The Gardens Hotel

Description:

• At last, the true garden of Eden has been located -- and it's on Angela Street in Key West. Once a private residence, the Gardens Hotel (whose main house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places) is hidden amid exotic botanical gardens. Behind the greenery is a Bahamian-style hideaway with luxuriously appointed rooms in the main house, garden and courtyard rooms in the carriage house, and one ultrasecluded cottage. Though the place is within walking distance of frenetic Duval Street, you may not want to leave. A pretty free-form pool is centered in the courtyard, where a Tiki bar serves libations. The Jacuzzi is hidden behind foliage. Guest rooms have hardwood floors, brass and iron beds, and marble bathrooms. Winding brick pathways leading to secluded seating areas in the private gardens make for an idyllic getaway. Note: If you plan to party, do not stay here -- guests tend to be on the quieter, more sophisticated side.

  Green Gardens -- The Gardens Hotel is one of the first "Florida Green Lodging Hotels" (www.floriagreenlodging.org) in the Keys, meaning the hotel has installed energy-efficient light bulbs throughout the property, uses all "green" cleaning products, eliminated plastics and styrofoam use, recycles, and raises room temperatures to 78 degrees when not in use, among other eco-friendly efforts.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

TripAdvisor

•  Travelers' Choice 2009

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010