Although Key West is, in fact, the westernmost of the Florida Keys, its name was corrupted from the Spanish Cayo Hueso or "Island of Bones," dubbed such when Spanish explorers set foot on a landscape littered with the human bones of Calusa Indians and unfortunate seafarers. Of late, it has also been nicknamed "The Conch Republic" and "Margaritaville," (as much a state of mind as it is a comment on one of the daily rituals).
Key West is probably the best-known small town on the planet. Though tiny enough it is rumored to fit into New York's Central Park, Key West has managed through its rich history, its remote location and its ravishing natural beauty to earn a notation in every national and international map.
There's no up-town or down-town in Key West, no dress codes even for the finest of restaurants. Tolerance is the rule and differences are to be celebrated.
Key West accommodations will make your stay in Key West magical, memorable, and exciting. Many of Key West villas, vacation homes and cottages boast swimming pools, Jacuzzi tubs, out-door living areas, tropical gardens, and are conveniently located near Key West's renowned shops, restaurants, beaches, and night life spots.
Artist House Guest Villas, for instance, is your return to a friendly, more inviting and casual Key West of the past. The villas offer a more tropical and informal setting at the very edge of Duval St., right in the center of Old Town. Here are just a few descriptions of these memorable Key West villas.
"Villa Grande". Island colors and rattan and wicker furniture abounds in this three private bedroom (with a King, Queen and two Twin beds) Villa featuring two private baths, a living room, and a large kitchen with dining area, that opens to a private upper front porch and a private rear deck with table and chairs and your own steps down to the pool.
"Villa Veranda", where tropical colors await inside with rattan and wicker furniture and your own kitchen, Queen bedroom and a large living room with a comfy futon with thick innerspring mattress.
"Villa Porta" , where the natural wood ceilings enhance the island feel of the large kitchen and a living room with a comfy futon with thick innerspring mattress, and the private Queen bedroom and private bath make this a perfect spot in Paradise, alone or to share.
"Villa Aqua". A two bedroom suite (1 with king bed, the other with a Queen bed) with bright island colors and decor. Its double French doors open to the adjacent pool, providing that perfect retreat in Paradise. The kitchen and living area have a comfy futon with thick innerspring mattress and the private bath features a stall shower...
These perfect Key West villas adjoin a large heated pool and sun deck and include a private, reserved parking space, kitchens with stove, fridge, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, dishes, flatware and cookware; private shower, baths (tub, showers in Villas Veranda, Terra, Porta and Vista), private bedrooms (except Villas Terra and Solara) with Queen beds (some have King beds) and cable TV, separate entertaining areas with either a Queen sleeper sofa or a futon with innerspring mattress, cable TV, private porch and decks (except Villa Aqua and Vista) and the same location, charm, attention to your needs and value for your vacation dollar that has long made these Key West villas the envy of the island.