When driving into Key West, the main road, US1, intersects with Duval Street where most of the action and excitement of Key West is happening. As you turn right onto Duval Street, you are surprised with all the active gift shops, street cafe and restaurants, and pumping music spilling from the many bars. You may be scratching your head and saying, “How does my resort advertise that it is paradise when there is so much commotion and action going on outside.” The end of the Duval is where the Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa is and you turn right into the parking lot and you enter another world and you will find paradise soon. This beachfront resort is located in Key West right in the heart of Mallory Square, where all the action is discovered within walking distance of the resort.
There are many reasons to take a vacation and Pier House Resort should be able to fit most of the reason why you may travel. Most people travel because of the location and Key West is a great destination choice. Also, a big consideration for a vacation is the amenities of the property and there is enough to do in this location. Since the Pier House Resort is in the center of all the action, you can not get bored there. Everyone loves good food and a nice frozen drink, the Pier House does not skimp here because is has such a fine restaurant and bars. They also handle larger functions, most notably, weddings and small business meetings. Finally, if you do want to relax, the rooms and grounds are top notch. The surroundings make you feel special and pampered, which this resort definitely strives to achieve.
Tell Me About the Location?
For nearly 40 years Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa has been a Key West icon, this resort is located on a six acre compound at the corner of the Gulf of Mexico and Duval Street. This resort has a beautiful tropical gardens surrounding the pool in the center of the property and open directly onto the private beach that includes a discreet “top-optional” sunning area. The resort is secluded and private, yet just steps away from the energy and fun of Old Town Key West. The ten million dollar renovation ensures that this resort continue to be the main 4 star destination in Key West.
The destination of Key West claims to be the only city in the lower 48 states never to have had a frost. Because of the proximity of the Gulf Stream in the Straits of Florida, about 12 miles (19 km) south and southeast, and the tempering effects of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and north, Key West has a notably mild, tropical climate.
Precipitation is characterized by dry and wet seasons. The period of November through April receives abundant sunshine and slightly less than 25 percent of the annual rainfall. This rainfall usually occurs in advance of cold fronts in a few heavy or light showers. May through October is normally the wet season, receiving approximately 53 percent of the yearly total in numerous showers and thunderstorms. Rain falls on most days of the wet season. Early morning is the favored time for these showers, which is different from mainland Florida, where showers and thunderstorms usually occur in the afternoon. Easterly (tropical) waves during this season occasionally bring excessive rainfall, while infrequent hurricanes may be accompanied by unusually heavy amounts. At any rate, Key West is the driest city in Florida.
Is There Enough to Do in the Pier House and Key West?
This tropical oasis, Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa, has it all, 
recreational amenities on the property and many exciting tours and activities around the city. On the property, you have a lovely and clean private beach and a heated outdoor pool for those who don’t like salt water. The pool is open 24-hours.This Key West resort also offers a full time concierge desk who can help with your tours and ticket to the local attractions. Key West is small enough and you do not need to drive at all once you are at the resort. So if you fly to Key West, you do not need to rent a car if you stay here. If you drive to Key West, like I did, you may want to take advantage of the onsite parking which is complimentary. Also, a big plus here at the Pier House is there are NO resort fees. With the total renovation of this property which was completed in early 2010, you will really enjoy all the onsite amenities and it is also a beautiful place to watch the daily sunsets.
Your concierge can help you book your watersports and land land activities or you can do this on your own. Most of the activities off the property will cost you extra money but are well worth it like, Kayaking, Sailing, Water skiing, Windsurfing, Parasailing, Fishing Charters, Personal watercraft (Jet Ski Tours), and Key West Dolphin Ecotours. On Land you can choose, Golfing, Golf – driving range, Running track/path, Bicycle rentals, Scooter/Moped Rentals, Helicopter/airplane sightseeing, Skydiving, and Golf lessons available nearby. Bike rentals is a great way to explore the Island.
