Local Experts' 10 Best Bed and Breakfasts

Special touches in guestrooms like hand-quilted bedspreads, marble ceiling bathrooms, and canopy beds set this B&B apart. There are four types of rooms to choose from, some of which are pet-friendly (visit the website to see in-depth descriptions and photos of the rooms before booking). The second floor has a wraparound balcony, and - In true Key West style - breakfast is served on the porch each morning which consists of a selection of fresh fruits and yogurt, and pastries.

This 17-room, gay-friendly guesthouse is doing everything right: from tasteful, room décor (think modern black-and-white furniture and over-sized portraits of animals), to the shaded pool and Jacuzzi, or clothing-optional sundeck. Each day complimentary happy hour is perfect for mingling with other guests. The staff truly embraces the "one human family" credo which make travelers return to this home-away-from-home.

A few streets away from the drunken debauchery and hustle and bustle of Duval is the Author's House, a compound consisting of two small cottages. The cottages were once the living quarters for cigar makers and remain in traditional Bahamian-Conch style with the main house fitted with beautiful French doors, decks, and terraces. Colorful tropical foliage surrounds the pool and each of the guest rooms are named after literary legends. Rates are some of the lowest in town – during the off season you can snag a room for two for just $100.

Six spacious and beautifully restored guesthouses spanning an entire block define this popular inn, set on the heart of Duval Street. An inviting heated pool with sundecks ideal for soaking in the rays, there's a garden playhouse for kids, and BBQ grills, patios, mini kitchens, and Jacuzzis are available with the vacation cottages. Guests can also choose from standard, deluxe, king, and suite rooms - all of which include microwaves and mini fridges. The B&B offers continental breakfast served poolside and free parking (which is priceless when staying on Duval Street).

Take a stroll through your own "Wonderland" on Simonton Court's garden pathway, and adults-only lodging that is hidden on a quiet side street near Duval. This lush hideaway offers guests several accommodation options: a historic mansion, private cottages, manor house, or townhouse. Free WiFi is available throughout, and complimentary breakfast is served poolside in the morning.

A rum bar and bed and breakfast combined, this cheerful Duval Street inn is a steal in Key West. Cozy up at the rum bar and try some of the Bahama Bob's famous "root juice." This rum connoisseur always has a captive audience waiting to try his tasty concoctions. Friendly owners make you feel at ease, and their home cooking is top-notch. Room sizes vary, and several have private patios. This inn is located on the south end of Duval (the quiet side), but Mallory Square, Sloppy Joes, and all the usual hot spots are easily accessible.

This luxurious, yet affordable pet-friendly B&B offers both themed guestrooms and suites with private entrances to gardens and verandahs. The honeymoon suites are romantically decorated and fitted with four-poster canopy beds and in-room Jacuzzis. Amenities include lush gardens, a pool, WiFi and computer access and full breakfast. Be sure to check out the different combo packages including diving, dining, adventure, and arts.

As one of the few oceanfront B&B's on the island, the Southernmost House has been intertwines classic Key West style with modern amenities and has been housing the upper crust – from Presidents to Kings for decades. A zero-entry pool, complimentary island breakfast, valet laundry services, and pool bar, and wireless internet are available for guest use. The Southernmost is located on Duval Street, just steps away from the "Southernmost Point" marker.

As one of the most photographed guesthouses in Key West, the Artist House is undoubtedly appealing from the outside, and those that choose to stay here will find that being inside its walls is just as colorful. The interior of the Victorian-era home has been beautifully restored and features stunning woodwork and elegant furniture in the rooms. Its history goes beyond the regal décor – the home once contained "Robert the Doll," a spooky local legend that now resides at Martello Museum.

This high-end sanctuary consists of 17 luxurious guest suites set among one of the oldest tropical gardens in Florida. The estate's rooms feature private entrances, marble counter tops, verandahs, and plush spa robes. Amenities include a wine room gallery, a Jacuzzi and heated pool, expansive breakfast, trickling fountains, and an aviary.