Pier House Resort & Spa was built in 1967 as a small 50-room motel by American developer David Wolkowsky, a Key West native who is responsible for the preservation of Key West and the prevention of high-rise buildings. He previously built the original Sloppy Joe's of Hemingway fame, Pirate's Alley and the Original Cigar Factory. The initial Pier House Resort Motel soon added 50 more rooms facing the ocean and became a magnet for celebrities.
Jimmy Buffett and Bob Marley started their careers in the hotel's funky Chart Room Bar, which Buffett credits as his first gig. Over the years, the hotel was the winter home of Truman Capote, who wrote "Answered Prayers" and author Tennessee Williams. Wolkowsky served hot dogs, white wine and potato chips to his guests, including British Prime Minister Edward Heath and various Rockefellers, Mellons and Vanderbilts.
Today, Pier House Resort & Spa is a haven for locals, world travelers and musicians. The Chart Room Bar still serves complimentary hot dogs, popcorn, and live music.
