Future of Key West's Most Famous Gay Resort in Question

The beloved Island House resort, a fixture in Key West since 1976, is being sold and its future may be in doubt.

Though it opened to gay travelers 38 years ago, Jon Allen and partner Martin Kay purchased the resort in 1999 and spent $2.5 million in upgrades. Kay passed away in December, prompting the sale of the resort.
"I think I can say without boast that we created at Island House a unique place, a safe and happy space for thousands of gay men to meet, to eat and drink, to make merry," Allen wrote in an email, according to MetroWeekly. "I’m proud of that, but more important in this context, Island House is successful and profitable operation. I’m confident that its new owner will operate it as a gay men’s resort. It has higher ADR’s and occupancy than any comparable property in Old Town. There’s no good reason to change its model. It’s a success," wrote Allen.

Island House, located on Fleming Street, boasts 39 guestrooms, an outdoor pool, hot tub, poolside cafe and bar, tanning deck, fitness center, indoor Jacuzzi, steam room, and dry sauna. For now, the Island House will continue to operate. Read more about the resort, which was nominated for an Out Traveler award, here.