Key West lodging

Question

I would appreciate any info on the Island Hideaway in Key West. Worth the price? Good location to the sights and restaurants? The marina? The map said it's a 6 minute walk to Duval or 10 minute walk to Mallory Square. It sounds like you may not get the room that you booked though the owner, but what's available. I find this confusing. If anyone else can clarify this property for me, I would feel much better.

Thank you!

Answer

Good question. I searched for information on “Island Hideaway” in Key West, but I think there may be some name confusion — there doesn’t seem to be a hotel called “Island Hideaway” in Old Town Key West matching the description of a guest-house or hotel with three pools, walk-to-Duval in that way. Instead, what comes up is a vacation-rental duplex / holiday home called *Island Hideaway*. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide if it’s what you saw, and whether it’s a good option — plus where the possible mix-up might be coming from.

Here’s what the “real” Island Hideaway (rental) is:

According to Booking.com, Island Hideaway is a two-bedroom, two-bath holiday home in Key West with an 818 ft² footprint, air conditioning, and a heated salt-water pool.
The property is listed on Marriott’s Homes & Villas platform: it’s a duplex, with a *private saltwater pool*, a full kitchen, and tropical décor.
On Vacasa, its description mentions a washer/dryer, central AC, Wi-Fi, and that it’s managed as a “duplex with private pool.”
On Booking.com, the map shows the location to be relatively close to Duval Street and other Old Town points: the listing notes being within walking distance of some central Key West sights.
The unit seems to require a long stay minimum in some listings: on Marriott Homes & Villas, it’s stated that guests must stay at least 28 nights for that particular unit.

Pros of staying here (if this is the right place):

Very island-charm feel: the décor and layout feel like a true Key West home rather than a big commercial hotel.
Private pool: having your own saltwater pool is a big plus, especially for relaxing downtime.
Good amenities: full kitchen, washer/dryer, AC — useful if you’re staying several days.
Old Town access: walking to Duval and potentially to other sights makes it more convenient than many rentals far from the center.

Cons / potential pitfalls / things to watch out for:

You may *not* be “assigned” a particular room layout — like many vacation rentals, the exact unit (if there are multiple) may be based on availability, unless you book a specific listing.
If the 28-night minimum (as in Marriott’s Homes & Villas) applies, that’s a big commitment, unless that is for only one of the units or in certain seasons.
Costs: a vacation home may feel more expensive per night than a “budget” guesthouse, especially once you factor in cleaning fees, taxes, and pool maintenance.
Parking: like many Old Town Key West places, parking may be limited or require street parking; not all rentals offer secure or free parking. (Check the listing when booking.)

Is the location good for restaurants, the marina, and Key West sights?

Yes, if this is indeed the “Island Hideaway” you’re looking at: the location is quite walkable to many of the key Old Town attractions. Booking.com places it less than a mile from the Southernmost Point and suggests nearby access to Duval Street. Because it’s a vacation home rather than a large resort, it doesn’t have the kind of “front-desk concierge” service, but its private, homey feel is very much aligned with a relaxing Key West getaway.

Why you might have heard “you may not get the room you booked”:

That’s a common issue with vacation rentals / duplexes: when you book, especially through a platform (Marriott Homes, Vrbo, etc.), you’re often booking a *type* of unit (e.g., “2BR, 2BA with pool”), not a specific room number, unless the listing is very explicit. If the property has multiple similar units, the manager might assign you one of those based on what’s free, not necessarily the exact layout in the photos. So asking for “which unit” during booking, or confirming in writing with the host, is wise.

Is it “worth the price”? It depends on what you value most:

If privacy, charm, and a home feel are important to you, this place is likely to be very appealing.
If you're okay with a *shared hotel-style stay* (with front desk, possibly more services, but less “home”), you might find similarly located hotels or guesthouses that are more predictable in assignment.
If you plan a short stay (a few nights), make sure the cost (per night + fees) doesn’t get too high compared to a boutique hotel.
If you plan a longer stay, this definitely becomes more attractive, especially with the pool and full amenities.

My verdict for you (based on your concerns):

Given your worries about “not getting the room you booked,” this *Island Hideaway* seems to be a vacation home / duplex, not a traditional hotel. So the concern is valid — you might not know exactly which half of the duplex / which layout you’ll get. But as long as you book a specific rental listing (with good reviews), clarify unit assignment with the host, and are comfortable with the trade-offs, it's a lovely, centrally located, very Key West-style option.

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