Alexander's, Equator or Big Ruby's in KW
Sep 29, 2006, 9:40 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 89
Alexander's, Equator or Big Ruby's in KW
Looking to go to Key West in November and have stayed at both the Equator and Big Ruby's once before. Have also heard good things about Alexander's.
Anyways, looking for feedback from those that have stayed at either Alexander's, Equator, or Big Ruby's recently and have their been any changes. I had heard Equator is under new management, Big Ruby's now has a new hot tub, etc.
Thanks!
Anyways, looking for feedback from those that have stayed at either Alexander's, Equator, or Big Ruby's recently and have their been any changes. I had heard Equator is under new management, Big Ruby's now has a new hot tub, etc.
Thanks!
Sep 29, 2006, 12:22 pm
#2
In memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 692
Originally Posted by lawnboy246
Looking to go to Key West in November and have stayed at both the Equator and Big Ruby's once before. Have also heard good things about Alexander's.
Anyways, looking for feedback from those that have stayed at either Alexander's, Equator, or Big Ruby's recently and have their been any changes. I had heard Equator is under new management, Big Ruby's now has a new hot tub, etc.
Thanks!
Anyways, looking for feedback from those that have stayed at either Alexander's, Equator, or Big Ruby's recently and have their been any changes. I had heard Equator is under new management, Big Ruby's now has a new hot tub, etc.
Thanks!
FWIW I'm not familiar with those properties, but I remember the Gay.com travel section has a REALLY good Key West guide (from the Out and About guys)... it was invaluable when I planned a trip last year. Just in case you can't find what you're looking for here, or want other referrals/tips.
Sep 29, 2006, 12:55 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 89
Originally Posted by pnoeric
And you're not considering the Island House because...? :-) Because my partner and I are not interested in that type of atmosphere.
FWIW I'm not familiar with those properties, but I remember the Gay.com travel section has a REALLY good Key West guide (from the Out and About guys)... it was invaluable when I planned a trip last year. Just in case you can't find what you're looking for here, or want other referrals/tips.As indicated, we have stayed at Big Ruby's and the Equator, both are excellent properties, and as noted in the gay.com reviews, Big Ruby's is one of the best! However, looking for feedback from those that have stayed there recently to see if that still holds true.
FWIW I'm not familiar with those properties, but I remember the Gay.com travel section has a REALLY good Key West guide (from the Out and About guys)... it was invaluable when I planned a trip last year. Just in case you can't find what you're looking for here, or want other referrals/tips.As indicated, we have stayed at Big Ruby's and the Equator, both are excellent properties, and as noted in the gay.com reviews, Big Ruby's is one of the best! However, looking for feedback from those that have stayed there recently to see if that still holds true.
Last edited by lawnboy246; Sep 29, 2006 at 1:40 pm
Oct 2, 2006, 6:46 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 319
Helpful Suggestion
If you are staying away from Island House because of its reputation, I suggest you stop by Island House during Happy Hour (Island House has a bar/restaurant that is open to the public). I think you'll see that it is much more than a bathhouse. Island House may well be the best gay resort in the country.
Give it a chance. A lot of locals come by during Happy Hour and the whole scene is a lot of fun!
Give it a chance. A lot of locals come by during Happy Hour and the whole scene is a lot of fun!
Oct 2, 2006, 7:33 am
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,735
Originally Posted by aeneastwin
If you are staying away from Island House because of its reputation, I suggest you stop by Island House during Happy Hour (Island House has a bar/restaurant that is open to the public). I think you'll see that it is much more than a bathhouse. Island House may well be the best gay resort in the country.
Give it a chance. A lot of locals come by during Happy Hour and the whole scene is a lot of fun!
Give it a chance. A lot of locals come by during Happy Hour and the whole scene is a lot of fun!
The rooms are superb, Westin Heavenly beds mean you sleep like a baby your whole stay, the pool is great and friendly, the bar is almost always open, the food in the cafe delicious and diverse - and, well the list goes on, but we are not just saying this, few people visit just once, and many become regular visitors; just try and get a room there and you will see weekends are sold out literally months ahead of time, and there is good reason for that.
Oct 2, 2006, 1:05 pm
#6
In memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 692
Originally Posted by aeneastwin
If you are staying away from Island House because of its reputation, I suggest you stop by Island House during Happy Hour (Island House has a bar/restaurant that is open to the public). I think you'll see that it is much more than a bathhouse. Island House may well be the best gay resort in the country.
Give it a chance. A lot of locals come by during Happy Hour and the whole scene is a lot of fun!
Give it a chance. A lot of locals come by during Happy Hour and the whole scene is a lot of fun!
At the very least, if you don't book it this time, check it out when you're there.
