Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, the newest addition to Hilton’s upper upscale Curio Collection, The Reach Key West recently made its debut and will be the brand’s first hotel in the destination. The reimagined 150-room resort, owned by Park Hotels & Resorts, is positioned on the only natural sand beach in the southernmost tip of the continental U.S. in Key West. The resort also features a new oceanfront restaurant and bar, Four Marlins, with a completely modernized design that offers delicious cuisine amid sea breezes on the open-air wood deck.
“The Reach Key West is a highly anticipated addition to our portfolio of handpicked, one-of-a-kind hotels, which continues to grow substantially in South Florida,” said Jenna Hackett, global head, Curio Collection by Hilton. “The unique spirit and essence of Key West is thoughtfully channeled at The Reach Key West, influenced by the island’s rich culture, history, art and cuisine.”
Keeping its original name referencing the nautical term “reaching,” a relaxed point of sail, the resort’s coastal style elements were thoughtfully designed to reflect the island’s natural beauty. Senses are engaged upon entering the bright and airy lobby where original, local artwork takes center stage, such as sculptural netting nodding to local fishermen and colorful hanging ceramic fish by local artists at Key West Pottery. Floor-to-ceiling windows connect the lobby with the hotel’s communal patio that is watched over by a larger-than-life “Gypsy Chicken” mural painted by local Cuban American muralist, street artist and painter David “DaveL” Lavernia. Inspired by DaveL’s passion for animal and environmental conservation, the mural stands as an iconic and colorful backdrop paying homage to Key West’s infamous roaming roosters.
With each of the resort’s 150 rooms boasting a balcony, the ocean flows into guest rooms with thoughtfully designed furnishings, muted tactile fabrics and unexpected punches of teal. Teak wood-toned furniture and warm porcelain tile are complemented by the watery blue hues of the drapery fabric, custom bedside sconces and area rugs that pull inspiration from the many playful patterns water creates. Nautical elements appear through patterned mermaid tails hanging on each door, a whale-shaped driftwood print above each bed, boat cleat hardware, rope-hung mirrors and genuine shell-stone tabletops. Maritime references flow into the bathrooms where vanities are curved to replicate a boat’s hull and punctuated by the bubble accent wall tile and porthole mirrors.
The heart of The Reach Key West lies in Four Marlins, the hotel ’s fully transformed oceanfront restaurant. Four Marlins was named after and inspired by a famous photo of Ernest Hemingway on a fishing trip with his family in Key West, which hangs prominently on the arrival gallery wall. Subtle literary references come in the form of seating options like the cozy Book Nook and Hemingway’s Hideaway, while touches like rope doubling as both a room divider and a sculptural piece of art reinforce the importance of Key West’s nautical history. Other décor includes walls hung with ceramic painted plates, an extension of The Reach Key West’s partnership with Key West Pottery.
The all-day restaurant, inspired by tropical island fishing lodges from the 1930s, begins as a sunny breakfast room before transitioning into a relaxed afternoon eatery, happy hour hotspot with half off all cocktails and beverages every day from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., and finally, a contemporary dining room. The menu highlights locally sourced ingredients, from the freshest local fish and seafood to steaks and chops, and can be enjoyed in the dining room, terrace, bar, pool and beach areas. In-room dining is available for breakfast and dinner.
