Ten months after Key West took a major hit from Hurricane Irma, the region has bounced back, with 95 percent of all properties open and some offering special deals and packages, plus new flights to the destination, and more.
“Following months of recovery to the Key West area, travelers should be aware of the remarkably strong, proud, and overall resilient community,” says Eugenia Simons, general manager of The Gates Hotel Key West and 24° North Hotel. “No amount of effort is overlooked—from locals who dedicated countless hours towards restoration, to those who were not directly affected who provided endless support; plus Florida’s recently launched, ‘Keys to Summer’ campaign, to ensure Key West remains a top tourism spot for years to come.”
Open For Business
The Gates Hotel, which is located at the entry point of Key West and offers convenient access to Old Town, is among the properties that are open on the island. The hotel combines residential-inspired design with regionally inspired dining and drinking to immerse guests in the Key West culture in a way that makes them feel at home. Summer starting rates are $189 per night. For more information, visit gateshotelkeywest.com.
24° North Hotel is also open and is perfect for travelers looking for a place to stay that is a little ways off from Duval Street. The property combines the culture and historical roots of Key West and Cuba, and features an inviting bar and restaurant. Summer starting rates are $179 per night. For more information, visit 24northhotel.com/specials.
As sister properties, The Gates Hotel and 24° North Hotel worked together to create the 12,105-sq.-ft. Sunset Green, Key West’s newest event venue, which can hold up to 1,200 guests and made its debut in January 2018. In addition to hosting large groups and weddings, the space will also be used to host family-friendly concerts, movie nights, yoga classes, and lawn games like bocce ball, cornhole, and Frisbee.
New Flights to Key West
While driving over the iconic Florida Overseas Highway remains one of the most popular ways to reach Key West, other news coming out of the island include the addition of new nonstop flight service from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to Key West International Airport operated by American Airlines.
Welcoming Guests
In 2017, Key West welcomed a record of 116.5 million visitors to the state and Simons is confident that the destination will remain a popular choice for travelers for years to come.
“Key West is a remarkably strong and proud community in support of local businesses that make for authentic experiences,” Simons says. “From cigar rolling and rum distillery tours, to pet-friendly kayaking and key lime pie-making classes, travelers are continually immersed in the vibrant culture of Key West.”
For more information on tourism in the Florida Keys, visit fla-keys.com.
