Shireen's Favorite Things

Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel, 3841 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, Florida

Man, have I been a busy bee lately. I just adopted a new dog from the North Miami Beach Humane Society (his name is Rigby), I’ve been working out like a mad person trying to rehab my knee from my recent meniscus repair surgery (it’s healing quite nicely) and my boyfriend’s parents (whom I’ve only met once) just came to visit us from England.

His parental units, as I lovingly call them, stayed at my house. I don’t even let my OWN parents stay at my house. Honestly, my units prefer staying in their tricked-out RV, not my tiny little guest room which has basically been converted into a gi-normous blog/television wardrobe closet. Needless to say, life has been pretty cra-cra and I’ve been longing for “The Perfect Getaway.” Like, ASAP…

Which got me thinking about my “Dress to Impress” blog that I wrote last December about re-evaluating and reinventing my New Year resolutions. My new ones are getting in touch with my sexy side and spending more time in the Florida Keys. I’m working like a boss on the body thang (with diligent derriere workouts at Iron Flower Fitness), but the Keys? Eh, not so much. So…

I decided to load up the car and head south. Destination? “The Perfect Getaway” at the Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel. I had fallen in love with a sunset picture they had recently posted on Twitter and knew I had to see the place for myself.

Part of the charm of The Keys is the drive, so I took my time, enjoyed the view and stopped at some of my favorite places along the way (including Porky’s Bayside BBQ in Marathon Key). I had their famous Coconut Shrimp, Fried Key Lime Pie and washed it all down with a Key West Pale Ale. 😋

Wowza, the day started out so bright and so beautiful. It’s always enchanting to watch as the sky and sea dance together like long lost friends; it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins when driving south.

Unfortunately, as I got closer to Key West, it turned incredibly stormy. Despite the blustery, hurricane-like weather, I was still in good spirits. Every fashionista needs time to unwind and that’s exactly what I was doing.

Once I arrived at the hotel, I was immediately impressed with its light and airy, creamed-colored lobby. Upon check-in, I was greeted with a friendly hello and a glass of bubbly. My room was just as inviting: a large, comfy presidential suite with the most amazing view of the Gulf of Mexico.

As I waited for the wet weather to dissipate, I munched on a yummy fruit platter, ordered some Key West beer and fell into a deep slumber, but eventually, my growling stomach woke me up. That’s when…

I headed for the hotel’s popular restaurant, “Tavern N Town” (which has been voted one of the best restaurants in Key West). I’m featuring it this Friday on Spotlight, so stay tuned for deets on the “Key Lime Martini” … it’s to die for.

I think the bad weather on the day I arrived was a blessing in disguise, because I really needed some rest and relaxation. Plus, I got to enjoy the luxury of the room (nap-oh-rama) and take time to sit outside and watch the sky turn different shades of pink, purple and blue. Key West is so special and when the weather is moody, it makes for an extra gorgeous sunset.

The next day, although chilly, was sunny enough to explore the hotel’s pool area, which has roomy cabanas and a direct view of the ocean. I also meandered out to the hotel’s popular pier and snapped pictures of boats sailing by for my own collection.

I found everything about the hotel and the property extremely private, romantic and comfortable. I also liked the fact that I could enjoy the Gulf view verses the Atlantic Ocean side of the island. It was a nice change.

After it got a bit warmer, I headed into Key West and shopped on Duval Street and stopped at Blue Heaven for a Lobster Eggs Benedict. Just as the sun started to go down, I packed it up and headed back to Miami. I wanted to enjoy at least a few hours of the drive while it was still light out.

My quick adventure left me feeling so much better: rested, relaxed and ready to tackle my busy life again. Sometimes, a girl just needs “The Perfect Getaway” and that’s why the Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel is one of my favorite things.

The Marriott Beachside Hotel is located at the main entryway of Key West. Matter of fact, it couldn’t be more convenient. Just as you make a right onto the main boulevard of the island, make another right and viola! You’re there. Easy-peasy.

If you’re driving in from Miami (like most working fashionistas) there’s on-site covered parking (for a fee) which is great, because trying to find a spot around the island itself is almost impossible. I usually park and cab it. I just love walking around and discovering all the nooks and crannies Key West has to offer.