Guesthouse certainly was the right choice for us!!
This adorable Key West style guest "suite" is close to all the Old Town bars, beaches and restaurants without the noise and extravagant cost. Our Queen bedroom/efficiency suite was very reasonably priced and spotlessly clean.

SUITE AREA -- When you step up and into the suite, you enter a room with a sofa, table for 2, sink, small fridge, microwave and stove. Utensils and dinner ware are included (not that we cooked!!) for little meals. We kept most of our things in this extra room, with counter space to hold a purse, travel brochures/mags, maps and the like. We used the little table to hold our IPODS, cell phones, camera etc. but other reviewers have sat here to enjoy their morning coffee and breakfast (We preferred to eat outside, as the breakfast table was set up steps away and we had the place pretty much to ourselves during this extra-long weekend BEFORE the Fantasy Fest rush...)

QUEEN BED -- Through the suite you enter a small bedroom, cozy but enough room to navigate around each other getting ready for sleep at night or for the day ahead. The bed and pillows were very comfy. I even enjoyed a bit of a siesta one day (very unusual for me!) after an incredible night before...but that's another story. My husband also enjoyed having a cable tv so he could catch the news and sports highlights. The reception was fine.

BATHROOM -- Very important to us was a clean, private bathroom--not easy to find in bed and breakfasts (without the exhorbitant price) in general. KW is no exception. I understand that some reviewers say that it's not so bad sharing a bathroom, but we didn't want to chance it. I like to keep all my "stuff" in the bathroom and wouldn't want to deal with trekking it from room to shared bath. Not my style. The Grand Guesthouse bathroom was sparkling clean with hot, medium pressured water in the shower. Bathroom towels and beach towels are supplied. If you need anything, ever, just ask. Derek is only a call away and sooo helpful.

OUTSIDE PATIO -- So romantic, too, is a moonlit night with the fragrant flowers and greenery encasing you and your loved one in a gently swaying, ever-so-relaxing hammock. This is one tiny part of Grand Guesthouse's charm. I felt like we were at home, just the two of us--but without the housecleaning, cooking and "same-old, same-old."

Breakfast has already been reviewed by others...for us it was more than enough selection with me being more of the english muffin, fruit and water kind of gal and my husband the 2-3 cups of coffee and cinnamon roll guy.

THE BEST PART -- From the time we arrived, my husband and I had personalized attention from Derek, the property manager (and all-around great guy!). He welcomed us like family and treated us so well, responding to our interests and style. Every recommendation he gave us turned out to be a highlight of our trip (and we thought we already knew everything about KW). From the restaurants to nightlife to sunset sails to must-see attractions.

ACTIVITIES -- We especially loved the Danger Charter Champagne sunset sail (maybe save for your next-to-last evening), the Ghost Tour (the one from La Concha) and the exquisite, Edenesque Butterfly Conservatory. Nightlife was incredibly fun too, but we'll leave that part up to your individual taste.

THE NOT-SO-BAD PART -- Since the Grand is about five blocks away from the beaches and Duval, we were so happy we rented bikes (right on property). When I booked the Grand Guesthouse, I thought not having the proximity of "everything fun" may be a drawback... but, boy was I wrong. I felt like a kid again (which I definitely am not!) riding around all the local streets and along the beaches on the bike routes. We left behind so many of our daily cares with every pedal of our bikes. I had worried that my early-onset arthritis may interfere with this simple joy. But, the bikes are easy to steer, have comfy seats and all of KW is FLAT..so it's very easy to coast. Not too tiring, but exhilarating with the tropical breeze caressing your face (okay... and a bit of perspiration--but bearable compared to walking all that distance). My husband and I even got a kick out of riding home in the dark, too, after an evening out. I cannot remember the last time we have felt so silly and carefree. (Oh, and I managed to wear a dress out one evening, despite the bike. Just looped part of the skirt with a hairband. So bikes and casual dresses can mix!!)

WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE!! After arriving home from our blissful vacation, I was thrilled to receive a follow-up email from Derek, thanking us for choosing the Grand. What wonderful customer service. If you are looking for all the amenities, spa treatments, on-site swimming pool and entertainment, this isn't the place for you. BUT....

IF you want to stay at a homey, clean establishment, feel like a valued guest, with attention to personalize your vacation (Derek can recommend the best salons and spas, too), learn about Key West from a "local's" view, explore the island on bicycles, and have money left in your pocket to afford some fancy dinners and extra-special excursions or attractions, THEN this is most definitely the place for you.

(I admit I was reluctant to write about the Grand Guesthouse in such glowing terms, as I believe it's kind of a hidden gem....but that wouldn't be fair to my fellow Trip Advisor friends....like the ones who suggested I give this small establishment a chance. It also wouldn't be fair to the owners, Jeff and Jim and their hard-working staff.)

SO....we HIGHLY recommend the Grand Guesthouse and look forward to visiting for many wonderful vacations to come. I will look no further for our "place" in the Keys.

I hope this review was helpful to you.