KEY WEST -- This historic southernmost point of the United States, famed for its low-key atmosphere, has a new multi-million dollar gem along its legendary palm-dotted seafront.
The new seven-acre Beachside Resort and Conference center offers an elegant casual destination for families and couples and soon spring breakers will be heading for the newest hot spot.
Key West and Beachside, which opened in October 2007, is clearly an excellent choice. The service is top rate and the resort offers every amenity anyone could possibly want -- including airport shuttle, 24-hour in-room dining, mail delivery to guest rooms, fitness center, and a beachside pool with a bar.
Awake with a USA Today at your front door and then have a hearty breakfast buffet in the Tavern 'n Town dining room. Slip into your swimsuit and hit the beachside pool or enjoy a massage in the private poolside cabanas arranged for you by the concierge. Lunch is always a treat at the Blue Bar on the patio poolside and they make some must try icy tropical drinks.
When you are ready to see some of Key West's many sights, head for old town and Duval Street. The complimentary shuttle is at your service. Most agree that the best way to get around Old Town is on a bicycle or a motor bike but watch out for the chickens and roosters -- they have the right of way, that's part of the charm of Old Town (a tradition derived from Jamaica).
As described by Beachside's web site: "Key West truly has something for everyone; and it goes from morning, to night…right into the next morning for many of its visitors. Yes, the nightlife here is famous for bringing out the island fever of even the most bashful wall flower. And it all begins as the day ends, when the whole island seems to gather for a nightly Sunset Celebration on the Mallory Dock. Once the musicians, mimes, artists and jugglers take their last bow, its time for locals and visitors alike to find their way into favorite sidewalk cafes, open-air bars, world-famous pubs and world-class restaurants. Still others take to the theaters to enjoy the drama, musicals and comedy that flourish on the stages of the ever-vibrant Key West."
Famed author Ernest Hemingway's home, the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, a conch train tour, the Pirate Soul Museum are just a few of the fun things to visit. The many boutiques, art galleries and shops with one of a kind hard to find treasures line the narrow streets and there is no shortage of tee shirt shops and bar/cafes. Of course there are many fine gourmet restaurants as well. I have joined many other tourists in returning home with a Hogs Breath Bar/Cafe tee shirt.
There is a myriad of water sports venues to choose from if you are looking for a more active day and I highly recommend a sunset sailboat ride before you leave the island.
Beachside Resort offers several fun-filled packages and they do all the planning, that's worth a great deal if you are short of time. They will arrange a honeymoon package as well, just contact them at 800-546-0885 or visit their website at www.Beachsidekeywest.com .
Beachside, located at 3841 North Roosevelt Blvd., has the largest conference and banquet facility in Key West with 5,665 square feet, with it's own kitchen and can seat 400. The buildings are constructed to withstand 205-mile-an-hour winds and have their own emergency power generator.
There are 222 guest rooms tastefully decorated with the best quality of furnishings and gourmet kitchens with top of the line appliances, washer/dryer, Jacuzzi tubs, Frette linens and LCD flat screen televisions. 93 king bedrooms and 129 one, two and three bedroom units. Rates range from $199 for the king bedroom low season, to $1889 for a three-bedroom during high season.
For more information, call 305-293-0205
Should you be interested in purchasing one of these beautiful units, 80 per cent have been sold and there are only 19 left. Unlike many areas of the country Key West real estate sales have been hot, with the price of these units starting at $1,091,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bath and $2,046.000 for a three-bedroom, three baths unit.
Beachside has set a new standard of excellence for an island vacation or permanent living in Key West and they are a pioneer in changing how we can spend our spring break, a la luxury and comfort.
Hemingway was perhaps Key West's most famous resident and the community takes great pride in honoring his memory each year. He made the island his home for more than 10 years. At his famous house on Whitehead Street, he wrote some of his most successful and popular stories including “Green Hills of Africa,” “Death in the Afternoon” and “To Have and Have Not.” He also finished “A Farewell to Arms” and started “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”

Beachside Resort & Conference Center celebrates the 109th birthday of the author (July 21, 1899) with a special package for fans and visitors who want to experience Key West a la Hemingway.

Hemingway Days Package

Available July 15-20, 2008

Standard Room

Two tickets to Hemingway Museum

$20 gift certificate to Sloppy Joe’s, Hemingway’s favorite hang out!

$229 per day

(Taxes not included. Some restrictions may apply.)

The timing of Beachside’s package also coincides with Sloppy Joe’s annual “Hemingway Look-Alike Contest” (July 17 – 20) when hundreds of participants from all over the world converge on the legendary bar for three days of Hemingway-themed high-jinks. This marks the contest’s 28th year of friendly competition.

This story was published on 12 May 2008.