Quite possibly the three rules for planning the ideal Buffettonian weekend really do come down to location, location and location.

That would be location of food, location of beverage and location of bed. Few Key West guest houses satisfy all three as well as the Old Customs House Inn & The Worlds Smallest Bar, which is strategically positioned near the northwest end of Duval Street. If Key West were a church -- perish the thought, of course -- you would find this guest-house at the foot of the altar.

Those who stay in this very tropically appointed inn don't even need to rent a bicycle to absorb the essence of the Key West experience. It encroaches from all sides the ambiance of Key West.The legendary World's Smallest Bar as well as Hog's Breath Saloon is right next door, and the equally infamous Sloppy Joe's bar is across the street. Just around the corner is Mallory Square for sunsets, street performers and, alas, tourist shopping. A diverse spectrum of restaurants and eateries is within 50 paces of the inn's front door: Cuban black beans and rice, oysters on the half-shell, Italian pasta, Thai curried duck and Key West bar burgers.

We're right in the middle of everything, that's for sure, says Josh, the Old Customs House's owner. But our guests don't have to leave to find everything they need.

Josh, ever the good salesman, is referring to the on-site bar and restaurant, the European Cafe. The outdoor eatery serves a menu of tropical standards as well as burgers ,grouper and mahi fish to name a few-- all under the palms in the garden patio. By the Duval Street entrance out front, the inn runs what Jim calls the smallest bar in Key West, a kiosk-sized watering hole he says serves a small but loyal clientele. We love having people stay here from all parts of the world. the Old Customs House is itself a survivor. The main building dates back to 1876, when it served as a tax collection office for imported Cuban tobacco that came to port for the Key West cigar-rolling industry. A Chicago painting contractor, Tom Favelli, renovated this section of the original building actioned off and moved to its present location. In 1990, built he an addition behind it and opened the six-room inn the following year.

Favelli preserved the structure's historical and architectural details. His carpenters crafted queen-sized beds and tables from salvaged 1800s pine. Rooms are spacious and a reflection of Old Town, with hardwood floors, Saltillo-tiled kitchens and wicker furniture in all rooms.

Some words of warning for visitors and guests. From the sidewalk on Duval, it's easy to miss all the Old Customs House has to offer. A narrow, fern- and palm-lined path between buildings takes the visitor from the street to the office, garden cafe and sun deck. What a wonderful place to stay!!

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: oldcustomshouse.com

EMAIL US: oldcustomshouse@msn.com

CALL US AT: 305-294-8507, toll free: 800-958-7101

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK: SMALLEST BAR

***Our rates vary according to dates (weekday or weekend) & availability. Rates may vary during special holidays or events. Please call or email us with the dates you plan to be with us for the exact rate, or visit the link below. Penalties apply for rooms booked and cancelled, or early checkout.

We accept Mastercard or Visa or cash as payment.
Credit cards accepted: Yes
Deposits
We require a deposit of the fIrst night stay by credit card when the room is booked. During Fantasy Fest and New Years we require a deposit of 1/2 of the entire stay, and is a non-refundable deposit.

Cancellation
Must be made 14 days prior to the reserved check-in date or the first nights lodging is charged. There is a standard cancellation fee of 50$ once the room is booked.

& Taxes
Taxes and fees are in addition to the room rate, they do not include occupational, state, county taxes.