KEY WEST, Fla. — When in Key West, stay in a charming Key West cottage, right?

That's what we thought when we plunked down the impressive sum of $410 a night for a two-bedroom cottage at Simonton Court, a hotel that was almost worth the money.

Simonton Court (ENLARGE)
Simonton Court's lush two acres boast several historic buildings, including a mansion full of well-appointed guest rooms, and several cottages and pools.
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RELATED LINKS Hemingway Days kick off Keys provide perfect family retreat Historic Keys inn has four-star cachet - but at a price IF YOU GO • Simonton Court Key West Historic Inn & Cottages, 320 Simonton St., Key West, Fla. 1-800-944-2687 or 305-294-6386, www.simontoncourt.com.

I liked the hotel very much, and I would stay there again because our clean and four-star-luxurious cottage had a full kitchen, one bath, a small living room and a lovely front porch with swing. Rates are lower in summer ($279 through Sept. 30 for a cottage like the one where we stayed), but I would love it even more if it were a tad less expensive.

Here's why: Simonton Court is almost as luxurious as the Marquesa, which is down the street, but it costs pretty much the same amount. If you like sophistication, the Marquesa might be the better choice. But if you like having your own kitchen, and you like having two full bedrooms, then the Simonton Court would be the way to go. It's homier than the Marquesa, so it's popular with folks who like to visit the Keys for two weeks at a time. Simonton Court attracts a mix of couples and singles (children younger than 18 are not allowed). The property has four pools.

Here's how the Web site (simontoncourt.com) aptly describes the place:

"The inn was once a cigar factory where craftsmen hand-rolled some of the world's most famous cigars. A brick walkway, once a lane, runs past our sparkling pools and historic cottages built in 1880 as the homes of cigar factory workers. Today this lane is our beautiful footpath through luxuriant private gardens, past expertly restored cottages and four pools shimmering amid flowering vines and palm fronds."

The lush landscaping and location (it's one block off Duval Street) are a big plus, and the two-acre site has many buildings, including a historic mansion full of lovely rooms, some of which go as low as $219 during high season and $139 in summer.

Our cottage had nice wicker furniture, a sparkling-white look and comfy beds. We spent many idle moments on the porch swing, enjoying the tropical wonder all around us.

We were there in high season, and the place was packed with regulars — that's how much people like it here. There's an easy chitchat among folks every morning at the continental breakfast (included in the price), which is not gourmet (mainly cereal, bagels, frozen waffles, fruit) but plentiful.

The staff was terrific and friendly. It's easy to see why so many regulars return: They feel like family here, and they get luxury, too.

Jan Tuckwood writes for The Palm Beach [Fla.] Post.