Fitch Lodge - Key West Historic Inns

Fitch Lodge - Key West Historic Inns, a Michelin Key Selected property, generally receives positive feedback, particularly for its prime location and the helpfulness of its staff. However, a mixed sentiment emerges regarding certain aspects like breakfast quality and room condition.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Fitch Lodge is largely positive, with guests frequently praising its location and staff. Review platforms often show high ratings for staff and location, such as 9.2 for staff and service on Expedia and Hotels.com, and 9.5 for location on KAYAK. The historic charm of the property is also consistently appreciated. However, a recurring theme of dissatisfaction regarding room cleanliness and the quality of the complimentary breakfast tempers the overall experience for some guests.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the following aspects of Fitch Lodge:

• Location: The lodge boasts an "excellent location," making it ideal for exploring Key West. It's a short walk from the Historic Seaport, with easy access to waterfront dining, shopping, and nightlife. Duval Street, Mallory Square, the Ernest Hemingway Home, and the Key West Express ferry terminal are also within easy reach.
• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "friendly," "helpful," and "accommodating," often going "above and beyond" for guests. Many reviewers highlight the positive interactions with the front office and concierge services.
• Historic Charm: Guests appreciate the "old Key West charm" and the cottage style of the buildings.
• Amenities: The outdoor pool is a popular feature, described as clean and refreshing, and an "afternoon lemonade spritzer with vodka topper" is a unique and appreciated daily offering. Complimentary WiFi is also available throughout the property.

3. Room Quality

Fitch Lodge offers 44 individually furnished and decorated accommodations, accessible via exterior corridors. Rooms feature premium bedding, flat-screen televisions with cable channels, safes, and bathrobes. Bathrooms include showers, complimentary toiletries (often eco-friendly), and hair dryers. Some rooms also have a small refrigerator. While some guests found rooms "clean and comfortable" and appreciated daily housekeeping, others noted that the rooms can be "somewhat dated" with visible repairs. Concerns about humidity, non-working heaters, and inconsistent cleaning have also been mentioned. Some guests also found the room size to be small.

4. Dining Experience

Fitch Lodge offers a complimentary continental breakfast, often described as an "on-the-go" or "bagged" breakfast. This typically includes pastries, fresh coffee, and sometimes breakfast sandwiches. While some guests found the breakfast "just right" and "enjoyable," others expressed dissatisfaction, describing it as "inadequate" or "not a real breakfast". Coffee is generally available at the front desk area after 7 AM. An afternoon lemonade spritzer, sometimes with a vodka topper, is offered daily between 3 PM and 4 PM.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Fitch Lodge consistently receive high praise. Guests frequently highlight the friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature of the front office and overall team. Many instances of staff going "above and beyond," such as bringing fresh towels daily without asking, have been noted. Concierge services are available to help guests plan their trips and explore local attractions.

6. Location & Accessibility

The lodge's location is a significant advantage. It is "centrally located" in Key West, offering easy walking access to the Historic Seaport, Duval Street, Mallory Square, and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The Key West Express ferry terminal is just a few blocks away, making arrival and departure convenient. While the location is excellent for walking to attractions, street noise can be noticeable, and roosters can be loud, leading some to recommend earplugs.

7. Value & Pricing

Pricing for Fitch Lodge can vary, with the cheapest deals generally found in October and September, and December being the most expensive month. Average nightly prices can range from around $139 during low season to well over $300 during peak times, with average weeknight prices around $366 and weekend nights around $447 in recent months. Guests note that while the location is ideal, the price can sometimes feel "a bit high for what is offered". A resort fee of approximately $50 per accommodation, per night, is typically collected upon check-in. Limited on-site parking is available for an additional charge of around $30 per night. Pets are welcome for a fee of $50 per accommodation, per night.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Cleanliness: Despite some positive remarks, several guests expressed dissatisfaction with the cleanliness of the rooms, with some describing it as below expectations and not thorough or consistent.
• Breakfast Quality/Adequacy: The complimentary "on-the-go" breakfast is a frequent point of contention, with many finding it "inadequate" or wishing for more substantial options.
• Room Condition & Size: Some rooms are described as "somewhat dated" with visible repairs, and humidity can be an issue. Room size was also a complaint for some guests, with a lack of space for sitting areas.
• Noise: Street noise and loud roosters are common observations, potentially affecting the stay for those sensitive to noise.
• Parking: Limited on-site parking and the associated cost, or the need to find off-site parking (like the City of Key West Old Town Garage), is a common concern.
• No Elevators: The property does not have elevators, which may be a consideration for guests with mobility issues.

Sources

1. kayak.com
2. expedia.com
3. hotels.com
4. booking.com
5. booking.com
6. floridakeysbesthotels.com
7. keywesthistoricinns.com
8. agoda.com