Last Updated on November 13, 2018 by Marybeth
If you’ve visited Key West you may not have known that you were driving over an island with its own vacation bragging rights before you got there. We didn’t. You (we) were so excited to be arriving at the actual Key West, plus Stock Island doesn’t exactly look like vacation paradise. You pass strip shopping centers, repair shops, gas stations. You may not have noticed the sign for Key West Botanical Gardens or glimpsed the gorgeous shaded bike path on your right, or even the lime green Jolly’s Liquors, bright blue Hurricane Hole Restaurant, Bar & Marina, or We Cycle bike rentals housed in a very cool building, also a funky tropical green. Signs that you are actually IN a vacation paradise, not just about to arrive at a famous one.
For ages Stock Island was a kind of nowheresville, a quiet low-key place where workers in Key West could afford to live. If you had been the least bit curious and turned down one of the side streets on Stock Island you would have passed trailer parks, apartment complexes and industrial type businesses. These places are still there (thankfully: Key West needs workers and they need affordable housing.) But with the arrival of two new waterfront hotels, a growing artist’s community, and funky locally owned restaurants that have been there for decades, Stock Island has become a must-visit, and a must-stay-here.
The larger of the two, Oceans Edge Resort and Marina boasts six swimming pools, an open-air waterside restaurant and bar, and all rooms have a water view. We stayed at the more intimate, family-owned Perry Hotel Key West; one pool, two restaurants, lovely views. All we needed.
THE PERRY HOTEL KEY WEST
7001 Shrimp Rd.
Stock Island, FL
305-296-1717
View of the Perry Hotel pool from our balcony – notice the private pool cabanas! The Salty Oyster Bar is just beyond the pool.
The industrial-chic, modern yet rustic design of this hotel was a collaboration between the owner/manager family, the Weisners (of Cafe Tu Tu Tango fame) and Key West architect Tom Pope. Interior designer Blair Weisner, granddaughter of patriarch ‘Woody’ Weisner – who brought Miami its first 5-star hotel in the 1970s – headed up the design team to bring the maritime-inspired feel to the project. The hotel’s name comes from Commodore Matthew C. Perry who in the 1820s commanded the USS Shark to Key West and declared the Keys as U.S. soil.
As soon as you walk into the lobby with its soaring ceiling, reclaimed teak flooring and local artwork and sculptures (a column of old boat props climbs up the concrete wall behind the reception desk) you know you’re not in old-timey Florida anymore. Here at Triple-B we laud and applaud the moms and pops who’ve given us a plethora of cute, simple places to stay that remind us of the bygone years of motor courts and stand-alone bungalow motels. But sometimes even we have to step away from the oldies but goodies and treat ourselves to a more modern boutique experience. And wow. Did we.
- VIBE: Sophisticated and luxurious, hip, friendly, spacious yet intimate.
- ARRIVE: By boat or by car.
- WALK: Key West is approximately 4 miles, and we’d planned to ride our bikes there but the complimentary hotel shuttle ran so often we availed ourselves of that instead for our days in Key West. With the restaurant, Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar, and bar/restaurant The Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill, both onsite we didn’t need to walk anywhere. The neighborhood is still evolving, and outside of the hotel complex the streetscape is a mix of apartment buildings, some road construction (when were there) and Bernstein Park, a beautiful completely renovated public park with baseball, soccer and basketball areas, a playground, and BBQ grills.
- DECOR: The room was soothingly neutral with art created by local artists, and furniture with clean lines and a mid-century style.
- SLEEP: The bed and linens were top-notch in comfort and feel.
- EXTRAS: The Perry is pet-friendly! And two dog parks are onsite. Included with the resort fee: welcome glass of champagne, onsite parking, shuttle to Old Town Key West, fitness center, high speed wi-fi, pool lounges and towels, outdoor fire pits, direct access to the largest deep water marina in the Keys. Concierge service, water activities, bike rentals. Live music Friday and Saturday nights.
- WE LOVE: Spending time on our balcony with the pool view and the marina beyond (book a sunset cruise with Low Latitude Adventures! The Captain is parked right next to The Perry.) You can also choose a saltwater lagoon view for a more peaceful vista. Every room has a balcony and some have their own private outdoor shower.
- RATES: Approximately $224 in the summer; check their site by clicking their name above for special offers and rates for your visit.
Photo courtesy of The Perry Key West
Fresh citrus-infused water offered in the lobby every day
The Salty Oyster Bar had a great vibe and menu; we would have spent every day here if it weren’t for Key West being so close by!
Succulent display in the lobby
This wine welcomed us as we arrived in our room – we opted for the Anniversary Special which included this bottle. Check their website and follow them on social media for more special offers!
Marina view from Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar. A must-visit for their boat-to-table American coastal comfort food, view their menu here
Put these Stock Island restaurants, shops and galleries on your itinerary!
Restaurants:
Chico’s Cantina
5230 Hwy. 1
Stock Island, FL 33040
305-296-4714
DeLuna’s Bar and Grill
7011 Shrimp Rd.
Stock Island, FL 33040
305-204-4294
El Mocho Restaurant
5708 Maloney Ave.
Stock Island, FL 33040
El Siboney Restaurant, Fine Cuban Cuisine
5501 5th Ave.
Stock Island, FL 33040
305-204-4725
Hogfish Bar and Grill
6810 Front St.
Stock Island, FL 33040
305-293-4041
Hurricane Hole Restaurant and Marina
5130 Overseas Hwy.
Stock Island, FL 33040
305-294-8025
Island Boyz Seafood Key West
5790 Maloney Ave.
Stock Island, FL 33040
305-922-0896
Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar
7001 Shrimp Rd.
Stock Island, FL 33040
305-294-3939
Roostica Wood-Fire Pizzeria
5620 Macdonald Ave.
Stock Island, FL 33040
305-296-4999
Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill
7001 Shrimp Rd.
Stock Island, FL 33040
305-295-6363
Yahman’s Authentic Jamaican Jerk Shack
6404 Front St.
Stock Island, FL 33040
305-417-1493
Shops/galleries/venues:
Coast Projects
Craftsmen by the Sea; Artist collective turned lifestyle brand; Studio and concert venue in Stock Island, Retail shop in Old Town Key West
6404 Front St.
Stock Island, FL 33040
Stock Island Imports
813 Peacock Plaza
Stock Island, FL 33040
305-394-4841
Washed Up Key West
6651 Maloney Ave. (visit their site for directions as the location shows up incorrect on some maps)
Stock Island, FL 33040
305-509-1856 (call ahead)
And some of our favorite photos from wandering around Key West:
Mary Ellen’s Bar – go for the grilled cheese!
Have you been to Stock Island? What’s your favorite place to stay in Key West? Your favorite bar?
Stock Island is approximately 4 miles north of downtown Key West, and 160 miles south of Miami.
2 Comments
Sandy K Park
OOOOOOO MaryBeth, I soooo needed this blog today. It’s COLD here with snow on the ground. Burr. Thanks for sharing these beautiful WARM photos. You’ve put Stock Island on my bucket list. Thanks
Marybeth
Gosh it’s hard to imagine COLD! We kind of wish it was at least chilly here. But yay we’ve inspired you to visit Stock Island!