Hello Everyone,

I would like to get some recommendations on hotels in the keys. We're thinking about Islamorada and Key West, but it doesn't have to be those two.

We're coming down the end of January. Just my wife and I. We're probably not interested in spending the the money for a top end place as we don't expect to do much more than sleep there. On the other hand, we'd want someplace clean and quiet. Chain/continental breakfast type places are probably good. We're not really bed and breakfast types.

Some of the places we've considered are the Hampton Inns in Islamorada and Key West, Comfort Inn and Quality Inn in Key West, the Best Western Hibiscus in Key West and a Best Western on Islamorada. We could try some cottage-type places but haven't looked into these.

Reading the traveler reviews (Trip Advisor, Travelocity, etc.) there are a lot of mixed messages, for most places. It seems like some people can be quite pleased with a place, but others have real horror stories about bad facilities, cleanliness etc about the same places.

I'm wondering if it has to do with the time of year maybe. Is anyone familiar enough with the keys to let me know if it's likely that the hotels get trashed during spring break and then it takes some time to get them restored? I don't have the reviews in front of me now, but it seems like a lot that were given in late fall-winter may have given good recommendations whereas the spring/summer ones may have been negative.

Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Maybe I'm just making it up.

I would also love to hear some recommendations about these or any other places. We really want to see the keys, but getting stuck with some disgusting hotel room would probably ruin it. Do we really need to consider some of the high-end places, like Hyatt, Marriott, etc.

Thank you in advance for your replies.

Stayed at the Hampton last summer....it is pleasant, clean and has a nice breakfast. It is also served by the shuttle bus so you don't need to use the car. I am a long time fan of Hamptons and am rarely disappointed.

Amie - Pls say a bit more about the shuttle bus. Where does it go?

Annie must be talking about the shuttle bus for the Hampton Inn in Key West and not Islamorada.

The Hampton Inn in Islamorada is very nice. January is peak season for the keys so you will have a hard time finding things reasonably priced.

Very little to do in Islamorada (even though it is my favorite part of the keys) unless you fish. Key West has many more activities. Do a search on accommodations in Key West as there are reasonably priced places that are in Old Town. Also, check priceline and hotwire for good rates.

I don't know if the hotels get trashed during spring break but a lot of hotels will not rent to anyone under 21.

I don't really consider myself a B&B type person either, but there are many properties in Key West that fall into more of a 'small hotel' than a B&B. Last month we stayed at Merlin Guesthouse, had our own small cottage towards the back of the property. It wasn't fancy, but had a separate living room and bedroom and a kitchen. Also a small front porch to sit on and watch the world go by. (Not that there was much going by, very quiet side street). There is a nice pool on site, a small continental breakfast in the morning, served by the pool, and enough other rooms that you don't feel like you're in someone's home. Off season rate was $129.00. If you do decide to stick with a regular hotel, I'd look closely at Best Western Hibiscus in Key West. The other properties you mentioned would require some sort of transportation to get to Old Town, where most of the activities are. BW Hisbiscus would be walkable.

A lovely "mom&pop" motel we stayed in last may is Island Bay Resort in Taverneir-just South of Key Largo-
www.islandbayresort.com -we stayed in the Conch Cottage which has a little kitchen-you can see all the interiors on their website. Very clean and cozy!
Carol & Mike (the owners) will go out of their way to provide information
on what to do, where to go etc.
Every evening guests seem to wander down to the dock to watch the sunset and we had some memorable conversations
with some neat people. Not as invasive as the B&B scene (which we are not a fan of either). We will definetly return! Do check them out.
R5

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for the information. Just the sort of advice we were looking for, as usual.

We may check out the small hotels after all.

We are also Hampton fans and have never been disappointed yet. However, one person had a particularly bad review for the Key West Hampton, so that's what was making us question that one. But that's just one review.

The BW Hibiscus is one that had all good reviews, except for one from a family who just happened to be there at the height of spring break in March. So maybe we'll look more at that one. Is it as good a property as it sounds? We'll have a car, but not having to worry about driving or parking is a plus.

Would love to hear any other advice.

Also, while I'm here... Does anyone know of a good sunset sail in Key West. I've seen the large clipper ship type vessel, but might be interested in something smaller. Drinks included are a plus.

Thank you in advance for your replies.

Hampton Inn in Islamorada is quite nice. In Key West, I definitely prefer a smaller property as it seems more in tune with the whole Key West experience. I highly recommend Almond Tree Inn. It is well located, you can walk to everything. The heated pool is a wonderful retreat. Rates also include continental breakfast and happy hour.

Enjoy!

In Key West for the best snorkeling and the best sunset sails: Floridays...it docks at the Hyatt on Front Street.

Keep in mind...there is ZERO BEACH IN KEY WEST.

We did a sunset sail on the Schooner 'America' last month. Lots of fun, limited amount of food, but lots of included drinks. Beautiful ship. Very fast. Unfortunately, also pretty darn expensive. The crew took great pride in its speed, and enjoyed flying buy some of the slower going ships. Very fun evening. Jean

We have stayed at the Best Western Hibiscus twice and had little to complain about beyond the stingy continental breakfast. Rooms were comfortable, pool is nice and the location is excellent. You definitely want to be in the Old Town section.