Big Ruby's, on Appelrouth Lane

Part of the esteemed brand of intimate gay resorts with four distinguished international properties, Big Ruby's Key West (305-296-2323 or 800-477-7829) ranks among the most professional, smartly furnished, and friendliest clothing-optional gay accommodations in Florida. The tropically landscaped complex comprising several airy buildings decorated in muted color schemes and filled with handy amenities is set along tiny quiet Appelrouth Lane, just off Duval Street and steps from several gay bars and gay-popular restaurants. Although Big Ruby's draws a mostly gay male crowd, it's one of the two gay guesthouses in Key West (the also excellent Alexander's Inn being the other) that welcomes both women and men. It's an upscale option, with rates starting around $200 nightly during the high season (late December to early March), and different room configurations can accommodate up to four guests. All units have cable TV with the requisite saucy gay-adult channels, and common amenities include a 15-person Jacuzzi, a decent-size tree-shaded pool, and one of the larger sundecks of any gay clothing-optional property in Key West. A cooked-to-order full breakfast is included in the rates, enjoyed in a convivial breakfast area where guests really do tend to mingle and socialize - not always the case at less-friendly or more uptight properties.