Island Hotel Room 36

We only had one night to spend but I must say it was delightful. The room was gorgeous and the view was wonderful. If you have the opportunity to stay in this place, be sure to read the history of this iconic hotel.

First stayed in ‘52; not back since ‘82. Little changed (except the recipe for Bessie’s hearts of palm salads is not the current recipe). Fun stay.

we stayed here 1 night after reading reviews. PROS - old historic hotel, comfy king bed room with a really high bed off the floor that they provide a stepstool to get in, nice outside wrap around balcony to sit or stand on to watch people, nice updated bathroom with walk in shower. restaurants within walking distance. CONS - no elevator so you use the inside or outside stairs, old outdated elctrical outlets that need updated as they looked hazardous with very limited plug ins, 3 light bulbs burnt out in the ceiling fan, no small refrigerator in room for drinks, restuarant/bar not open on Mondays which was not detailed on the website, we were 2 of 4 guests staying that night and they put us in a room right next door to them so we heard them all night??? no breakfast offered except for coffee with no flavored creamer. no individual room thermostat so can't control the A/C

We recommend staying at Island Hotel when visiting the lovely laidback Cedar Key Island. Staff is excellent and rooms are comfortable. The large balcony has comfortable furniture and a good place for bird watching. Food and bar are excellent. We just booked our 5th stay.

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.