A Charming Getaway: Pier House Resort and Spa

If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Miami, look no further. Key West is only a short drive away and features a drastically different vibe and experience. This quaint town offers visitors historical spots, charming walks, and a nightlife full of live music at every corner.

There are 42 bridges between Miami and Key West, the drive is breathtaking, and if you need a little break from it, some of the best key lime pie is in Isla Morada—just about halfway through the journey.

Once at Key West, there is no better place to stay than Pier House Resort and Spa. Here, you will be able to relax, enjoy, and indulge. Located at the beginning of Duval Street, Pier House is one of two resorts in Key West that offer beach access. It’s surprising to many, but while the keys are surrounded by water, there aren’t many sandy beaches, so having one at your fingertips is a luxury that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Once checked-in, look no further to begin your Key West experience. Pier House is a historical property, and a microcosm Key West, having witnessed history and born its fair share of tall tales and legends. Believe it or not, the Chart Room Bar at Pier House is where Jimmy Buffett had his first gig, and where he met his wife. Be sure to step into this quirky bar that offers free self-serving popcorn and hot dogs for everyone! Chart Room Bar is just one of many tales that live inside the walls of this 58-year-old building which now has 142 rooms.

As guests navigate their way to their rooms, they will find that the grounds at Pier House are beautiful and make you feel like you’re in a hidden paradise. In addition to the wild chickens that run around (something that visitors see throughout the Keys), there is also a pond where turtles sunbathe, and beautiful waterfalls next to the elevators. The more time you spend at Pier House, the more nooks and crannies you will uncover. All of this adds to the exclusive experience that guests will partake on.

Pier House offers guests all the desired amenities. There is a 9-foot-deep heated pool, a large jacuzzi, towel service, plenty of lounge chairs to nap on, and self-service pineapple infused water to stay hydrated. There is also an area for lawn games, right on the beach! If you’re looking for a dip in the ocean, it’s all right there—swim to the floating dive pad and plunge from there.

Also located on the premises, there are two exquisite restaurants. One Duval offers a dining experience better than anything you will find on Duval Street. The food is delicious, presentation is on point, and the sizes are made for a hungry sailor.

At One Duval, visitors can sit indoors or outdoors, and enjoy the oceanfront views. This fine culinary experience combines fresh ingredients and Chef Maria’s own delightful touch. Whether you are there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—you won’t leave disappointed. The Traditional Eggs Benedict is a perfect way to start your day. If you’re looking for something with a little twist, the Havana-Style French Toast is here to satisfy a sweet tooth. For lunch, One Duval has impressively filling salads—the portion will surprise any guest. The Churrasco Tacos are perfectly crafted, with two juicy cuts of skirt steak topped with fresh tomatoes, queso fresco, and cilantro. Yummy! If you’re craving something else, there is a variety of sandwiches and sides to accompany.

For dinner in Key West, the restaurant at One Duval really shines. The menu features mouth-watering Short-Rib Cuban Empanadas, a Coconut Curry Snapper that is light and full of flavor, and the Black Grouper & Blue Crab drizzled with a sun-dried tomato sauce. Add a side, like the Lobster Mac & Cheese, and you’ll be sure to have leftovers. Finally, for dessert, guests can’t leave without trying the award-winning Key Lime Pie, piled high with 4 inches of light and fluffy meringue.

For those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Beach Bar offers a casual dining experience and live music every day. Take a dip at the pool or the ocean and walk right in with your bathing suit. Sit at the bar or a table and enjoy from Calamari, Wings, Lobster BLT Sliders, or the Wagyu Burger—you can even enjoy the same tacos that One Duval serves for lunch.

Pier House is home to one of only two spas in Key West, and the only full-service spa where you can also get a manicure or a blowout. Upon entering the Spa, guests will immediately be taken by the impressive residential staircase—this feeling of home resonates throughout the property. Guests will also find the hotel’s “Pure Rooms” in the spa building; these rooms offer purified air and allergy-friendly bedding. In the same building is the resort’s fitness center and a second, more secluded jacuzzi with a waterfall that is available to all hotel guests.

The Pier House Signature Massage is what every vacation goer is looking for—full relaxation. Perfect after a day in the sun or after a snorkeling trip, this massage offers a combination of Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, hot stones, and an aroma oil to kick off the experience. After the 80 minutes, guests will feel rejuvenated and ready to continue exploring Key West.

No matter how many times you walk up and down Duval Street, at the end of the day, there is no better feeling than coming back to one of the best resorts in the area—and hey, if your room has a balcony and breathtaking views of the ocean, you might not want to leave at all.

For more information, visit: www.pierhouse.com.

Pier House Resort & Spa is located at 1 Duval Street, Key West 33040

By Claudia Paredes. Images courtesy of Pier House.