Kimpton Fitch Lodge

Key West is one of America’s most unusual places, and it’s only fitting that it should be home to some of America’s most unique hotels. And the Kimpton Fitch Lodge is unusual even by boutique-hotel standards. Architecturally, it hardly resembles a hotel at all — it’s made from a collection of 19th-century conch houses, the classic Key West residential form. And with a mere 44 rooms, it retains much of this residential atmosphere, even as it’s supplied with such boutique-hotel standards as an outdoor pool, a fleet of loaner bikes, and the Kimpton signature yoga mat in every room.

In the rooms, the original architecture is set off against modern tropical décor. And while the Fitch Lodge is the most budget-friendly of Kimpton’s Key West offerings, it’s certainly comfortable, and includes fine details like Atelier Bloem bath products and Samsung HD televisions. Also included every evening is the hosted social hour, another Kimpton signature. And the hotel’s location, just off the waterfront, makes it an ideal home base for exploration, with easy access to the Key West Ferry as well as any number of diving, fishing, or sailing expeditions.