Key West Caribbean Spa
As Key West’s only full service spa, this resort provide a complete range of treatments specifically designed to aid in restoring your well-being. In addition, for women, the spa experience can include complete hair and nail services. For everyone there are steam rooms, fully equipped exercise facility and soothing whirlpool. You can get Body Treatments, Facials, Massage, Nails, and Spa Packages. There is a charge for these spa amenities.
Here are some Spa Packages you can consider, remember all spa packages include an 18% gratuity.
- Ultimate Spa Sensation – from $440
Make a day of it. Experience the benefits of releasing the stresses of everyday living and emerge relaxed and renewed. Signature Milk and Honey, Swedish Massage (50 min.), Botanical Island Facial, Spa Manicure, Spa Pedicure, Spa Cuisine Lunch
- Pier Perfection – from $260
Aromatherapy Swedish Massage (50 min.), Botanical Island Facial, Spa Pedicure
- Girlfriend Packages (book more than one and get a discount) – from $280
Botanical Island Facial (50 min.), Relaxing Swedish Massage or Body Treatment (50 min.), Express Manicure & Pedicure
- Gentleman’s Retreat – from $300
Men’s Rejuvenating Facial (50 min.), Therapeutic Massage (50 min.), Gentleman’s Sport Manicure and Pedicure
- Teen Package – $230
Clarifying Facial (50 min.), Express Manicure and Pedicure, Make-up Application or Haircut
- It’s Your Wedding Day Spa Treatment & Bridal Package – $430 Get Golden Shimmer Body Treatment & Radiant Facial, Caribbean Spa Manicure & Pedicure with French or Regular Polish, Hair Style, Make-up Application
- For the Groom – $360
Men’s Rejuvenating Facial with man-scaping, Therapeutic Massage, Gentleman’s Sport Manicure and Pedicure, Shampoo and Cut
Tell Me About the Food & Group Functions
The Pier House has a main restaurant which is the Harbour View Cafe, where I ate at and can say it is superb and delicious. This restaurant combines wide-open views of the Gulf of Mexico and our private beach with an extensive menu of old favorites and fresh local seafood. This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner either on the deck or inside in the A/C. After five, the Chef rolls out the dinner menu with prime certified angus steaks and his specialty seafood dishes. < Lunch Menu > and < Dinner Menu >
The Wine Galley Bar is a nice place to go at night for adult entertainment and fine spirits. You will see this bar is much more upscale than most of the bars on Duval Street. This unique bar with live nightly entertainment, jazz/contemporary music and on the beautiful waterfront location encourage locals and visitors alike to drop by and join the party. There’s always a martini special and a great selection of wines and liquors as well a special Bar Bite menu. If you are looking for a clean and romantic spot, then this is the place to go within the city and the hotel. < Bar Bites Menu >
Key West is Perfect Place for a Wedding & a Small Conference
The Pier House Resort is a perfect place for a wedding because of the location and amenities. For a destination wedding, Key West has the best of both worlds, a tropical Caribbean feel and the benefits of being within the United States. Here are some wedding packages for you to consider. If you add spa services to your wedding package, you will add $225 for each lady and $160 for each gentleman in your party
- Havana Wedding Package – from $950
Includes: Licensed Justice of the Peace, One bottle of Gloria Ferrer Champagne, and Bridal Bouquet and Groom’s Boutonniere
- Hibiscus Wedding Package – from $1,800
Includes: Licensed Justice of the Peace, Bridal Bouquet and Groom’s Boutonniere, Champagne Toast, 48 4×6 Color Prints, 12 Black and White Prints (CD of all shots taken and rights to photos included), For weddings of more than 10 people, add $400 for upgraded photo package.
- Truman Wedding Package – from $2,200
Includes: Licensed Justice of the Peace, Bridal Bouquet and Groom’s Boutonniere, 96 4×6 Color Prints, Leather Photo Album, 25 Black and White Prints (CD of all shots and rights to photos included), For Weddings of more than 50 guests, add $400 for photo upgrade. There is a wedding planner on sight that will help you will all the extra amenities, video photography, music, flowers, and cakes. On staff there is a meeting planner to help plan for small meetings as well as group meetings. Here are some wedding packages offered by Pier House….
