We're going to the Everglades for 2 nights in early March - then 1 night in Key Largo.
So far, we have AZUL booked in Key Largo and the Rod & Gun club in Everglade City.
Lately I keep reading that the R & G club is not very nice...but then again, NOTHING in the Everglade area seems to get good reviews.
Can anyone help with my lodging decision ???
We like more upscale accomodations but don't mind "roughing" it if it's at least clean and the people are nice...also with a little local flavor.
B&B's are sometimes a problem as my husband snores VERY loudly and I don't like disturbing other people's sleep ! Some walls are paper thin.
Also suggest an itinerary...flying into Ft Lauderdale early in the day...2 nights in the "everglade area" somewhere...head to Key Largo mid-early third day to relax @ AZUL. How to go about seeing the Everglades most efficiently ? We like nature, animals etc...like to do Shark Valley Tram...boat ride ( tour & canoe ourselves ) What else ??
Thanks SO, SO much for any help.

I have visited the Everglades twice, most recently in November. I'm certainly not an expert, but based on my trips, I would divide the park into two easy access areas: the southern tip and Shark Valley. The boat ride at the southern tip is OK, but not much wildlife -- you will see more wildlife at the hike just after entering the main gate (the hike is named after some type of bird).

The best way to see Shark Valley is by bicycle (I took the tram the first time and its too quick). I biked the loop in November, and you can get within a yard or so of large alligators.

I stayed at Rod & Gun on my first trip, and it was early in the season (early October) and I was the only visitor (a bit like The Shining). I stayed in Homestead on my last trip (I don't recall the name of the lodge, but its the oldest and nicest in Homestead).

I can fill in some blanks here.

The name of the bird and the trail is the Anhenga. If you do only one thing in the Everglades, do the Anhenga Trail. It is best just before sunset.

I think the 'oldest inn in Homestead' is the Redland Hotel, 5 S. Flagler Ave., Homestead. 305-246-1904. We stayed there last year and are planning to return. Lodging there is good and it has some personality, unlike the chains. Prices are reasonable - we paid $100 including lots of taxes. That might have been the 'senior' rate.

thit_cho--- "I biked the loop in November, and you can get within a yard or so of large alligators."

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Not a smart idea. They may look slow and harmless but they are far from that.

That's correct, it was the Redland Hotel -- very nice, and a short walk (maybe one minute) to the main street, which had several restaurants.