Kimpton opens first property in Key West collection

IHG's Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brand has arrived in the Florida Keys. Winslow’s Bungalows is the first property in the new five-hotel Kimpton Key West collection and the sixth Florida outpost for the boutique hospitality company. 

When completed, the 219-room collection will take up five structures across six blocks in Key West’s historic Old Town, and no two rooms are the same. As a reimagining of the Historic Inns of Key West, the accommodations span everything from estate-like guesthouses to bungalows and original conch houses.

Unveiled one hotel at a time, the collection emphasizes historic elements from each hotel’s place in the history of the island while weaving unifying design and experiential elements of the collection throughout. The design story of Kimpton Key West, developed by L.A.-based designers Powerstrip Studio, carries across all five of the hotels mixing laid-back Caribbean style with elements of Victorian and colonial architecture and featuring furniture, lighting and artwork in the rooms that are custom to the collection.

The Debut

The collection’s largest property at 85 rooms, Winslow’s Bungalows has a landscaped campus in the center of Key West two blocks off Duval Street on Truman Avenue. Formerly known as Chelsea House Hotel and Key Lime Inn, the buildings have a range of signature Key West architecture and some property structures date back to the nineteenth century, including both the oldest home and the oldest lodging on the island. The renovation preserved the Queen Anne, Carpenter Victorian and classic conch architectural styles of the original buildings. The debut property was named in honor of painter Winslow Homer.

Following the opening of Winslow’s Bungalows, Ella’s Cottages and Ridley House are the next two hotels slated to open later this spring. Ridley House has an intimate “front porch” vibe geared for longer visits and a more high-end, romantic setting. Ella’s Cottages has a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by refreshing greenery and is best for group and extended stays. Lighthouse Hotel and Fitch Lodge will round out the collection. 

Every hotel in the collection has its own pool, hammocks and communal gathering spots for breakfast. Other amenities include complimentary bikes, in-room yoga mats and a liberal pet-friendly policy

In the spirit of sustainability, Kimpton Key West has also partnered with the local nonprofit Save a Turtle on the “Show the Sea Your Love” package. This local organization is dedicated to enhancing and protecting, through preservation and conservation, endangered and threatened sea turtle species and their habitat in the Florida Keys. For each reservation made under the opening offer, Kimpton Key West will donate $15 and adopt a turtle in the guest’s honor.