Oct 4, 2006, 10:08 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: SEA or EYW
Posts: 467
Our choice has always been the Equator. Yes, they sold last year, but the managenent and staff are the same great folks.
We like the fact that the Equator is all male- just a personal choice.
The pool was re-done and is very nice. When we were there in June they were in the process of replacing beds and furnishings. Looks like the new owner is going to put a lot of exciting changes into place. I know there is a new jacuzzi in progress, not sure of it's status. Really didn't matter to us, as it was too hot in June to ever think about a hot tub.
We like the fact that the Equator is all male- just a personal choice.
The pool was re-done and is very nice. When we were there in June they were in the process of replacing beds and furnishings. Looks like the new owner is going to put a lot of exciting changes into place. I know there is a new jacuzzi in progress, not sure of it's status. Really didn't matter to us, as it was too hot in June to ever think about a hot tub.
Oct 18, 2006, 2:43 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Quintessentially Elite, Amex Cent, UA* Lifetime Plat (2mm+), AA CK (6mm+)
Posts: 405
My vote is with Island House... It's most likely the best place to stay gay in Key West, if not the USA. Very comfortable and allows the option to be as wild or as mild as you'd like to be.
BN
BN
Oct 26, 2006, 3:56 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: No more shiny cards -- former LH SEN, SPG Platinum, Flying Blue Platinum, BA Silver
Posts: 704
I have just returned from a stay in Key West and can offer some thoughts on both Island House and Alexanders.
We (couple) stayed at Alexanders while our single friend stayed at Island House. I was very impressed with both of them but feel that they really cater to different markets in a way - Island House is more of a "knocking shop" as my significant other said, it has a spectacular restaurant and there are lots of guys around. I did have agreat lunch there although the constant flow of "private bits" walking by as we were eating became a little tired after all of 5 minutes.
Having seen Island House and stayed at Alexanders, we will be back to Alexanders - it is smaller, and feels a lot more intimate. I loved the fact that I could stretch breakfast at Alexanders over a 2 hour odd period havign a little bit of everything while I read the morning papers and chatted with other guests.
Hope this helps and have a brilliant time in KW !!
We (couple) stayed at Alexanders while our single friend stayed at Island House. I was very impressed with both of them but feel that they really cater to different markets in a way - Island House is more of a "knocking shop" as my significant other said, it has a spectacular restaurant and there are lots of guys around. I did have agreat lunch there although the constant flow of "private bits" walking by as we were eating became a little tired after all of 5 minutes.
Having seen Island House and stayed at Alexanders, we will be back to Alexanders - it is smaller, and feels a lot more intimate. I loved the fact that I could stretch breakfast at Alexanders over a 2 hour odd period havign a little bit of everything while I read the morning papers and chatted with other guests.
Hope this helps and have a brilliant time in KW !!
Oct 26, 2006, 11:59 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 89
"knocking shop" 
Very well stated...granted there are those that will love the Island House, but it all depends on what you are there for. We haven't tried Alexanders, but definitely recommend Big Ruby's. Might have to give Alexanders a try next time.
Very well stated...granted there are those that will love the Island House, but it all depends on what you are there for. We haven't tried Alexanders, but definitely recommend Big Ruby's. Might have to give Alexanders a try next time.
Originally Posted by pdsuk
I have just returned from a stay in Key West and can offer some thoughts on both Island House and Alexanders.
We (couple) stayed at Alexanders while our single friend stayed at Island House. I was very impressed with both of them but feel that they really cater to different markets in a way - Island House is more of a "knocking shop" as my significant other said, it has a spectacular restaurant and there are lots of guys around. I did have agreat lunch there although the constant flow of "private bits" walking by as we were eating became a little tired after all of 5 minutes.
Having seen Island House and stayed at Alexanders, we will be back to Alexanders - it is smaller, and feels a lot more intimate. I loved the fact that I could stretch breakfast at Alexanders over a 2 hour odd period havign a little bit of everything while I read the morning papers and chatted with other guests.
Hope this helps and have a brilliant time in KW !!
We (couple) stayed at Alexanders while our single friend stayed at Island House. I was very impressed with both of them but feel that they really cater to different markets in a way - Island House is more of a "knocking shop" as my significant other said, it has a spectacular restaurant and there are lots of guys around. I did have agreat lunch there although the constant flow of "private bits" walking by as we were eating became a little tired after all of 5 minutes.
Having seen Island House and stayed at Alexanders, we will be back to Alexanders - it is smaller, and feels a lot more intimate. I loved the fact that I could stretch breakfast at Alexanders over a 2 hour odd period havign a little bit of everything while I read the morning papers and chatted with other guests.
Hope this helps and have a brilliant time in KW !!