Need advice for anniversary trip in October to Key West. Have cancelled plans for Caribbean due to uncertainty. Thank You.

Barb, Key West doesn't have decent beaches. The few there stink and are not very nice.

We've always stayed at the 1800 Atlantic condos. I know your message says you're looking for a hotel, but these condos are great. They're right across the street from Smathers Beach, which for Key West is a decent beach. I think the Sheraton is right across the street from the beach if you do want to stay in a hotel.

Hi Barb-
Hubby and I stayed at Pier House last October- It does have a very small beach, with a great bar right there and someone playing music all day long... Weather was perfect. Happy Anniversary!

I'm afraid you'll be really, really disappointed in Key West if the reason you're going is for a beach experience. All the beaches in Key West are man-made and most are very tiny. There's also a frequent presence of seaweed and seagrass that can be a real pain in the neck. Having said that, Key West is by far my favorite vacation spot. It has fabulous restaurants, great tourist activites (if you're into that sort of thing), and a laid-back atmosphere that can't be found other places. My advice would be to stay near the Gulf rather than the Atlantic side of the island, since that's where most of the restaurants and activities are. On the Gulf everything you need will be within close walking distance. One other consideration...depending on when in October you plan on going, you may run into Fantasy Fest, which is Key West's answer to Mardi Gras (only raunchier). Prices for rooms double and it's probably impossible to find accommodations this late. It's normally the last week in October, but if I were you I'd double-check before making plans.

while key west may not have vast strands of beaches, we have some nice small ones. the best hotel beach by far is at the wyndam reach. its compact, natural with a nice little bar. i sneak in as often as possible.

I would agree with Mike on The Reach beach...It may only be 100 yards long, but it's great to sit on after a fun night out at the other end of the island. They also offer full massage on the Reach pier, drink service, and for an anniversary getaway, some of the nicest suites and rooms on the island. I wouldn't stay there if you are in a heavy party mode, but it is perfect for an anniversary trip... have fun.

Key West is great, especially for an anniversary but it's not a "beach" place. There are some but the fun of Key West is the ambiance. There are some wonderful hotels there with nice pools. Key West is a place to go and have FUN, do things you may not other wise do at home and no one has to know about it. (if you have a lot of fun you may not even remember yourself)

If beaches are important, you may want to stay about 30 miles north of Key West (Little Torch Key or Big PIne Key), stay on the water, and drive to Key West to visit.

My advice is to go to the Fort Lauderdale area, the beaches are beautiful and abundant. Just 3 miles north is Pompano Beach and it has nice clean beaches. I am going to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL for the 3rd time in a year to enjoy the beach.

We always stay at the Casa Marina. It has a very nice, large, non-smelly beach.

I love Key West, even without white, sandy beaches. I have been everywhere in Florida, to every nook and cranny, every beach and resort. Key West is the best.
But if your ONLY criteria is a beach, it's best not to go to Key West.

I stayed at the Key West Hilton in August and loved it. They have their own private island called "Sunset Key", which has a beautiful beach. The Hilton has a shuttle that goes to the island through out the day. The island also has a fantastic resturant.