We just spent 3 nights at The Palms in Key West. 4/16/05-4/18/05 and then 4/22-4/23/05. We had a trip planned to Key West and Duck Key -- spent the first two nights at The Palms -- then drove up to Duck Key where we spent 4 nights at Hawk's Cay -- then spent the last night in Key West back at The Palms.
The resort was extremely clean and the folks who worked there very nice. We stayed in Room 6 which is quite interesting. It appears to be in the main house and is located on the second floor. This room is actually a Turret Suite. The main room is small and includes windows on all sides (remember it is a turret) with a pull-out sofa, rocking chair and cable TV. The bathroom is also off of this room. Small and a bit-outdated, but very clean with just a shower.
The second floor, which is reached by a very steep staircase (almost a ladder) is quite lovely. The walls appear to be totally Dade Pine --with windows all around and nice window treatments and a mosquito net over the King Size bed.
There are window airconditioners that seem to do a good job of keeping the rooms cool. (Not sure what would happen in mid-summer when the temps might soar into the 90's, but in April, quite good.)
The Palms has a number of wicker chairs with cushions, lovely foliage and large adirondack chairs located on the many porches and alcoves. The rear of the hotel has a small, heated pool with lounge chairs and a Tiki bar where there are afternoon drinks available for $3.00. There are towels available at the pool.
In the morning, they put out a great spread for breakfast at the bar that includes bagels, croissants, muffins, e-muffins, waffles, french toast, fresh fruit, coffee and juice. (Served 8a-11a).
Parking was never a problem, but I can see where it might be if the hotel is sold out. There are 3 or four spaces in front available and then 8 spaces in back.
You are about 8 blocks from Duvall street here, and although we did walk it twice, it is a long walk. You can rent bikes from the front desk, or mopeds very close by.
We ate at Jose Cantina, which is practically next door -- great Cuban food; also at the Delicatessin and Blue Heaven. All of our meals were great. We ended up driving into town a couple of times and found that Parking at the Hyatt was the best deal -- $3/hour and it allowed for in and out.
I only glimpsed a couple of the other rooms and they all seemed nice. Some appear to have kitchenettes, but since we weren't cooking it didn't make a difference. There is an ice machine by the pool, and I would recommend bringing a cooler or buying a cheap styrofoam one to keep drinks cold.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC