Hi! We are traveling to Key West in February...staying in a condo for 3 nights with another couple, and we need a room for 1 night(Sat.) on the way there from Miami. We'd like to stay some place that is fun, but not extremely expensive. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also if anyone can offer any suggestions for the best spot to celebrate Birthdays in Key West...let me know!! Both girls are turning the big 4-0, and they have been friends for almost 30 years!!! Would anyone recommend a Sunset Dinner Cruise??? Which One?? Thanks for your help!! We are leaving the cold Midwest on February 19, 1999. We can't wait!! Any advice would be great!! Thanks!

I am not an expert, but I suggest that Key West IS the fun place to be, on the Saturday nite you need a room for! Try to find a Holiday Inn, Ramada, etc. for cheaper rates, although we have always stayed at the Reach (Marriott) or the Galleon (timeshare). Cant tell you about the party stuff, though I know its there---we always brought the kids. I do think you should go straight to KW for that first nite...dont waste time anyplace else!

Thx Sandi for the help......only thing is our day starts out in Tampa.....then picking up the other couple in Miami. We just thought it might be too much driving to go all the way from Tampa to Key West in one day. Who knows....maybe we can do it!!!

Kevin: I agree with Sandi - don't waste a day on the way to KW. Driving time from Tampa to KW is approx 8 hrs. If your friends in Miami are ready to go the minute you get there, you should be okay. Visit the cemetary in KW, no kidding, it's very interesting. Also, take the Conch Train Tour first thing - your ticket includes discounts on many other attractions. Hemingway's house is great, too. Have fun!

Kevin, try these websites for all sorts of accomodations from B & B's to hotels, inns, condos & houses. WWW.KEYWEST.COM WWW.FLA-KEYS.COM Think the KeyWest one places to eat, and the "fun" things to do. DO take a "Conch Train" tour to learn the history of Key West and the homes. The cemetary is a must. New restaurant in town to try is "The Conch Republic Seafood Company near the Galleon. Great food. Mangia Mangia on Margaret & Southard for wonderful Italian, El Siboney for great Cuban food. Go thru Mel Fisher's Museum to see the Spanish Galleon Gold! Take a walking tour with map in hand, rent a moped or bike to get around on. Do, however, be careful of some of the T shirt shops in town. Our daughter has lived there for 21 years, and we have seen a lot of changes in that time and I still like it.

Thanks Betty Ann and JoAnn....We will get up early and venture down to Key West for the fun. I appreciate all your advice. I will check out the Key West Websites for info on Sunset Dinner Cruises. Thanks Again!!

Check out the snorkeling inthe keys too!!!!!