Island Hotel Room 36

Staying at the Island Hotel on Cedar Key feels like being transported back to the "good old days" -- before fast food hamburgers and cable TV. There isn't even a TV in your room, which is just the way we like it. No phone, either. Escape to the wrap-around upstairs porch, relaxing on rocking chairs or a porch swing, cherishing the Gulf water views and the locals driving by in their golf carts. The room itself was beautiful, with new towels in a clean, updated bathroom, soft quilts on the four poster bed, and antique furniture. The location of the hotel makes walking to all of the shops, bars and restaurants very convenient (although the best food is right in the hotel's bar). While we love the old painted wooden floors, mermaid mural in the bar (complete with a bullet hole), and lobby decorated with antiques and local art, the best part of the Island Hotel is the FOOD. We have been visiting Cedar Key for about 25 years, and we always order the renowned Heart of Palm salad, the best salad we have ever had -- worth every penny (the frozen dressing is phenomenal). This time, we also tried the fried grits smothered in bacon gravy, and laden with succulent shrimp. Talk about fantastic! It melts in your mouth. This was some of the best food we have ever had in any restaurant anywhere, and we have been around the world, literally, on a 111 day world cruise. The homemade key lime pie (voted best by Southern Living, according to the staff), was rich and creamy. We can't wait to back and share the exact same meal! If you love rustic, relaxing, "shabby chic," and upscale, elegant food, be sure to choose the Island Hotel for your Cedar Key vacation. Escape from the world at this beautiful location -- an artist's enclave and fishermen's and kayaking paradise. One of the gift shops even has a huge variety of fresh, flash frozen local fish for sale. At Cedar Key, you will feel a world away from work and worries.

We enjoyed our stay! While some of the island is still rebuilding from hurricanes, it was peaceful and relaxing. The hotel is historic but still clean and has great amenities, including a very cool bar and amazing food at the restaurant downstairs. Hope to return soon.

Drove over for a Friday night stay. The hotel is great, yeah its old but its kool! The bed was very comfortable. The ambiance is great. The Neptune bar a very comfortable place to unwind. Drinking my AM coffee while sitting on the second story porch looking over the town and Gulf was, well I wish I could up that way every morning! Dinner in their restaurant was delicious. Be sure to try the “hearts of palm” salad!

Very nice staff. Loved the lounge and perfect location. Looking to stay again

We absolutely loved staying at the hotel. Once we parked our car upon arrival, we walked everywhere and enjoyed delicious local meals and the best Bloody Mary I’ve ever had. Great location, beautiful hotel with a wrap around porch and swing. Definitely The place to stay