We travel every three months, We use higher end hotels for the service and the ease of accomodation to the facilities. This is a beautiful facility. The onsite food is above average. It is located on an island that is reached by a motor launch. It adds a 10 minute ride from the Westin dock at the end of Key West. The motor launch runs regularly.

After several days of riding the launch with out any problem, with no questions asked, we returned to the dock for the ride back to the island with a load of shopping bags only to be told by Tim, a three striper whom we had ridden with before, we must provide identification to board the launch. What we were told is that the island is a private island and that even though we had contracted for a $725 a day room (two people with a continental breakfast -hope you like green banannas) on the island, we must submit to the rules of the owner of the island and not the hotel even though the Westin name brand (Starwood) was on the hotel. The contract for the room was with Westin. To the rescue came another boat captain who knew us. Let me note we were never told of this policy at check in and no one at the front desk (they all said they were managers) could show us where we were noticed of this or where it is posted.

After 9/11 submitting a identification check for boarding an airplane is one thing. Contracting for a hotel room with the ride to the room being at the whim of insecure property owner is another. If you like rules such as this, then this is the place to stay, otherwise there are other facilities just as nice in Key West for a lot less money. On onother note, Key West tourism is down. They say that they are the most laid back community in Florida. It is a shame the Westin and its management do not follow those thoughts.

Had a Fantastic time on their Private Island Resort!

The beachfront 2 bedroom cottage was immaculate, and the cleaning girls came twice a day.
Free breakfast basket, delivered daily on the front porch, containing fruit and muffins, was a great touch.
Best restaurant on Key West, Latitudes, is on the Property.
24/7 boat shuttle...8 mins.
Extremely attentine Staff.

The only real beach in Key West, and, you are away from the din of downtown, which can become quite noisy at night.

If you book at the Westin www site, call to confirm the accomodations.
The term 'bedrooms', refers to the guest cottages at Sunset Key.
They had booked 2 cottages, each with 2 bedrooms, for me.
They cancelled the extra cottage without blinking an eye --- no extra charges.

We took advantage of a 'stay 4 nights, get 1 free' special.

A little pricey, but, you definately get what you pay for !

When I vist Key West,
I will not stay anywhere else !

Hope this helps anyone researching Key West.

We stayed in a 3 bedroom cottage on Sunset Key in late May. We found the island a wonderful escape from Key West, we only visited one afternoon and decided to relax on the island the rest of the week. With one exception, to have dinner at Sarabeth's (our favorite meal in Key West). The staff was friendly and willing to do whatever you asked. They did not, however, anticipate our needs as well as some other 5 star properties we have visited. The cottage was decorated nicely and perfect for families, each room has its own bathroom. We particularly enjoyed the pool, comfortable chairs and great lunches. The beach was nice as well, but as many have said a bit rocky. We did our swimming at the pool and enjoyed the hammocks and lounge chairs at the beach. We had breakfast and lunches at Latitudes, and was not once disappointed. We enjoyed our stay and would return especially if we went as a family and needed the space of the cottages. We were disappointed in Key West, but can see why many enjoy the nightlife. In fairness, we did not take the time to get off the beaten path, mostly because we didn't want to leave the island.

Forget all of your preconceptions about Key West - this place is five minutes (by ferry) and a world away. You can walk almost the entire island in 15 minutes, and it's worth doing so -- the private homes/conch cottages are lovely. Terrific tropical landscaping throughout -- amazing varieties of palms (foxtails, silver, etc.), bouganvilla, etc. Cottages are spacious and well laid out (we had a two-bedroom, all on one level - the three-bedrooms are up-and-down, so be forwarned if any issues with stairs). Reasonably usable small kitchens, well-stock fridge (prepackaged food - you can order fresh fruit and a few other things delivered to your cottage). Beach is mostly for sunbathing and staring out at turquoise waters, small sailboats, and the occasional parasailer or Seadoo maniac. The restaurant is called Latitudes, and we had almost every meal there -- DO NOT miss the Gorgonzola steak salad with roasted shallot dressing for lunch (tho burgers and grilled chicken aren't bad either). Pool is sensational but lounge chairs can disappear fast (need to start the "15 minutes and you lose your lounger" policy that other high-end places are adopting). Only drawbacks: deep end is barely four feet, and kidney shape means you can't really swim laps. Had chronic key card issues (which staff admits happen a lot). Enjoyed an impromptu sunset party on the pier one night when some young guys hired a steel drummer and brought out some rum and OJ and made everyone their guests. Worth heading back to Key West mainly to see the Audubon home and gardens, the Little White House, and a few other pleasant things. Unless you love Bourbon Street, steer clear of Duval Street.