Bishop Key West

Bishop Key West occupies 822 Fleming Street in Old Town, on the site of the Equator Resort, a men-only, clothing-optional guesthouse that operated for 27 years. The Equator announced it would close in January 2025, and the property reopened soon after as Bishop, an adults-only hotel for a general audience. It spreads over five historic properties, including converted Conch-style houses, which the operator says were built between 1913 and 1933.

The place

The hotel is at 822 Fleming Street, in a quiet residential part of Old Town Key West, about three blocks from Duval Street and the Historic Seaport. Most of Key West's bars, restaurants and the waterfront are within walking distance.

The concept

The Equator Resort announced its closure for January 2025; the date is given as January 8 or 9 depending on the source. Management said the closure followed the arrival of new shareholders in the family corporation and a new vision for the property, and that rumours of a sale were false.

Under the Bishop name the hotel is open to guests aged 21 and over. Because it occupies five separate converted houses, no two rooms are alike: the operator lists rooms with shared or private balconies, poolside rooms, interior rooms, island-view rooms and economy rooms. There is no elevator, so rooms above ground level are reached by stairs.

Dining & wellness

Bishop has two pools and a hot tub, and a full-service bar with a daily happy hour at half price. A complimentary breakfast of pastries, bagels and croissants from local artisans is set out, with yogurt, bananas and orange juice.

A Starbucks coffee and Tazo tea station runs around the clock. Rooms have mini fridges, microwaves, in-room safes and DirecTV, there is free Wi-Fi, and the front desk is staffed 24 hours and can recommend restaurants and make reservations.