Royal Palm

There's no better way to experience island time - that slow shifting of hours that makes Key West such an ideal vacation spot-than staying at Royal Palm. Located in the prestigious Foundry building within the exclusive Truman Annex gated community, this two-bedroom, three-story brick townhouse offers privacy and includes access to a gorgeous residents-only heated pool. Yet you are only several blocks from the main artery for entertainment-world-famous Duval Street-and in close proximity to Ft. Zach Beach, where you can claim your spot in the sand with a rented umbrella and chaise lounge or just stretch out your colorful beach towel and plop down.

Once you've left your car in the designated off-street parking, enter through a six-foot white picket fence that opens into the front garden of the Royal Palm private residence. Up a few stairs puts you on a deck with a seating area. The entry door is an architecturally impressive facade of wood and glass panels covering one entire wall of the residence and flooding the first floor with ambient light. Inside a paddle fan adds charm, functionality, and accentuates the expansiveness of the twelve-foot ceiling. Below white travertine flooring stretches throughout an open floor plan.

To the right is a conversation area delineated by a colorful oriental area rug. Classic wicker chairs, a deep-seated couch, wicker coffee table, and wicker end tables make this a perfect setting for reading or playing games like Cranium or Balderdash with family or friends. Directly across is a glass-top desk complete with wireless high-speed internet, phone/fax machine, and printer awaiting your computer hookup. Or if you've left the electronics behind on purpose, maybe use the space for handwriting "wish you were here" postcards to friends back home. Next to the desk is a flat-screen TV perfectly situated for comfortable viewing from the conversation area. Interesting art work and a charming bird clock (complete with different bird calls for each hour) add color and interest to the cloud white walls. It goes without saying that cable, stereo, and DVD player are available when you need them.

The dining area consists of a glass-top table, four high-backed chairs, and a downlight chandelier/paddle fan whirring above. Steps away is the breakfast bar that also serves as a convenient pass-through from the kitchen to the dining area should you be motivated to make dinner salads or a three-course meal. The kitchen itself has a contemporary vibe with a double sink and all the modern amenities you'd expect right at your fingertips. Plenty of cabinet space above and below make it easy to keep countertops clear. A utility closet and half-bath complete this level of the residence.

Hardwood stairs lead to the second-story master bedroom with en suite full bath. Up another flight to the third level is the guest bedroom, also with en suite full bath and twin beds that can be converted to a king if that's your preference. The master has a comfy king bed dressed in vibrant stonewashed cotton linens that beckon at naptime and/or bedtime. Bedside tables with lamps, a flat-screen TV, a six-drawer wicker dresser with large mirror, and a wicker armchair tucked in one corner complete the scene. But the best part is the large glass double doors flanked by large glass panels and the private balcony beyond. Sit here in your jammies (or even less) for your morning coffee or nighttime cocktail. No one besides gently swaying palm fronds or maybe a flock of water birds passing overhead can glimpse you in this space. A linen closet, a generous clothes closet for your hanging items, a full bath, and washer/dryer closet round out this floor.

In the third-floor bedroom, panel after panel of windows flood this room with Florida's incomparable daylight and myriad stars at night, while another ceiling fan silently marks the 24-hour progression. Use this bedroom for children or guests while you maintain your own privacy on the floor below.

Royal Palm is just minutes from the fun and frivolity you came to Key West to check out. Steps from your door enjoy the manicured landscaping, verdant palms, and interconnecting pathways that give your Truman Annex neighborhood its park-like atmosphere. Stroll out wrought iron privacy gates to find yourself immersed in the sights and sounds of Duval's tourist attractions. Check out the tours, museums, water sports, shopping, bars, and over two hundred restaurants, many with open-air seating, some right on the water. Don't miss the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, boutiques, and especially the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square, where visitors and locals alike gather to applaud as the sun slips below the horizon. Then hang around afterwards for the spontaneous party. Unless you're been to the island before, pick up a guidebook to ensure you don't miss the vibrant art and culture scene that includes live music, lectures, plays, movies, art galleries, and artists' talks.

If this is your first trip to the Conch Republic, a guidebook from Books & Books on Eaton Street or a stop at the Chamber of Commerce Information Center on Greene Street will help make sure you don’t miss anything. Other info on the current music scene, movies, plays, gallery openings, and charitable events can be found at milezerokeywest.com (calendar section). Historic Hideaways' informative Area Guide/Events page located on our website also has a Calendar of Events. We DO NOT guarantee that the information VRBO (and affiliated sites) scrapes from our site to display on theirs is 100% accurate, particularly the amenities. If you come to us through them, be sure to look at all the information on our site related to your rental once you book to be sure you have accurate and up to date information.