August 3, 2011
Island House Key West Marks 35th Anniversary with 1976 Prices
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 4 MIN.
Key West, FL - Island House Key West, the longest continuously operated gay guesthouse in the world, announced its 35th anniversary in business and its 10th anniversary under its current owners, Jon Allen and Martin Kay, who transformed it into a leader among the world's premier gay guesthouses.
Island House Key West began operating as a modest, 16-room all-men's guesthouse in 1976. When Allen and Kay took possession in the late '90s, the ramshackle 39-room guesthouse sprawled languidly across several dilapidated buildings, sorely in need of abundant TLC.
"We are honored to have served more than 125,000 guests in more than a third of a century," says Allen, "We've never rested on our laurels. We pride ourselves on our focus on customer satisfaction and professional, attentive service. We've invested well over two and a half million dollars since purchasing the property. If you haven't visited us recently, come see all that's new at Island House Key West."
After a massive investment of capital and time, the owners unveiled the new and much improved Island House Key West in 2001, transforming it into Key West's most luxurious and pampering oasis for men.
To mark this milestone, Island House is offering all 39 rooms at $13, the price it charged when it opened in 1976, for the night of June 25, 2012. The special offer is available exclusively through a special sweepstakes. 39 winners will be chosen randomly among those who complete the entry form at: http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/141910
Sweepstakes participants are also encouraged (but not required) to "like" Island House Key West at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Island-House-Key-West-Gay-Hotel-Resort/56402142064
Having spent $2.5 million in award-winning upgrades over the past decade, Island House is unmatched in its class. Recent upgrades and renovations include:
With rates ranging from $124 in low season to $529 for the largest suite in high season, the resort is packed with upscale amenities at rates far less than comparable mainstream hotel properties, including: WiFi throughout the property, parking (as available), coffee, tea, an evening social hour (with wine and cocktails) and purified water - all available on a complimentary basis.
The luxurious value offered by the resort has been noted in the foremost LGBT travel media, which has bestowed the following accolades:
"Best gay resort in the world" (OutTraveler.com)
"Gay travel's first five-star resort" (Passport Magazine)
"Four Crowns," their highest rating (Spartacus Hotel Guide)
In parallel with Island House's stunning transformation, Key West has also undergone a quiet metamorphosis. America's most beautiful tropical island is becoming a must-stop destination for connoisseurs of sophisticated yet relaxed tropical getaways boasting dozens of casual yet topnotch new dining spots; urbane wine bars and cocktail lounges; new galleries and performance spaces; and luxurious new mainstream hotel resorts.
"Come experience the new-and-improved Key West," says Steve Smith, Sales Manager at Florida Keys Tourism. "Just be sure to sample a little of what makes this a special destination for LGBT visitors, like our hot gay bars and clubs, snorkeling and kayaking adventures, Fantasy Fest, Gay Spring Break, Key West Gay & Lesbian Visitors Center and Tennessee Williams Museum, the AIDS Memorial, and more."
Island House Key West is the longest continuously operated gay guesthouse in the world. The 39-room Island House is a destination unto itself, with an award-winning, poolside Caf� and Bar open 24/7, an on-site gym and spa area, two Jacuzzis, and an atmosphere allowing guests to enjoy a safe stay of their own making from mild to wild.
Island House offers abundant complimentary amenities from a lively happy hour to WiFi throughout the property. Island House celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2011 and has completed over $2.5 million in transformative upgrades over the past decade. To book, call 800-890-6284 or visit IslandHouseKeyWest.com.
Join the online discussion with Island House Key West:
Sweepstakes entry form: http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/141910
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Island-House-Key-West-Gay-Hotel-Resort/56402142064
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/IslandHouseKW
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Terms and Conditions:
Island House Key West is an ALL-GAY men's guesthouse. To be eligible for the "35 and Fabulous" Sweepstakes, you must be a male, residing in the U.S. or Canada and 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. The sweepstakes will run from 3:00PM EST on July 28, 2011 and close at 11:59PM EST on September 5, 2011.
Completed entries must reach Island House Key West no later than the closing date for eligibility. Island House is offering all 39 rooms at $13 for the night of June 25, 2012 only, for the lucky winners of this Sweepstakes. This is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash or other alternatives. No correspondence will be entered into regarding this sweepstakes or these Terms and Conditions.
In the unlikely event of a dispute, Island House Key West reserves the right to amend, modify, cancel or withdraw this sweepstakes at any time without notice. This sweepstakes is being hosted on Facebook, but in no way is being sponsored by, endorsed, administered or associated with Facebook. By entering the Sweepstakes entrants agree to completely release Facebook and acknowledge they are providing the requested information to Island House Key West and not to Facebook.
Winners will be notified by September 10, 2011. Winners must claim their prize by September 30, 2011. Guests will be responsible for their own taxes, transportation and other expenses.
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
