The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what caught me off guard about The Reach? It’s tucked away on Simonton Street in a spot that actually feels like Key West instead of some resort bubble. I mean, you’re still close enough to stumble back from Duval Street (about a 10-minute walk), but far enough that you’re not dealing with the drunk college kids at 2 AM. The property sits right on this quiet stretch where the island starts to feel more residential – there’s something really appealing about that balance.

The hotel itself has this laid-back luxury thing going on that works well for the Keys. It’s definitely a 4-star place, but not in that stuffy way where you feel underdressed in flip-flops. The rooms are solid – I stayed in one of the oceanview ones and honestly, waking up to that water view never gets old, even if the overall experience isn’t quite perfect (the 7.2 rating makes sense when you factor in some service hiccups and the fact that Key West hotels in general can be hit or miss). What I really appreciated was how they’ve managed to capture that island vibe without going overboard with the nautical theme. The pool area is where this place really shines though – it’s got these great sunset views and the bar doesn’t feel like an afterthought. You’ll find yourself hanging out there way longer than planned.

Here’s the thing about staying here: you’re getting the best of both worlds. Walk one direction and you hit the quieter, more authentic side of Key West where locals actually hang out. Walk the other way and you’re in the thick of the tourist action. Parking can be a bit of a pain (welcome to Key West), but they do have valet service, and honestly, once you’re settled in, you probably won’t need your car much anyway. The staff genuinely seems to know the area – I got some great restaurant recommendations that weren’t just the obvious tourist spots. Is it the most luxurious place on the island? No. But there’s something refreshingly unpretentious about The Reach that fits perfectly with what Key West should feel like. Plus, being part of the Curio Collection means you get decent service standards without losing that local character that makes staying here feel like more than just another hotel night.