My husband and I will be going to the Keys for the first time. Time is running out and we ould like any info on places to stay under $100/night, ie cottages, guest houses, clean, near the beach. Motels even ok - as long as clean. Thanx much!

Not sure which part of the Keys you are talking about, but the Limetree Bay Resort in Layton (between Islamorada and Marathon, Middle Keys) was just great, in October, and the rates are in line with what you are talking about. It is basically a motel in a wide spot in the road, but it also has great Gulf frontage, so you get the sunsets literally in the door fo your room, or in one of the hammocks. Very nicely maintained, run by nice people. We booked three days down there, and wound up canceling a night in Ft. Lauderdale to stop again on the way back from Key West. Highly recommended... we found it on the Net, took a chance, and scored. www.limetreebayresort.com

It depends on when you are going. Since you say that time is running out, I'm guessing within the next month. Peak season and rates reflect this.

What part of the keys?

Beaches are scarce in the Florida Keys and motels abundant. You will not find a cottage for under $100 per night. Cottage usually means kitchen included.

Everything in the keys is near water of some sort.

If you could narrow down your expectations, we could give you better advice.

For Key Largo, check out Sunset Cove, and Naptune's Hideaway. Marathon, take a look at Hidden Harbor. Got some photos at photos.yahoo.com/scullyyank .

We need more info to help you with your question. What dates are you looking at? Which area of the Keys do you want to visit?

Like others said, there are no good beaches in the Keys. However, there is plenty of WATER! LOL...

If you are going to Key West, check the various websites, like "Key West Inkeeper's Association" to check out various hotels. These websites are helpful. You might find one near the southernmost point or the seaport that is in your price range, but it will be difficult this time of year. I went in May and it was hard to find a decent place around $100. You might have to stay on another key to get a lower rate during Winter.

If you narrow your search, post the places on this site and I'm sure people will let you know what the accommodations are like.

HAPPY HUNTING!

I have to disagree about no beaches in the Keys. I love the beaches there! Sure, they are smaller and limited and not full of bikinis, but they are more natural and beautiful. Bahia Honda beach has been voted one of America's most beautiful beaches. I also like the Fort something or other beach in Key West (if you're lucky you can see a few barracudas and other fish by snorkeling around the rocks). I also like Anne's beach which is one of several, pull-off-the-road little places that is beautiful in its simplicity, turquoise waters and the frequent heron. I think thats a few miles below Marathon. AMAZING sunsets from all of these places. As a northerner I compare the Keys to the natural beauty of Cape Cod, as one might compare the commercialism of the New Jersey shore to South Beach.

blgd, Ann's Beach is only about two feet wide. I think it is a stretch calling it a beach however there are more than six grains of sand gathered in one place.

You can have the North Jersey shore, I'll take South Beach anyday.