We had the good fortune of getting the completely updated honeymoon suite, with jacuzzi tub, for our recent late January 2011 stay (we had a "regular" room for our last night). Overall, we really enjoyed the "W" style of Orchid Key Inn in an updated Motel format and loved the staff who helped to make our vacation special with their local knowledge. Be sure to ask for the AAA rate if you are a member.

The Positives: My wife and I really liked the superior, personalized service from Kim, Brandon (both at the front desk) and Betty (who presides over one of the coolest bars in Key West). Kim, Brandon and Betty were great at helping us find non-touristy, local lunch and dinner spots (loved Garbo's Grill, Seven Fishes, Ambrosia, 915, Cafe). Also, they helped arrange bikes (much better than walking the island), Hemingway House, Butterfly Conservatory and a Jet Ski tour (only for the brave). The rooms were updated, "W" hip, clean and very nice, particularly the honeymoon suite. the regular rooms are updated, a bit on the small side but clean. They have a great interior designer who has created a "Key West" cool vibe including special attention to beautiful animal photos on the walls, updated bathrooms with great tile and shower heads. The bar, where Betty rules the roost, has a great updated feel and is our favorite watering hole in Key West (free beer/wine and 50% well drinks for Happy Hour). Don't miss her drink specials. Even some nice locals drink here.

Areas for Improvement (Management is aware of these problems and is in the process of addressing many of these issues): Pillows are lumpy and the sheets are rough (pilled). The pillows were being ordered and the sheets need to be replaced. The bed cover is very heavy and has to be removed but without it, you are cold by the morning (we used our bathrobes as blankets). The AC is either too cold ot too warm (ask Kim for an AC lesson). The TV reception is very spotty (not a big deal). Breakfast was OK (cereal, toast, hard boiled eggs, yogurt) but they need stronger coffee (we had to walk to Starbucks which is 10 blocks north or Cuban Coffee which is 7 blocks away) and perhaps offer an added omelette/scrambled egg service for a small up charge. All these issues are easily fixed and are a minor inconvenience and should not steer you away from this great hotel.

This place has everything you could want in Key West or anywhere else. Beautiful rooms surrounding a small exquisite pool area, real quality furnishings in a beautifully kept property . Nice touch with free wifi and free happy hour drink. Nice continental breakfast and great welcome and restaurant advice from Kim. Being on Duval it is just a short walk straight down to Mallory square and the harbour with its many restaurants. See my review of Alonzo's restaurant - a recommendation from Kim. I should have stayed longer it was fabulous.

I can't add much to what has already been said. It is a wonderful little oasis on a touristy street. Take advantage of Kim's dinner suggestions - both "nine one five" and "2 cents" provided wonderful dining experiences. Kim, along with Brandon and Sean provided excellent service throughout our stay. As others have stated, the expanded continental breakfast was just enough to start the day. (while I usually avoid the carbs, I did indulge in the cinnamon bread. Put it in the toaster, add some syrup and you have a great French toast!).
I was a bit concerned with the location of our room - the first one on the street side. Didn't hear much road noise, but did have a problem with the wake up call by the roosters and on our final a.m. the digging up of the street by the city (neither of which were the motel's fault and for which we were compensated). I only mention this to suggest that you ask for a room on the inside around the pool area.

I want to rate this place 4.5 - but wasn't sure how to do that. My sister and I went to Key West for the wine and food festival and to just hang out. The accommodations were nice and the breakfast and happy hour were good. What really stayed with me though was Brandon's friendship and helpfulness and Kim's advice on places to go. They were both great. I even told my sister that if I lived in Key West, Brandon would be my new best friend! I really appreciated his honesty and advice about what to do around the island (and what not to do). In fact, while we had come there for the wine and food festival, Brandon gave us the "low down" on the event from past years, and he couldn't have been more spot on! Brandon made us feel very special, but he was actually that way with all of the guests. Nonetheless, I have been to Key West twice in the last three years. And the first time, I stayed at the Marquesa - which was amazing for accommodations. But the Orchid Key is tops in my book for people just treating you so kindly. It is a great spot to meet locals (at their small bar). The accommodating are definitely nice, but I appreciated the people aspect even more!