You’ll find history at every turn in Key West, and Caroline Street, where Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion Inn sits, is no exception. In fact, it’s one of the area’s most historic attractions, with a listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

The mansion is the former home of William Curry, Key West’s first millionaire. A Bahamian immigrant, Curry earned his fortune by salvaging ships. Construction of the mansion began in 1855, and was completed by Curry’s son, Milton, in 1899.

Fun Fact: Many believe Mr. Curry’s household cook, “Aunt Sally,” invented key lime pie.

In 1975, Al and Edith Amsterdam, two hotel owners from upstate New York, discovered a “For Sale” sign in the mansion’s yard. So, they bought it, called it Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion Inn, and the rest is [even more] history. Edith still lives at the inn, which comprises three buildings: The Mansion, The James House and The Guest Wing.

Amsterdam's Curry Mansion Inn offers several room variations, most of which accommodate families. Room décor reflects the inn's age, with pale palettes, floral patterns and wicker furniture. It's very reminiscent of a B&B, yet you'll still find modern touches, such as flat-screen TV's.

Deluxe Double Rooms, located in the Guest Wing, can accommodate a family of four with two beds. These rooms are also available with one king bed. Amenities include mini-fridges, air conditioning, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards.

Sitting Room Suites are located in The James House, and include a king or queen bed with a separate sitting room and a twin day bed. There's also a cot in the closet for a fourth person. The suites look like two separate units, and can be treated as such, with a set of doors in the middle of the room. Both rooms -- the bedroom and the sitting room with the day bed -- have their own flat-screen TV's and bathrooms with shower/tub combinations. These units also include a balcony or patio, mini-fridges, air conditioning, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. Note: The back of the James House faces several bars on Duval Street, where people party and loud music plays late into the night. Plan accordingly.

There are two Master Suites in the Mansion, and they include a king bed in one bedroom and a separate sitting room with a twin day bed. These units also feature large spa tubs with jets.

Cribs are available upon request, and are complimentary to guests.

Other room variations include Queen Bedrooms, which have one queen bed, and King Balcony/Patio Rooms, which have one king bed.

The inn is an activity in itself, though it's one that only parents and older children will appreciate. Explore the first floor of the mansion (where the check-in desk is also located), which features several rooms with crystal chandeliers, antique pieces and Victorian décor. A baby grand piano and lavish dining table take you right back to the 1800's when the mansion was built. Outside, walk around the inn's veranda and lush gardens.

Additionally, families enjoy a small, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, as well as quick access to several attractions, including Mallory Square and The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Complimentary breakfast is served on the Mansion's veranda each morning, and includes eggs, omelets, sausage, bacon, bagels, pastries, cold cereal, oatmeal, fruit and coffee. Guests also enjoy light refreshments at a complimentary reception held each evening, including cocktails, sodas and snacks.

At the hotel, families are within walking distance to many eateries, including Blue Heaven Restaurant, known for its breakfast (try the banana bread), key lime pie, and attendance by the late Ernest Hemingway, who refereed Friday night boxing matches there. You're also near Conch Republic Seafood Restaurant, a casual, outdoor eatery in a marina, and a Hard Rock Café.

All About the Extras
The back of The James House faces several bars on Duval Street, where people party with loud music late into the night. To avoid the noise, request a room in the Mansion or Guest Wing.

Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel, and a computer in the library is available for guest use. Free onsite parking is also provided.

The hotel has filtered water machines throughout, so bring your reusable bottles - it's consistently warm in Key West!

The Art of Smart Timing
Key West's low season is actually May through November; expect lower rates and higher temperatures during this time. December through April is peak season. September is a good time to visit, if you can, as hotel rates and crowds are smaller after Labor Day.

Getting There
Key West International Airport is located just a few miles from downtown Key West. A small airport, it serves American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and U.S. Airways. If you can't fly with one of the airlines serviced, your best bet is to fly into Miami and catch a connecting flight into Key West. The flight time from Miami to Key West is less than an hour.

You can easily rent a car at the airport. If you don't, we recommend a taxi, which is generally inexpensive in Key West. There's also Key West Transport, but busses only leave every 90 to 120 minutes, which is really inconvenient when you just want to get out of the airport and into your hotel.

Getting Around
If you can do it, Key West is an ideal town to walk. Other than Duval Street, the town's roads aren't crowded with traffic, and the historic houses and buildings are best seen on foot.

Another good way to get around for a few hours is via bicycle. There are several bike rental shops in town, including Eaton Bikes, Pirate Rentals and Island Bicycles.

If you need public transportation, the city has several buses that service six different routes. Visit Key West Transit for more information.

For Mom and Dad
If you want to go out for drinks and dinner, you won't have to go far; there are dozens of bars and restaurants just steps from the hotel. Visit The Porch, a small bar (next to the hotel) that serves craft beers and wine, or try some Cuban cuisine (a local delicacy) at El Meson de Pepe.

For a more intimate and unique setting, make reservations at Casa Marina Hotel's Sun-Sun Beach Bar & Grill, where you'll dine al fresco, right on the beach.