Key West Sold Out!

What a shocker. Yesterday Debbie and I heard that one of Key West’s biggest seasonal rental agencies has already sold out for next year. We’re talking 2015/2016. Completely booked even before the end of this season. We have been here for 25 years and this the first time we have heard of such an early full house. Moreover, this is the first year that we have heard our friends in the food and beverage industry tell us that rents had become so exorbitant that staff is being forced to live well up the keys as far as Big Pine. Finally, the “For Sale” market has become extremely tight in Key West with as few new listings as we have seen since the financial crisis. Combine what I have outlined here with two consecutive horrific winters in northern climes, and we in the Keys are expecting a historical surge of seasonal visitors next season.

OK then, my message to you is to make your plans to visit Key West next season today, not next week or next month!

Here is a battle plan for you. If a seasonal rental is for you, contact Truman & Co. If cost is no “barrier to entry,” “contact Sunset Key Guest Cottages, The Gardens Hotel, Marquesa Hotel and or The Casa Marina Resort. Both Matt and Becky had their wedding receptions at the Casa. Try to speak with the on-site front desk and not the central reservation office. And do not let Reservations try to dump you into the Casa’s sister property The Reach. This is simply not a blue-chip property no matter the jive sent your way.

If you are on a budget or simply want to keep it funky in Old Town, check out the Eden House. I walk by the Eden House daily and love this unique local’s favorite. There are many other blue-chip options in Key West, and I have but scratched the surface.

How about if you are ready to throw in the towel and dump your freezer belt manse and move to Key West? The number one property agent in Key West is our long-time friend Lynn Kaufelt, one of the first people Debbie and I met in Key West 25 years ago. You can reach Lynn at Truman & Co.

Two additional notes: (1) Do not hit Key West without your Margit Bisztray info package (and Margit’s Key West Insider app). Margit is a yoga friend of Debbie’s as well as Key West’s leading food/restaurant writer/critic. Her writing on all things Key West food and beverage is the blue chip standard. (2) Debbie and my favorite new Old Town Key West restaurant is Off The Hook on Simonton Street. Reserve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (beer and wine). Off The Hook is locals casual, as is most of Key West. You will need neither a sport jacket or tie nor a car in Key West.

Finally, hit the Key West link at the top of our home page for a raft of additional Key West posts Debbie and I have contributed through the years. Have a great time in Key West, America’s only tropical island.