This is a great venue but you need to understand it is not for everyone - but it is what you make it !
Rooms expensive and small but they make up in quality and service. Food was excellent - miss my breakfasts already as was front desk friendlyness !

I had seen ads for the Island House online, and read some reviews, but I was skeptical about trying it since it's quite a trip down to Key West from NY. I finally decided to give it a go once one of my friends told me he had been there and loved it.

I stayed for four nights, and all around it was one of the best vacations I can remember having. As other reviewers have said, the age group is mixed. This is a very social atmosphere, and within about 15 minutes of sitting at the poolside after I checked in I already made a few friends. The crowd is mixed with hotel guests, locals who come to hangout, and guys from other guest houses in the area. It's a very sexually charged environment, but without feeling sketchy - it's up to you how much you want sex to be a part of the trip.

I thought the food was fine, what's nice is that all of the meals are served at the poolside. Nothing I ate caught my attention as being overly exciting, but then again, I doubt anyone will come here just for the food.

I've paid less money for a room at the Four Seasons....the rooms here are small and plain for the price, but this is a niche resort and you're paying because there are few places gay men can go, especially in the U.S., to have a trip like this.

The bartenders and staff were all very friendly, and the bartenders are fun to hangout with - definately try a massage too, they're given in a tent by the pool, and worth the price.

Even though I wasn't totally impressed with the accomodations or the food for the prices they charge, I thought the trip was well worth it; I was so bummed about having to leave that I booked another stay before I checked out.

If you're curious and have doubts, definately give this place a try, it's a fun and relaxing place to go, and you won't feel lonely if you decide to take the trip by yourself.

I have been vacationing at the Island House for several years and have always enjoyed my stays. The property (although nothing approaching four star) is very nice and clean for a gay American resort. The staff isn’t rude by any means, but not what I would consider overly accommodating either. The food, pool and friendly atmosphere are great. You must remember, however, the atmosphere can change greatly from week to week. That is strictly “luck of the draw”.

I must say that the frequency of my trips to the Island House has decreased and will continue to do so. The resort is simply not worth the outrageous room prices. Rooms that would be considered very average for any hotel are now going for $300 and $400 a night. You can cut that in half if you don’t mind sharing a bathroom with several other rooms, but who wants to pay $150 a night for a share bath? Also, the kind of men most are hoping to run into in a place like this, usually can’t afford to pay for them. How many guys in their 20’s or even 30’s can plunk down $3,000 for a week of vacation?

I never thought I would be knocking the Island House, but with the current lack of nightlife in Key West, the outrageous cost of flights to Key West, the dramatic increase in room prices and the inability to find and maintain good staff, the bloom is off the rose. You can really travel anywhere in this country (and most others) and stay at a real five star resort for less money.

the hotel is awesome, it has the best beds and great rooms some are small but most are very comfortable, all are very tastefully done and the staff , grounds , food, pool, and people are all amazingly good and very helpful and friendly. everything you need or want is there for you and if you cant find it they will find it for you. thankyou so much for a great time, we will always go back.