Just this month, a new hotel has made a splash in Key West. Technically, it’s not Key West, as the Perry Hotel opened on May 1 next to the Stock Island Marina Village on the neighboring island known as a fishing hub. A recent CNN article “Why Now is the Time to Visit Key West” notes that Stock Island’s new hotels, artists' collectives and studios “promise to usher in a new era of cool.” The Perry Hotel aims to offer authentic, local immersion, with roots in the community and design reflecting the island’s industrial maritime history (think reclaimed wood). The Perry also has partnerships with a nearby distillery and yacht charter company (cruise to Cuba, anyone?)
The hotel is named for Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who commanded the USS Shark and first planted the American flag on Key West, declaring it U.S. territory, in March 1822. Hotel Perry has 100 water-view rooms facing either the saltwater lagoon or the 220-slip marina, and some come with outdoor showers (Mangrove room category) and others with poolside access. The Grand Suites have a 700-square-foot wrap-around porch, in-room refrigerator and wet bar, and a luxurious bathroom with both walk-in showers and large soaking tubs. This suite can connect to a second bedroom with two queen beds.
A big hotel focus is on the food and beverage offerings. Hailing from Florida, Executive Chef Ryan Fredstrom had previous stints at Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons Washington, D.C. and the Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in Miami Beach. He’s a big fisherman, passionate about serving locally caught fish. Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar is all about “American coastal comfort food” like baskets of Key West pink shrimp, Snapper On The Half Shell Tacos, burgers and steaks, the catch of the day, and an impressive raw bar (oysters, ceviche, and more.) Or opt for an outdoor table at the Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill.
Amenities at The Perry Hotel include an outdoor pool, an organic community garden, a fitness center, outdoor fire pits, and an array of on-site water activities-- kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, etc.
Note that the hotel is pet-friendly. And there is free shuttle service to Old Town.