Howdy all:

Looking for a cheap place in the upper Keys (Largo, Islamorada and vicinity) to spend two nights this September. Looking to spend between $50-100 per night - maximum charm for minimum $$. Obviously, at this price we're fine with rustic, quaint, cozy, and all the other things that mean "cheap," but hoping to avoid actually nasty, seedy places.

Have found Popp's Motel and Key Lantern Motel/Blue Fin Inn from online research. Anybody have any experience with those?

Main criteria is to stay within a shortish drive of the snorkeling at Pennekamp.

Thanks!

A place that fits your description and which we liked is Largo Lodge.

Have been thinking about trying out this place, the Bed & Breakfast of Islamorada. Don't know if it's what you're looking for but hope it helps.

http://amadeus.bedandbreakfast.com/bbc/p207232.asp

We liked the Islander in Islamorada. 2 pools-one fresh one salt, long pier out to the ocean, bbq's, kitchenettes, and lots of cats that will let you pet them, which helps a bit if you are homesick for your kittys.

The Hampton Inn on Islamorada is clean, on the ocean, and offers a pool and restaurant...

Hey there RJ!
We stayed in Islamorada in the Keys for the first time last February.
Stayed in Islamorada Motel for four nights. Not fancy but extremly NEAT & CLEAN! It is run by a very nice & helpful with information family. Probably within 10-12 miles of Pennekamp.
We booked for $69 a night. It was their internet special. The price is now $79. You can check them out at their website: islamoradamotel.com

While you are there, try Lorelei's for breakfast & Islamorada Fish Company for lunch or dinner. Both places are very good & are on the water.
Have a good trip!

To the top...

Thanks to everyone for the responses! And to "Topping" for helping me find my lost thread.

"x" - the Largo Lodge looks beautiful. For anyone looking to check it out, the web address is www.largolodge.com. The rooms are lovely (though, at $95/night, right at the top of our range) - how are the grounds? Is there a nice beach/sitting area?

"cc" - thanks for the recommendation. Problem is my wife and I get too antisocial on short vacations to do a B&B, but this one sounds lovely.

"Hobojo" - the Islander certainly has a nice beach area; would you say it's worth it to spring the extra $10/night for an ocean view room? (www.islanderfloridakeys.com)

"GaryT" - thanks, but the Hampton is out of our price range with a bottom end of $119. We'll have to take our chances with the "roach motels" that you so avidly warn about on other threads.

Ellen - the Islamorada Motel looks just like what I was picturing, but at $79 it's as much as some places that are on the water. Are there nice grounds, or is it pretty much just a place to be in the room? Those restaurants sound great, we'll be sure to check them out.

Thanks again to everybody!

There is no beach at Largo Lodge and the rooms do not have view of the water. What they do have is style. There is an extravagant garden and a pleasant sitting area next to the water with a small dock. A good place for enjoying a beverage in a lounge chair. But no sand, crashing waves, or anything like that.

Hey RJ - Chuck was the roach trap guy on your other post not garyt... I like roaches!

"x" - good to know. Thanks for the update! The rooms and grounds really do look lovely on the website, and it's good to have a first-hand account. As long as there's a nice sitting area near the water, it doesn't matter to us if it's a beach or not. I like the sound of an "extravagant" garden!

"garyt" - right you are! Sorry to misattribute the roach motel comment. The Hampton Inn looks quite nice, but I'm trying to be strict about our budget, such as it is...

To all: this Keys trip is a surprise to my wife, a side-trip while we visit family in other parts of Florida. We love snorkelling so Pennekamp Park is a must - any other budget must-see's/must-do's in the Key Largo/Islamorada area?

Thanks to everybody for all the help.

At the Key Largo Holiday Inn they have the boat from the movie the African Queen. Other than that, there is not much to do in the Upper Keys but sit back and relax. And leave your cell phone turned off!!

From the other thread, have found good listings at www.insiders.com/florida-keys.

Does anyone have any experience with the Hungry Pelican Motel? MM 99.3 bayside, Key Largo. Sounds simple and inexpensive and I'd love to add it to the list of choices, but they have no website or pictures on line...

Thanks...

RJ-Why don't you check on Frommers site, frommers.com/ They have more recommendations than here. Seems people here only like the high dollar motels.

Largo Lodge is a great place if you want peace and quiet. Very tropical too. But no phones in the rooms and the price is actually higher than $95.00 a night, unless you are able to get the "small room" (there is only one small room) No children allowed - Thank god! thats why its nice and quiet

Bid on Priceline for a place. Son got an excellent place in Key Largo for $50.