Pearl's Rainbow, the distinctive resort for women in Key West, Florida, offers the perfect escape for lesbians and gay-friendly women. Reconnect with a girlfriend, relax while you work on that all-over tan, or meet new friends at the world’s largest inn for women.

Just two blocks from the southernmost point in the continental United States, Pearl’s offers guesthouse ambience and resort amenities in a collection of historic, renovated buildings set amid tropical landscaping.

We caught up with Heather and Leslie to find out more.

What made you decide to open your guesthouse?
We were looking for a change of lifestyle (we lived in Manhattan) and found this business while on vacation. It was formerly called Rainbow House and has been a women’s guesthouse since 1989.

Who runs it?
My business partner, Leslie Leonelli, and I (Heather Carruthers) own and oversee the management. Lorraine Quigley is the manager, Chavah Billin is the bar manager, Irene Migeot runs the kitchen, Tammy Briggs does maintenance and we have 15 more women on staff.

In your opinion, what is its best feature?
It’s hard to pick one thing. I guess the fact that it’s a safe resort for women on a gay-friendly tropical island.

What’s been the most memorable moment for you while running the guesthouse?
Again, it’s hard to pick one – but maybe our fifth anniversary. It’s very gratifying to see the same faces year after year and it’s been rewarding to see the property renovated and receive recognition for historic preservation. It’s also great to know we’re such a large part of the women’s community here.

And the worst?
Hmmm. Maybe the car accident that occurred in front of our guesthouse just after one of our New Year’s Eve Eve parties. No one was hurt, but one of our guests’ rental cars was totalled. That, and hurricanes…

Is there a gay scene nearby?
Very much so. Key West has gay bars, lots of drag queens and a world-renowned live and let live attitude. We unfurled the world’s longest rainbow flag here in 2003, our official city motto is ‘One Human Family’ and gays and lesbians are openly integrated into the fabric of the community.

What is there to do in the local area?
Snorkelling, sailing, fishing, scuba diving, biking, shopping, fine dining, dancing, tons of live music, live theatre, cinema, interesting architecture, lots of history, gay and lesbian trolley tour, drag shows, art collecting… The list goes on.

Is there an ‘average’ gay traveller who uses your accommodation?
Just that she’s a lesbian. Our clientele is primarily aged 30 to 60 and is more likely to be in a couple than not. Some are even straight!

What sort of clientele are you hoping to attract?
Women!

What services and facilities do you offer?
Two heated swimming pools, two hot tubs, free wireless internet connectivity, concierge service, massage available on premises, full bar (Pearl’s Patio), and a restaurant (The Strand) serving breakfast daily and special dinners. We have 38 rooms and suites all with private bath, colour cable TV, Bahamas fans, quality linens and toiletries.

What are your cooked breakfasts like and do you have a vegetarian option?
We offer a very light complimentary continental breakfast - bread or muffin, fruit, juice and coffee - with each stay. In addition, we have a full breakfast menu - omelettes, pancakes, eggs all kinds of ways, etc. - including vegetarian choices available for purchase.

Where do you like to go when you go on holiday?
Depends. Paris, California, Vieques Puerto Rico, the Grand Canyon…

The big pitch! Why should people holiday in your guesthouse?
We offer women a safe, comfortable, welcoming experience that only a women’s resort can provide in a beautiful environment on a tropical island with idyllic weather. It’s a complete and relaxing vacation experience.

Accommodation Details:

Pearl's Rainbow
525 United Street, Key West, FL, 33040, USA.
Telephone: (001) 800 749 6696 / 305 292 1450

For more information email Heather or Leslie at info@pearlsrainbow.com or visit their website at www.pearlsrainbow.com.

If you own a gay hotel or B&B and would like to be featured in our next gay accommodation fact file, then why not get in touch? Email travel@gaydarnation.com for more information.

Find out all the latest lesbian travel information by buying the latest Damron Women's Traveller.