A Legacy of Boutique Hospitality
A Romantic Hotel in Key West Designed for Meaningful Moments
Tucked away behind garden gates in Old Town, The Gardens Hotel is a romantic hotel in Key West created for couples seeking privacy, beauty, and a sense of calm. This is a place where time slows, details matter, and moments unfold naturally.
Whether celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply time together, The Gardens offers an intimate setting that invites connection and quiet romance.
The Gardens Hotel welcomes children 16 years of age and older.
A Historic Home in Old Town Key West
Originally designed as a private home, the property that would become The Gardens Hotel reflects the architectural traditions of Key West, gracious proportions, shaded outdoor spaces, and an easy relationship between indoor and garden living.
As the hotel took shape, great care was taken to honor this original spirit, allowing the structure and grounds to guide its transformation into a boutique retreat.
The Gardens Take Root
True to its name, the gardens have always been central to the experience. Over the years, lush tropical plantings, quiet courtyards, and shaded pathways have been carefully cultivated to create a sense of privacy and calm within the heart of Old Town.
These gardens are more than scenery, they are the foundation of the hotel’s atmosphere, offering guests a place to pause, wander, and feel at ease.
A Rich History Rooted in Key West
The story of The Gardens Hotel begins long before it became one of Key West's most distinctive boutique retreats. Originally a private residence dating back to the 1800s, the property found its defining character in 1930 when Peggy Mills purchased the historic home and began transforming the surrounding grounds into a remarkable tropical garden. Known for her passion for orchids and exotic plants, Peggy created a lush sanctuary that would become the heart and soul of the property.
In 1992, Bill and Corinna Hettinger recognized the property's extraordinary potential and began its transformation into a luxury boutique hotel. Their thoughtful restoration and additions helped preserve the charm of the historic estate while introducing a new chapter of hospitality in Old Town Key West.
In 2004, Kate Miano purchased The Gardens Hotel, bringing her passion for historic properties, thoughtful design and genuine hospitality to this beloved Key West landmark. Under her ownership, The Gardens has continued to evolve while remaining true to the character that makes it so special: an intimate retreat where tropical beauty, historic charm and personalized hospitality come together.
Honoring the Past, Welcoming the Present
Today, The Gardens Hotel continues to honor its history while offering modern comforts and thoughtful service. The balance of old and new, tradition and refinement, defines the experience, allowing guests to enjoy Key West in a way that feels both timeless and current.