Key West: Inside Guest

Guest Houses are a telling part of Key West culture - indicative of the island's come-as-you-are, no-judgement attitude. Our four Out Travelers - Laith Ashley, Arisce Wanzer, Marti Gould Cummings and Kate Austin - went inside some of Key West's signature guesthouses to get the inside story and history of how these LGBTQ staples came into existence. Check out what they found, below, and be sure to stop by and say 'hi' when you're in town.

Laith: All of the guesthouses make you feel so welcome, and you're really free to be exactly who you are. It's great to come on vacation and know that there are no judgments and you can just be yourself.

Arisce: I stayed at Alexander's and could not have been happier. It's such a little hidden gem, because you can't really see how amazing it is from the street. There are so many little nooks to relax in, whether you want to lay out in the sun or be by yourself and read. It's heaven.

Kate: Alexander's has so much charm, and the staff was super friendly and helpful. It's got such a laid back vibe, it's impossible not to feel relaxed when you're there.

Marti: My favorite thing about the guesthouses is that they all feel like their own world when you go inside. From the street, you would never be able to tell how massive they are, and how much is going on inside. It's like you're on your own private island.