- Love, Honor, & Indulge – from $2,300
Includes: For weddings with up to 10 guests, Licensed Justice of the Peace, Bridal Bouquet and Groom’s boutonniere, Champagne Toast, 48 4×6 Color Prints, 12 Black and White Prints (CD of all shots taken and rights to photos included), Site Fee for 1 Hour, For the Bride: o Golden Body Treatment and Facial o Professional Make-up and Hairstyling (includes updo): For the Groom: o 50 minute Swedish Massage.
- Wedded Bliss – from $2,850
Includes: For Weddings with 11 or more guests, Licensed Justice of the Peace, Bridal Bouquet and Groom’s Boutonniere, 96 4×6 Color Prints, Leather Photo Album, 25 Black and White Prints (CD of all shots taken and rights to photos included), Site Fee for 1 Hour, For the Bride: Golden Body Treatment and Facial, Professional Make-up and Hairstyling (includes updo), Express Manicure and Pedicure, For the Groom: 50 minute Swedish Massage, Gentleman’s Sport Pedicure.
- Wedding Party Pampering – from $2,200
Includes: Licensed Justice of the Peace, Bridal Bouquet and Groom’s Boutonniere, 96 4×6 Color Prints, Leather Photo Album, 25 Black and White Prints (CD of all shots taken and rights to photos included), Site Fee for 1 Hour, For the Ladies: Professional Make-up, Express Manicure and Pedicure, Mini Facial, For the Gentlemen: 50 minute Swedish Massage, Gentleman’s Sport Pedicure
Are the Rooms Special?
Once the Doorman/doorwoman greets you, you know that you at somewhere
special and the rooms will prove it. With all the renovations, every detail has been done for your comfort. Even for the disable person, all the rooms are ADA Compliant. The Pier House Resort can sound like a rustic, old time family resort, which the Florida Keys has plenty of. Don’t let the traditional name fool you, there is nothing stuffy or old here. Each of these rooms are unique and they are located in different areas throughout the resort with one King or two Queen Four-Poster beds. Due to the adult nature of the resort, the Pier House may not be suitable for children under the age of 16. So keep that in mind if you are bringing the family.
You will see how special these rooms are once you walk into the room for the first time. You will be impressed that all rooms have a Flat-panel televisions that comes with complete cable channels. Most of the rooms have and feature balconies, complimentary wireless Internet access, and refrigerators.
The amenities include Dry cleaning/laundry service, Hair salon, Steam room, Breakfast available (surcharge), Complimentary newspapers in lobby, Wheelchair accessible, in-room safes.
All the rooms have premium bedding, and the bathrooms include showers, makeup/shaving mirrors, designer toiletries, and hair dryers. You can be treated really special with a request of a turndown service and wake-up calls. If you don’t want to use the clock radio with each room. request this service. Keep in mind that all guestrooms are non-smoking and they are very strict about this. But for your comfort, all the rooms are climate controlled, with ceiling fans, a very Keysee touch. You can treat yourself to In-room massage and rest well after your message because of the blackout drapes/curtains.
There are some things about check in that you should be aware of the extra-person charges, so ask when making your reservation. You need to make sure you bring proper ID, because you must show current government-issued proof of identity at the time of check-in.
Photo identification and credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges. At the Pier House they will do their best to make you happy but special requests cannot be guaranteed. And keep in mind, that pets are not allowed, you will need to keep your dog and cats at home.
All reservations require one night room and tax deposit on a valid credit card and Key West has lots of big events so you may be required for a full pre-payment and a minimum night stay. This is something to ask upon your reservation. In order to refund your deposit, reservations must be cancelled 7 days prior to your scheduled arrival and special event reservations must be canceled 21 days prior to arrival. A good thing that Pier House offers if you cancel your reservation within 7 days of your arrival, you may utilize your deposit toward a room reservation for any future stay within one year of original arrival date. Due to space limitations; the resort does not have parking available for trailers, boats, or recreational vehicles.
