Every October, Key West, Florida transforms itself into a magical, mysterious destination. Fantasy Fest is a 10-day street festival with an abundance of parades, parties, masquerade balls and costume contests. With a mix of risqué and family-friendly events, the festival features something for everyone. A variety of accommodations in the area, from budget to luxurious, ensure participants are comfortable during their stay. Prices go up during Fantasy Fest, so book early and ask about package deals.
One of the oldest hotels in Key West, the Island City House has three buildings, each with its own unique history and style. The main building, the Island City House, is a three-story Victorian built in 1880 as a private residence. It now offers 12 parlor suites, featuring hardwood floors, antique furnishings and garden views. The Cigar House offers six poolside suites decorated in a tropical plantation style with hammocks on pool-view balcony or porch. The Arch House features studio two-bedroom Caribbean-theme suites with porch swings and hammocks. In October of 2010, street-side studio suites started at $150 per night.
El Patio is a modest 29-room inn three blocks from downtown Key West. With its retro Art Deco decor, Cuban tile floors and roof deck for sunbathing, it evokes a quaint 1950s feel. Amenities include a swimming pool, bicycle rentals and free parking. There are a few suites with full kitchens, and some areas of the property have free wireless Internet access. Off season rates for 2011 start at $99 per night.
For a luxurious spa atmosphere Fantasy Fest revelers might choose the Hyatt Key West. This 118-room resort features any number of amenities, from hypo-allergenic rooms to flat-screen TVs and views of the Gulf of Mexico. The property features an elegant seafood restaurant and a more casual pool bar, as well as 24-hour room service, a fitness center and a full-service spa. Rooms charges for 2011 range from $300 to $600 per night depending on date and type of room.
Casa Marina, the largest resort property in the Florida Keys, is also located a few minutes' walk from the Old Town area, the center of Fantasy Fest activities. Amenities include an 1,100-foot private beach, two swimming pools, a massage studio and bicycle and moped rentals. The hotel's heart is a historic 1920s-era building, where rooms feature nine-foot ceilings, hardwood floors and private beachfront balconies. Rooms for the 2010 to 2011 season start at $199 and suites from $249 per night.
