Key West Bed and Breakfasts

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The Blue Parrot embodies the history of Key West. Walter C. Maloney, who was a very prominent figure, built what is now the Blue Parrot as a private residence for one of his seven children. Walter was the mayor of Key West, a member of the state legislature, editor of the Key West Dispatch and was vice consul for Sweden. He is best remembered as the author of A Sketch of the History of Key West which he wrote in 1876.

Since 1884, the Parrot has survived the great fire of 1886 --- the reason behind all the tin roofs --- which destroyed much of Key West and several major hurricanes (not to mention the tourists since 1985). Thanks be to Walter as he had the house constructed with wooden pegs, much like a ship, which allows give in the face of strong winds. He rose to prominence, after all, in the height of Key West's glory days when fortunes were made from salvaging ship wrecks. Be assured, ships no longer wreck here and there has been no destructive hurricane since the very early 1900s.

Now that you know that you will be staying in an authentically historic Key West house, perhaps you would like more specific information about our current accommodations. Let us start by saying that we are not only a very quiet, relaxed and friendly house but also that we are very convenient to the beaches and all attractions. We are located just one house in from US 1 (Truman Ave.) and two blocks from famous Duval Street. You can have all of the fun and know that you will be coming home to clean and quiet comfort. If you prefer, you can spend your days with us lounging about or in our heated pool or getting a tan on our sundecks.

However you choose to spend your day, you can start it off with your complimentary poolside breakfast. Coffee, tea and juice are available every morning along with English muffins and bagels with all the fixings. In addition, you will always find something baked, maybe quiche, maybe other oven goodies and something fruity--- yogurt, melon, fruit salad, maybe bananas grown in the garden. Eat to your heart's content.

Speaking of gardens, we have some very beautiful ones. We have many varieties of palms, bromeliads, orchids and flowering vines. Something is always in bloom and some of those blooms smell heavenly. Chances are, if you are not from a tropical climate, you'll find many plants here that you would not have dreamed existed.

Since we mentioned the flora, it is only fitting that we mention the fauna. Cats! Six preside here. Lady, who has no tail, lives with her 3 kids. She was such a tramp that we had to dignify her with her name and a trip to the vet. Lila, a.k.a. "Bunnybutt", like her mother, has no tail but does have the cutest nose. Lily has a long, glorious tail and is often mistakenly seen as being pregnant. She is also called "Hoover" due to her indelicate eating habits. Lily is prone to having love fits with the guests.  Sly is the only boy and has taken on the role defender of the property.  He is very friendly and has about 2 1/2 inches of tail --- the original Key West Stumpy.

Cleo and Mildred are not biological members of Lady's little family.  Cleo is a grumpy cat who spends most of her time supervising the household chores.  Mildred adopted us recently after living in a tree for 6 months.  She is long haired and has one floppy ear. She knew a good home when she found one.

Our other fauna has felt feathers and lives in a cage. She is our closest approximation to a true blue parrot and Rhapsody is her name. She is neat and clean and quiet and she serves as a role model for our guests. She will not mock you or give you any back talk.

Your human hosts are Frank and Larry. They were both hatched in Pennsylvania and spent most of their former lives in the Northeast. Both eventually needed to thaw out in so many different ways and Key West has been the perfect place to do it.












 

Clyde's Key West Bed and Breakfasts