Here is a List of the Type of Rooms you can reserve…
- Traditional Room – Don’t let the name “traditional” fool you – there is nothing stuffy here. Each of these rooms is unique and they are located in different areas throughout the resort. Includes: One King or Two Queen Four-Poster Beds, most with Balcony or Patio.
- Lanai Rooms w/patio or balcony – If you can’t wait to get outside and feel the warmth of the sun, the Lanai Rooms are for you. Enjoy dazzling views from your private patio or balcony. Includes: One King or Two Queen Four-Poster Beds, Private Balcony or Patio, Tropical Views
- Caribbean Spa Room – Recreating the comfort and grace of the old Caribbean, these spacious guest rooms feature French doors that open wide to capture our island’s tropical breezes. Bamboo floors, a relaxing sitting area, and oversized bathrooms and showers make this the perfect romantic retreat. With our full-service spa and secluded whirlpool just steps away, you may never leave the building. The rooms also includes: One King Four-Poster Beds, oversized room with Sitting Area, French Doors.
- HarbourView Rooms w/balcony – The sunsets are famous and there’s no place to see them better than from the balcony of your HarbourView room. Overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, these rooms let you drink in the views day and night. These room are really spectacular!! Includes: One King or Two Queen Four-Poster Beds, Private Balcony, Stunning View of the Gulf of Mexico
What Others are Saying –
This resort gets mostly rave reviews from most consumers on the net with an average of 4.6 out 5, 96% of travelers (72 of 75) recommend this hotel.from the reviewers on Expedia
Here are some comments:
- “The food in two of the restaurants we ate in was out of this world including there Key lime pie!”
- “Was surprised to find out the hotel even had it’s own beach, which we did not know when we made reservations.”
- “The pool was warm and clean. The beach was perfect! Soft (hot ) sand, clean,swimming area. No rocks.”
- “Everyone we encountered at Pier House was incredibly friendly and helpful.”
- “The location of the Pier House could not be better. Steps away from the harbor and Mallory Square.”
- “when we asked the front desk if they could move us to a quieter room, they took care of it, including moving our luggage for us.”
- “Once you parked the car, you just had to walk a few steps to encounter the sights, sounds and smells.”
- “Great location, walk in off of Duval, right into the hotel lobby. Excellent beach bar, and the food was fantastic.”
- “Excellent location on Duval and goregeous views of the sunset!!!!”
“The hotel was very nice and clean.” - “the jazz band at the wine bar was great. don’t forget to stop by the chart bar at night for there 3 course meal, hot dogs, popcorn and peanuts. the bartender has the best stories. open late to.”
- “great waitstaff, you. never have to leave your chair for food or drink.”
“Like a private Island right in the heart of everything Key West has to offer” - “The conch chowder at the on site restaurant is “to die for”.
“The pool and hot tub were not crowded (and this was during spring break). Both times we used the hot tub (at night) we were alone. Relatively few kids at this hotel (which we appreciate).” - “Perfect location, nice pool/gym/spa. Our best night was taking the sunset wine tasting schooner tour recommended by the concierge at the hotel and then hopping on a pedi-cab to one of the best restaurants on the island.”
Any Complaints?
There were hardly any complaints but a few negative comments that you should be aware is that there is no elevator in some of the buildings, so if it is important to have an elevator for a 2nd floor stay, you need to ask that in your reservation. With the new renovations, there was a comment about the lighting was somewhat dark throughout the entire suite. I like this for a romantic and serene mood but you may need the room brighter. And finally, if you book the traditional room, please ask if there is a balcony as not all the Traditional rooms come with a balcony, but the Lanai rooms do have balconies. So if you want to be guaranteed a balcony, you will need to book the Lanai Room.
Where Can I Book My Stay for Pier House and Spa?
You can reserved your room on Expedia and expect to get a great rate there. From what I can tell their rates compare to anyone on the Internet. I noticed that this resort sells out quickly, so make your plans early.
Where can you read more reviews for Pier House Resort?
The best place for reviews from people who actually use the resort is on Expedia. Click Here to read more
