My wife and are taking our first trip to the keys in late July (I know it'll be hot, but so is Texas). I have read a lot of reviews on this and other sites. I am absolutely overwhelmed with all the B&Bs to choose from in Key West proper. I am interested in something that will be reasonably walkable to some (sit and do nothing) beaches and Mallory Square for a 5 night stay. Duval Street zaniness is not that important. I am considering Island City House, Ambrosia House, Treetop Inn and about two dozen others!! Must have good AC, decent pool, free parking, clean nice $100-$140 per night. I welcome all comments especially updated info from recent visits.

Thank you Fodorites, you've never failed me!

I did a quick look at the Key West Bed and Breakfast for you, on the www.bedandbreakfast.com site - there are several listed, but that stood out. If you go to the site check out "Community" and then go to the message board for reviews. The board facilitators are also knowledgeable, and have always come through for my family! Let us know what you decide!

Thanks for the tip!

Key West is notoriously one of the most expensive lodging cities in the U.S. so your budget may have to be a little more flexible to find something nice. I always stay at the Conch House and can highly reccomend it.

itai, If you are looking for beaches then key west is probably not the place to go. The only real beach is smathers beach and it not within walking distance to old town (Duval Street).

I agree with the above post. The keys are NOT beach destinations. All the keys are coral, and all the beaches are man-made...most very tiny. Key West is my favorite vacation spot, but you should be aware that it'll be stifling hot in the summer. I was born in Texas and grew up in the south, but the heat and humidity in the keys are much worse. If you've been to New Orleans in August, you'll get the general weather picture.

As for B&Bs, will you have children with you? Both Ambrosia and the Island City House get good reviews for people traveling with children but sometimes couples are disturbed by the presence of little ones...there are lots of B&Bs in Key West that don't allow children.

Summer is off-season, though, so you should be able to get good rates. Your best bet is to do a back search of this board. You'll get LOTS of good ideas in all price ranges. As long as you stick to accommodations in Old Town - the closer to the Gulf the better -
you'll be within walking distance of everything. Good luck!

We were there for 6 days recently, and stayed at the Curry Mansion-just a few blocks from Mallory Sq.We adored the B&B-had a poolside room with canopy-kingsize bed, full buffet breakfast daily(poolside) and afternoon appetizers included. Staff very friendly and helpful but rates were higher than your stated budget goals. We paid $160. nite. It's not cheap down there-especially the restaurants. You don't need a car, though-walking and biking around town is a breeze.

I'm going to KW in a couple weeks and got reservations at Eaton Lodge, 1/2 block off Duval on Eaton St. I looked a lots and lots of places to stay and ended up here. We are getting a room with one dbl and one twin bed for $105/nt for 6 nights. If you try to bargain with the B&B's you might get a lower rate. They originally quoted $115/nt. If you have some $$$ to spend, check out the Weatherstation Inn, it looked really interesting and is supposed to have a great sunset view. The Heron House has some good package deals on Expedia. Ditch the car, it will cost you more than it will be worth. The trolleys and shuttles are great there. 5-day Bone Island Shuttle pass is only $25 per person. I hear Fort Zachary State Park has a nice beach. But don't go to KW for the beaches... they don't compare to Miami/Fort Lauderdale beaches. Take a snorkeling trip and/or sunset cruise. I think I'm going to use Sunny Days. ENJOY YOUR VACATION.

I've stayed at both Ambrosia House and Island City House. Both were very nice and I'd go back. I don't think Island City House has any parking, and I'm not sure about Ambrosia. There is a public garage on Grinnell St., but I don't know how much a day it is. Seems as though the on street parking is reserved for locals, who have permits.

You can walk to the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor from the above properties, but it's quite a hike. Also, there's a fee to enter the park. We tend to find ourselves sitting in one of the bars on the docks, watching the fishing boats coming and going and watching the people go by.

My husband and I stayed at the Paradise Inn. It was a wonderful place with pretty rooms, a great pool area and a very generous continental breakfast each morning. Not exactly walking distance to the "beaches" (gotta agree with other posters on this one, no real beaches on Key West) and to tell you the truth, I'm not sure where it is in relation to Mallory Square. A great place to stay though and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Good luck!

I would agree that Paradise Inn is lovely, but I think their cheapest rooms are now $175.00 in low season. Sort of priced themselves out of my travels, when I can stay at Island City House in a two room suite with a full kitchen and a huge veranda for $145.00.

We recently stayed at Almond Tree Inn and were impressed with the property and staff. Just half a block off Duval, great location. The rooms are very nice and rate includes continental breakfast and happy hour.