The Keys Weekly took the time to interview arguably the most important people in Key West — the concierges. A concierge is, of course, a hotel associate whose job is to assist guests by arranging tours, making theater and restaurant reservations. But in reality, their duty is much more serious — they help Keys visitors find the experience they are looking for, or didn’t know they were looking for. In short, they are influencers, business builders and king-makers. This week, the Keys Weekly salutes the concierges of Key West.
Quick profile:
Frank is 57, from Richmond, Indiana, and has been in the Keys 24 years. His favorite pastime is sports and his dream vacation is to see the Redskins play in a Super Bowl at FedEx Field.
What would you recommend if someone wanted to:
Party?
Go to Duval Street. If you can’t find what you are looking for there it doesn’t exist.
Meet men/women?
I would say go to Rick’s or Durty Harry’s. There are usually people looking to hook up at those spots.
Quiet dinner for two?
Latitudes on Sunset Key. It is quite and romantic.
Catch the big game?
Go to Jack Flat’s.
Best tourist attraction?
The Conch Tour Train or trolley. They give more information than you could get at a museum.
Must try?
Sunset cruise or snorkeling
Best place to take the kids?
Key West Aquarium, the kids can pet a shark and they will love it.
Best place to recover?
Sit by the pool at La Concha and grab a Bloody Mary.
Best beach?
South Beach by the Southernmost House. It is small, quiet and clean.
Best way to spend time on the water?
On somebody else’s boat.
What do you know that Tripadvisor doesn’t know?
Nine times out of 10 truly happy people do not write a review on Tripadvisior.
Key West’s best-kept secret?
Firefly Restaurant. It has great southern food and most people don’t know about it.
Best advice you’ve given someone at 3 a.m.?
Go to sleep.
What is more fun, Spring Break or Fantasy Fest?
Spring Break because at Fantasy Fest most of the naked people should have clothes on.
What is the most annoying question someone can ask a concierge?
Which direction is the water? Seriously? We are on an island!
