A Destination Within a Destination

I’m a born and raised Florida girl. Being in a tropical climate, feeling the ocean’s breeze whip through my hair and catching a few waves on my surfboard is something that has been instilled in my day-to-day life. I live for it, I love it and I couldn’t imagine living somewhere that isn’t within a 30-minute drive from the ocean.

One of my favorite things about Florida’s beaches is that they are all unique in their own way. More specifically, the Florida Keys is a paradise of its own. Each Key is a little different from the other, but they all have a mystique.  Key West is, by far, one of the most popular, but sometimes the hustle and bustle of Duval Street can be overwhelming. For locals and visitors who want to get away from it all with that Key West vibe and all the same outdoor activities, I know just the spot for you.

Located just a short drive from the world famous Duval Street, Stock Island is home to a boathouse chic boutique hotel, The Perry Hotel Key West, which represents the iconic industrial maritime heritage from which Stock Island has developed.  Steeped in Key West’s local roots and its tradition of working waterfronts, fishing fleets and marinas, the property’s interior design blends sharp, rugged elements with warm, ocean-inspired touches, evoking the story of fishermen who once sought refuge in Safe Harbour. The 100-room boutique hotel features hand-crafted art made by local artists, a pool deck that overlooks the waterfront, and guest rooms with spacious, private balconies and expansive ocean views.

Stock Island Marina Village is a private marina located just a quick drive away from Key West. The marina consists of 220 slips making it the largest deep-water marina in the Florida Keys, with the ability to accommodate vessels up to 300 feet in length.  The working waterfront for shrimpers and fisherman that earned its name from the livestock that were kept there in an era long ago, Stock Island has been quietly flying under the radar as a vacation destination, but not anymore!

As soon as I stepped foot into The Perry Hotel Key West at Stock Island Marina, I knew there were big plans for this location with its emerging arts and culinary scene. I could tell this property had a specific appeal to the sophisticated and discerning traveler. The property pays homage to Key West’s maritime and fishing heritage with an edgy, modern design, direct marina access and “boat-to-table” experiential restaurant concepts.

A lush outdoor pool area and guest rooms that feature expansive balconies with waterfront views, some even with outdoor showers, are among the touches that set The Perry Hotel apart, making it an ideal home base for boating, diving and fishing enthusiasts looking to experience the natural beauty of the Florida Keys in style.

The finale! Southern-inspired dishes by Chef Ryan at Matt’s Stock Island Restaurant. Photographed for The Perry Hotel in Key West, Florida.

Let me begin by saying that the cuisine at The Perry is unparalleled. Featuring two ‘boat-to-table’ restaurant concepts, they both utilize the freshest produce, highest-quality meats and local seafood to showcase classic Key West recipes with a unique twist that can only be found at the property. With a laid-back atmosphere that evokes long summer days spent out on the water, the staff is focused on supporting local sources and exceptional guest service. The Perry Hotel sets the bar for waterfront dining in the food-centric Florida Keys.

Let me tell you about Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar – it is incredible.  Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar is a true standout in the Florida Keys. The restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere and culinary experience that keeps guests coming every night – there’s no reason to ever leave the property! This full-service restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with a focus on local must-haves such as stone crab, snapper and Key West pink shrimp. Guests can dine inside or outdoors with unobstructed views of the picturesque waterfront, extraordinary yachts and boats gliding in and out of the marina. The restaurant also features a communal chef’s table where guests can chat with locals and visitors alike. For a taste of local comfort food, guests can’t miss Chef Ryan’s famous fried chicken and crab beignets.

If you’re looking for a bite out by the pool and the dock, The Perry Hotel’s outdoor restaurant, Salty Oyster Dockside Bar and Grill, is the place to go. Remember that feeling of salt on your skin after days where you spent hours playing in the ocean as a kid? Salty Oyster offers casual fare in a comfortable and marina-chic atmosphere. Whether lounging poolside or admiring the sunset from the dock, guests can enjoy fresh-caught seafood, burgers and of course, oysters, while soaking up the sun with an ice-cold cocktail in hand. Stop on by for lunch or dinner daily!

There’s no doubt that Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. However, when it comes down to the culture of the Keys mixed with a boathouse elegance (that just can’t be found anywhere else) there’s no better place then the Perry Hotel Key West. To learn more information about the Perry Hotel and book your stay, please visit ThePerryKeyWest.com, or give them a call at 305-296-1717. See you at the marina!