This was my partner's and mine second stay at the Equator. We also stayed across the street for the first part of the vacation. Having been to Key West only once before, we wanted to check out another gay accomodation. Based on that experience, we will never go any where else other than the Equator.

The Equator has nice, large rooms that are clean. Not that we spend alot of time in the room, but they are nice to recoop in after visiting shops or the bar. The management has added a hot tub and spent more money on updating the facility since our last visit. The breakfasts have changed in that they have a different egg dish each morning. There is always plenty as the host will cook more food as it is eaten. The staff are professional and will address any questions or issues you have.

We also enjoyed the Equator primarily because it is mostly couples who are there to enjoy each other and the other guests without cruising or feeling the need to have sex with every cute guy they see. On both visits, we have met very nice and friendly couples there. If you are into cruising and a sexually charged atmosphere, try across or down the street. Already have plans to return. Great hotel.

My first choice, the Island House where I’ve stayed several times, was booked full and they recommended I try the Equator resort. The Equator is a quiet and nice second choice and is only a few blocks walk from the bars on Duval St.
I stayed in room 32, which is an ample sized room with a King bed, small fridge and microwave. Overall the room was well maintained and comfortable. The only notable flaw being that the tiles around the shower door should be repaired. They are buckling and have some minor mold. The room was made up nicely each day with fresh towels.
After a long drive down to KW and arriving the night before, I was really looking forward to enjoying a nice leisurely Sunday morning poolside breakfast in the Florida sunshine. When I woke up and went out at 9:30am, to my dismay there was barely anything left, except maybe a rejected bagel. Apparently breakfast is a competitive event when the place is full. I politely expressed my disappointment to the staff member who I think might have been the manager. He was quite unsympathetic about it (which pretty much soured my opinion of how this resort is managed). I ventured “off campus” that morning to find a restaurant serving breakfast. Subsequent mornings I set an alarm so that I could get a bite to eat. The breakfast buffet generally consisted of a tray of dry baked eggs, toast, bagels, juice, coffee, cereal, yogurt and fruit cocktail. Coffee- excellent. Eggs-horrible.
As far as service is concerned- this is a “self service” resort. Please note, there is a “bar area” but no bartender (soft drinks are available from a vending machine). The clientele is very friendly- and it’s easy to make friends with fellow guests. The staff however, when present, generally remains aloof and distant (one exception, a gentleman staffer named “Carey” or “Kerry” was friendly and hospitable). While sunbathing next to the pool one afternoon, I got up to use the bathroom in my room very briefly. When I returned to my chaise the area where I had been laying out was completely cleaned up and towels whisked away, as if Oompa Loompas had suddenly emerged from the landscaped bushes to tidy up as soon as no one was looking and then returned to hiding. Not a big deal, but it would be nice if the Oompa Loompas put out maybe a pitcher of ice water or something refreshing instead of just whisking away the used towels.
Overall, my stay here was very pleasant and quiet. It doesn’t compare well to Island House for service and hospitality, but is a good value for the price. I would recommend Equator to anyone who likes a low-key, clean, quiet place to stay and isn’t expecting a great service experience. For the poor and sometimes scarce breakfast, I lowered my score one point. For the manager/host’s impenitent indifference, I lowered my score another point, giving the Equator Resort of Key West a 3/5 in my book.

My partner and I stayed at the Equator Resort in February, 2008 and had a very nice stay. We stayed there about 8 years ago and thought the resort was much nicer this time. There is a new hot tub, free wi-fi and an outdoor bar area. Our room overlooked the pool area with a private balcony. It was a very nice room but the bathroom needed some work. The water pressure in the shower was not very strong and the sink and shower drain covers were either gone or loose.
Overall, we had a nice stay and would definitely stay there again.

I booked a room at the equator on the advice of a local. My arrival was very late on Friday so my key was left(as promised) in an envelope outside the door. The staff was wonderful and friendly. I stayed in room 13 which had a special rate and it was great. The housekeeper cleaned the room every day and it had a renovated bathroom....(btw, mold is just something you are gonna have to learn to expect in the carribbean,,,,,it's humid and warm 365 days a year!) I found the room to be clean and perfectly charming.

Even though I never had the breakfast I heard wonderful things about it....the happy hour was great though!

I managed to meet the owner Richard who was on the property the entire time and I must say he is charming and extremely accomodating. He has great plans for the property and if I had a choice of where to stay next time I am in Key West, it will be obvious. oh yeah, and the crowd was actually better than at Island House, and much less cruisy...plus IH is only 5 blocks away....so stay at Equator and get a guest pass to Island House.

You'll be glad you did!....I have plans to return for Fantasy Fest this year as well...;-)