Lyssa Goldberg – The News Desk

6Aug

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Travel

The Marker Key West Harbor Resort

1/16Named for Mile Marker 0 (the famous photo op that marks the end of U.S. Highway 1), The Marker Key West Harbor Resort is ideally located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Old Town, right along the historic seaport. The hotel is only three blocks from Duval Street, steps away from sunset sailings and fishing charters that leave from the harbor, and within walking distance of Mallory Square’s nightly Sunset Celebration.2/16Outside of the hotel, we spotted a series of colorful sculptures called the 5 Watchovers by artist Adam Russell of Key West Pottery, which showcases vigilant pelicans, each sitting atop a tower with a calm eye of protection for their surroundings (aside from the middle pelican who’s feasting on a fish). Each pelican (watchover) overlooks a different aspect of the island: navig...

6Aug

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Travel

Photos: The Gardens Hotel

1/16Formerly known as the Gardens Mansion, the historic Gardens Hotel’s main building dates back to the 1800s and is on the National Register of Historic Places.2/16We started our tour in the boutique hotel's lobby, which used to be the main living area of the original Gardens Mansion building. It’s filled with local art – like this custom-painted coffee table by late Key West artist Jeff Beal – eclectic lamps, sculptures and other unique treasures.3/16To check in, head to the reception desk in the room next to the main lobby. Upon arrival, guests will enjoy a welcome glass of prosecco and are given excursion bags for the beach. There’s also a small retail shelf that serves as a gift shop featuring local merchandise and mementos.4/16Within the reception area, this satirical painted teleph...

6Aug

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Travel

Ocean Key Resort & Spa

1/16Ideally located at the end of Duval Street (it has the distinction of having its address be 0 Duval), Ocean Key Resort & Spa welcomed us to island paradise with plenty of tropical plants in a space full of turquoise and sunny yellow tones with rich brown wooden accents.2/16Located in the lobby, the Madda Fella Rum Bar is a partnership with Key West-based tropical clothing company Madda Fella. The bar was built from scratch using reclaimed barn wood, tins and fixtures. Guests can choose from vintage rums and classic rum cocktails, like a dark and stormy or Cuba libre, or pick up a complimentary welcome rum punch upon arrival.3/16The hotel’s boutique shop, the Madda Fella Store, is located in the lobby and run by a Key West-based tropical clothing company. The expansive boutique sto...

5Aug

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Travel

Photos: Southernmost Beach Resort

1/13At the start of our tour of the Southernmost Beach Resort, we admired the front desk in the lobby, which features a decorative wall of silver and gray fish sculptures as an elevated take on the classic Florida Keys style of marine life decor.2/13Since the property is so sprawling, a bellman can take guests in a golf cart to their room after check-in if they’re staying in a farther building on the oceanview side.3/13These oceanfront buildings facing the resort’s private beach were built on land that used to be the Atlantic Shores Motel. During holidays, the hotel hosts family-friendly events on this lawn, like an Easter egg hunt and a candy cane hunt.4/13The hotel's beach-inspired guest rooms blend warm sand tones and soft shades of blue to reflect the resort’s coastal surroundings. We...

5Aug

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Travel

Photos: The Capitana Key West

1/16The Capitana Key West’s facade features a 25-by-32-foot custom mural by marine artist K.C. Scott depicting an underwater scene with tarpons and spiny lobsters. The mural is considered part of the Key West Art in Public Places program, and it’s actually a black-and-white digital wrap of the same painting inside the lobby.2/16In The Capitana’s nautical-themed lobby, we saw shelves filled with vintage lanterns and bronze diving helmets, along with a full-color painting of the same K.C. Scott mural from the hotel’s facade.3/16The hotel’s grab-and-go shop in the lobby, Sundry Market, sells snacks, sodas, ice cream, and pool and beach essentials like sunscreen, as well as souvenirs, including Capitana-branded apparel and accessories.4/16A guest-favorite design feature in The Capitana's gues...