A free online encyclopedia about bed and breakfasts created and edited by travel writers

sign in or out

Alexander's Guesthouse

The Alexander's Guesthouse is located on the island Key West that sits off the coast of Florida. The property is distinguished as an LGBTQA+ establishment, a safe place for people in the Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, and Queer groups. The motto of the guesthouse is "One Human Family," with the focus of being accepting to all, from those within this community. Allies, people who support LGBTQA+, are also welcomed to the property. The premises has three buildings with a total of 17 rooms available for guests. All three buildings surround a pool, hot tub, and pool deck. On the third floor of the main house, there is a sun deck, which has been used for small weddings and elopements. Patrons have access to a martini bar and are served breakfast every morning in the kitchen. Two of the buildings were built in 1904 and have been registered on the National Historic Registry. It wasn't until 1982 that the property was converted to Alexander's Guesthouse.

About

Alexander's Guesthouse, located on the island Key West in Florida, is an LGBTQA+ property. The establishment serves as a safe place/getaway for those who are a part of this community and those who are allies. A couple of the buildings are a part of the National Historic Registry and the historic district of Key West. The property itself consists of three conch-style houses; the main building is where ten rooms are located throughout its three stories, the other facilities are the Guest Suite and The Apartment. The rooms inside the main house include amenities such as microwaves, a wet bar, flat-screen TV, and mini-fridges. The business has a full concierge service for all patrons. Depending on the rooms that are reserved, patrons may have access to other amenities like enclosed verandas and a private outdoor patio with a daybed. The other buildings have additional amenities, such as covered porches with garden views and a private balcony. The current owners remodeled the buildings after Miami, where they lived before.

The three buildings on the premises surround the pool and jacuzzi. The area receives a high amount of sunlight; umbrellas are located throughout the property to shade any unwanted sun. There is also a happy hour by the poolside. Other common areas include the lobby area with couches, a library area, and upper-level decks that are clothing optional. The third story deck has a pergola area that has become a popular spot among patrons. Most people who stay at the Alexander Guesthouse choose to sit outside and take advantage of all the different sitting areas throughout the grounds.

From 8:30 to 11:30, breakfast is served to all those staying at Alexander's Guesthouse. Expanded continental breakfast is often how this feature is described. Guests are served some type of main entrée dish, with other things such as fresh fruit, homemade potato hash brown casserole, hard-boiled eggs, turkey, salami, cheese, granola, yogurt, coffee, and fresh-baked muffins. If patrons have an early start to the morning and let the staff know, they will often put food items in their mini-fridge the night before for them.

Culture

The Alexander's Guesthouse has a distinct culture of support for those within the lesbian LGBTQA+ community. Everyone is welcome to stay at the property as long as they are supportive and allies to this community. The atmosphere of the premises is to provide a safe place for members of the Gay, Bi, Lesbian, Trans, and Queer groups. One of the mottos of the guesthouse is "One Human Family." This motto has since had the business built around this mindset. The owners have emphasized creating a "non-corporate" environment by being personal with patrons, always striving to help, and interacting with them. The manager says that the goal is to be consistent so those who come to stay at the Alexander's Guesthouse can depend on a strong level of service. The owners and manager also have found success from constantly pushing the property forward and continually looking for ways to make it grow. The staff is expected to be treated as valuable team players, always using individual strengths and cultivating them to benefit the property and guests.

About 80% of those who stay at Alexander's Guesthouse are a part of the LGBTQA+ community, while the remaining 20% are allies, which are people who support those within the community but are straight. Only those 21 and older are permitted to stay as guests, but most people are between 30 to 60. Workers often observe patrons creating friendships and strong relationships among themselves and the staff, which keeps them coming back each year. Over half of the people that visit the guesthouse are returning guests. The property does not allow pets besides service animals on the grounds. Smoking is not permitted in the rooms, only in designated areas. Weddings occasionally occur at the establishment; most often, they are elopements on the pergola's third-floor deck.

Alexander's guesthouse is a part of the historic district in Key West, which has kept the outside of the building true to its historic character. Pirates first discovered Key West, and eventually the area became commonplace for the navy, scavengers, and treasure hunters who were drawn in by the shipwrecks surrounding the island's reefs. Attractions surround the guesthouse's land, such as snorkeling, beaches, and Duval Street. Guest commonly visit the LGBT nightspots such as Pink Triangle, La Te Da, 801 Bar, Bourbon Pub, and Aqua. The local community highly supports the LGBTQA+ community and has implemented festivals and events specifically for them. Gay Spring Break is one of the newest events. Other events include Womenfest in September and Tropical Heat for Men in August. Activities such as renting a bicycle, picnics for lunch, or swimming in the waters of Fort Zachary Taylor Beach are all available for visitors to the area. 

History

The main house and one of the other cottages were built in 1904, which has made it a part of the National Historic Registry. The property's location also puts it in the historic district of Key West. Renovations to the buildings are restricted to the inside of the building because of the history, which has kept the structure consistent with its original design. The small cottage was built in 1993, after the land was officially bought and converted into Alexander's Guesthouse in 1982. The business is one of the first LGBTQA+ properties in Key West and has continued with this culture and atmosphere ever since. The business has had three owners; the current owners were customers themselves and decided to buy the company when it became available. When the buildings first purchased, they were were darker, with the shaggy carpet. After a year of renovations, the edifice now portrays a Miami-style elegance that the owners brought from their previous home.

The city of Key West has brought a substantial diversity in culture with Cuban, Bahamian, Spanish, and Eastern European influences. The homes on the island, especially in the historic district where Alexander's Guesthouse is located, continue to reflect the history and Caribbean influences of the region and its early settlers. The island's growth has drawn in many different groups within the LGBTQA+ community, primarily by establishing The Gay and Lesbian Business Guild, whose purpose is to support gay-owned businesses such as the Alexander's Guesthouse.

Click for directions on Google
Location

1118 Fleming Street
Key West, Florida 33040-6910
United States

Type

Bed and Breakfast

Owned Since
1993
Phone
305-294-9919
Reviews
4.95 (1577 Reviews)
4.9/5 232 Reviews
Google.com
5/5 1345 Reviews
TripAdvisor.com
Sponsored By ResNexus