La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection, the hotel that has stood over the intersection of Duval and Fleming streets for a century, will celebrate its anniversary throughout 2026.
La Concha, which opened Jan. 22, 1926, has welcomed presidents, literary icons, entertainers and travelers from around the world — not to mention more than a few national news reporters who have set up shop there during hurricanes.
“For 100 years, La Concha has been more than a hotel — it’s been a gathering place, a storyteller and a cornerstone of Key West,” said Paul Pruitt, general manager. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re proud to honor our past, unveil our newly renovated future and give back to the community and environment that make this destination so special.”
Shortly after opening, La Concha became a social and cultural hub for the island, earning its reputation as the “grande dame” of Key West hotels. Over the decades, the hotel has undergone renovations, ownership changes, hard times and economic booms.
Timed to coincide with its centennial, La Concha recently completed an extensive renovation to update the property for today’s travelers, offering enhanced guest rooms, dining options, meeting spaces and pool area.
On Jan. 22, the hotel hosted a 100th anniversary event. Community partners, elected leaders, local media, hotel guests and employees toasted a century of milestones that closely mirrored Key West’s own history.
The event included the sealing of a time capsule to be opened at the hotel’s bicentennial, remarks from hotel management, the resort’s traditional “Conch Call” signifying the start of happy hour, cocktail demonstrations — and then, of course, cocktail consumption.
As part of the year-long anniversary celebration, La Concha has partnered with Reef Relief, a local nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving the Florida Keys’ coral reef ecosystems. The hotel debuted a new signature cocktail, the Grand Dame 1926. A portion of proceeds from every cocktail sold will be donated to Reef Relief to support its conservation efforts.
More information is at laconchakeywest.com.
